Do you come here often?
Networking Skill Tip |
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What do you ask people when you start a conversation?
The
most commonly used phrase at networking events is probably 'What do you
do?'. This is the networking equivalent of 'Do you come here often?',
it's rarely meant sincerely and is often just an icebreaker. If the
answer is something you do not have an interest in, further
conversation can be very forced and difficult.
It is actually
more effective to actually ask 'Do you come here often?'! One thing you
know you have in common with the other party is that you are both at
that event. How they came to be there, who they know, who invited them
or the benefit they get from attending are all conversation starters
that are more likely to help you identify other interests you share and
lead to a more productive discussion. |
Make it happen
Networking Strategy Tip |
Before you join a networking group, find out what is expected of you to get the results you want.
It's important to remember that the network itself is not responsible for the success, or otherwise, you achieve from membership. All they are able to do is facilitate the networking process, making it easier for you to connect with people. It is your responsibility to build relationships and forge partnerships.
If you sign up to an online network you may need to blog regularly, join clubs and post in forums. If you join a weekly breakfast group it may not just be about turning up every week but also in frequent meetings with fellow members throughout the week.
Signing a membership form or writing a cheque doesn't guarantee success. You need to take responsibility to make things happen.
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The whites of their eyes
Online Social Networking Tip
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However powerful online networks may be, they don't replace the value of face-to-face meetings for building trust. I have made many friends online but those relationships have accelerated once I have met those people in person.
I am a great believer in the value of seeing the whites of people's eyes. Take some time out to meet the people you connect with online. Many of the online networks have regular events where members can meet each other. If not run by the network themselves, you will find proactive members putting these events together.
Get out and meet your virtual network as often as you can. While not always feasible, particularly with overseas contacts, the more you do it the more online networks will work for you.
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Why should they want to talk to you?
yourBusinessChannel.com Video Tip |
When you walk into a networking event, do you struggle approaching new people, convincing yourself that they wouldn't want to talk to you?
You're not alone. In this video from yourBusinessChannel.com, I explain how I helped one coaching client, someone who deals with high flying business people on a day to day basis, overcome this fear.
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Is your networking producing a return?
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How effective is your referral strategy? Do you know how many referrals you received last year and where they came from?
Are you getting the return on investment you need from your networking? How do you know which groups are right for you to join?
If you're serious about growing your business, you need an effective networking and referrals strategy. That's where you're in luck and I may be able to help you!
You can order the CD set here.
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| Andy recommends... |
 Networking offers a host of benefits over and above finding new customers. One of the most important, yet underrated, is it's efficiency in finding trusted new suppliers. WeCanDo.biz is an online network that turns the traditional relationship around. Instead of focusing on what people sell, it asks its members what they need. With members posting needs on the site on a regular basis, they alert everyone in that member's network and also anyone on the site who can meet the need. As the site's founder Ian Hendry said to me, "There's no lead without a need". Ian has been in my network for some time and has always demonstrated an open and generous approach to networking and this is reflected in his site. Readers of 'Connecting is not Enough' can claim a 25% discount on their ProNetworker premium membership by using the promotional code LOP107.
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| The National Networker |
In my second 'Connecting is not Enough' column for The National Networker, 'The Trouble with Networking Events', I look at how to select the right networking group for you, and for the results you want to achieve.
You can read the article here.
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I hope you've enjoyed the newsletter and look forward to your feedback.
If you're serious about developing a networking and referrals strategy that can take your business to a new level, you can contact me on:
Tel: 07930 417833
Skype: andylopata
I look forward to hearing from you.
Andy |
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| Welcome to 'Connecting is not Enough' |
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Did you know that next week, 9-13th March, is National Make a Referral Week?
In an attempt to help turn around the economy, businesses are being encouraged to refer each other and stimulate more economic activity.
You can pledge to support Make a Referral Week and make at least one referral next week here.
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Earlier this week I read twitter updates in horror as two of my contacts sent messages from the slopes of Verbier, with two members of their party missing and Mountain rescue looking for them.
Using their telephones, GPS signals and Twitter to locate them, one of the two skiiers was rescued but one, Rob Williams, died in the incident.
My thoughts go to Rob's family and friends.
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If you have received this in error and don't want to receive future editions, please use the unsubscribe link at the foot of the email and accept my apologies.
If you like what you read, please feel free to forward it and invite others to subscribe.
Happy Networking!
Andy
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| Connecting...Live! |
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27th March
ISES Regional Education Conference
'Making Conversations Count. The importance of networking in a recession'
Disneyland Resort, Paris and Networking on Eurostar
Book here
Members prices available to readers of this newsletter.
31st March, 6.30-9.30pm
Swedish Chamber of Commerce Link Up
'Making Conversations Count. The importance of networking in a recession'.
SAS
Radisson Portman Hotel, Marble Arch.
Book here
2nd April
Careers Cafe for the Retail Trust
'Networking for a Career Change'
London
25th April
Minority Lawyers Conference
'Your Network is your Net Worth'
The Law Society, London
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