If there is one skill business owners need to hone, it’s network-building. Every day, you meet new people who can be valuable to the growth and success of your business.
Networking doesn’t just happen at a conference or a trade show, and it also occurs spontaneously. You must ensure that you are ready for it.
First impressions are critical to network-building, so to help you with this, let me fill you in on a few success tips:
1. Know your purpose
You wouldn’t want to make a connection without an objective in mind. Determine the purpose of reaching out to a potential contact. Would you like to pitch a business idea? Are you looking to invite them to a business group? Be specific with your goals to build a network that supports your overall vision.
2. Do your research
It pays to know who you’re dealing with when networking. Whether it’s another business owner in your industry or a professional outside your niche, you should know whether the person can become your most valuable ally in the long run.
3. Commit to the schedule
If you schedule an appointment with the other person, you never want to let them wait. They may have moved back several schedules to accommodate your meeting request. It is always good to arrive earlier (10 or 15 minutes) than the appointed time.
Once they have arrived, allow space for small talk before you jump into the purpose of the meeting. Please make sure to be concise and precise in your conversation.
4. Be courteous and respectful
Being courteous and respectful should go without saying, but if the goal is to bring people together, we must be sure to always practice it. Give each person you meet the respect they deserve because they face the similar life struggles as you.
5. Make sure your meeting benefits the other person
If the person you are meeting sees you are more concerned about helping them rather than trying to sell them, you will make a friend for life. Concentrate on the benefit you can bring to the other person, and before long, you will realize how much you have helped yourself. This makes networking easy and very productive.
Make sure your networking appointments always end on a high note. You should exchange contact numbers or agree to collaborate on a project or campaign. Make the most out of the interaction by providing a reward or deal that can motivate the other side. Doing this will guarantee a favorable outcome for both of you and build the foundation of a relationship that will pay you back over and over.
Networking involves a lot of time and effort, but it is very worthwhile knowing that you’re forging alliances and finding partners.
To make the most of your network-building efforts, consider applying The Business Untangled System and find out how you can grow and expand your business.
Applying The Business Untangled System to your business is a sure-fire way of making the most of your network-building efforts. With Business Untangled, you will be able to have less stress, pay less tax and make and keep more money. Give us a call today!
