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'Connecting is not Enough' - Tips and Tools to help you get a return from your networking
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Olympic fever is back with us, with the opening ceremony last night for the Paralympic Games in London. The support for the games has been incredible, with every seat sold out well in advance, the first Paralympic Games to achieve this feat.
There has been a lot of talk in the UK about the legacy of the Olympic Games. Hopefully the Paralympics can leave a strong legacy too and not just in terms of awareness of disability sports. Robert Craven posted an interesting question in a blog on Ecademy last week, are people with disabilities being given enough of an opportunity to run their own businesses? You can contribute to Robert's discussion here.
In the meantime, best of luck to all of the Paralympians and especially Team GB's female wheelchair basketball squad, several members of which I had the pleasure of meeting at the FSB Convention earlier this year.
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Last week I was a member of a panel on the Guardian Small Business website answering a range of questions on how to win new business. The questions came from people in a number of different industries and on a diverse range of topics, from accessing new markets internationally to managing the perception of your business when your offering changes.
You can read all of the questions and responses here and The Guardian's summary of the advice offered here.
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I'm off on my travels again next week, with a trip to speak at a sales conference in Gdansk, Poland. If you know anyone in the area I should meet with while I am there, please do let me know.
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If you have any questions you'd like me to address either in this newsletter or on my blog, please either tweet me, post them onto our Facebook or LinkedIn pages or email them to me.
I always try to address as many as possible.
Happy Networking!
If you like what you read, please feel free to forward it and invite others to subscribe.
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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.
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Phone FiveNetworking Top Tip
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As more businesses recognise the importance of referrals, I have seen an increase in the number of email footers and PS paragraphs on letters reminding customers that 'we thrive on referrals' and asking for introductions.
While such additions can't do any harm, I wonder how effective they really are. They are easy to overlook and actually leave you asking your network to do more work to refer you than you're willing to do yourself.
Rather than rely on such lazy approaches to asking for referrals, pick up the phone. I firmly believe that you'll have more success by calling five people and asking for specific referrals that you are confident they'll be able to pass, than sending out 1,000 letters or emails with footnotes on.
Of course, it might take you a few extra minutes, but won't the return be worth it? |
Why referrals should be a key part of your marketing strategy
Networking Video Tip
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I met with someone yesterday who, on seeing a copy of 'Recommended' said, "I do much of this automatically but have never thought of a process behind it".
He's not alone. Many people find that referrals are the foundation of their business but fail to have a strategy that will maximise the opportunity they offer. A strategy that will help them plan, measure results and replicate best practice.
I talk more about it here:
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Bits & Pieces
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When I was in Sweden earlier this year I met some entrepreneurs who had launched successful ventures in both Stockholm and Gothenburg and were planning to expand. They are now opening in London and four of you will have a special opportunity to experience what they offer.
The venture is Aveqia, a cooking experience with very high level chefs. In Sweden they have several chefs with Michelin Star experience and they're bringing the best of them over to London.
I'm fortunate to be hosting a series of VIP launch events for Aveqia next month and I have four spaces available for readers of Connecting is not Enough. We're going to be networking while we're cooking and then enjoying a magnificent meal at the end.
The evening will begin at 6pm on 19th September and 25th September. If you'd like the opportunity to come along, please email claire@lopata.co.uk with your preferred date. The closing date for entries is Monday 10th September. We will pick two people for each date from all of the entries received.
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I really appreciate your feedback to know that 'Connecting is not Enough' is providing you with value and is worth the time it takes you to read it.
To help me, would you take a couple of minutes to complete a simple survey for me? Whether you read the e-zine every issue or occasionally, your views will help me make sure that we're doing the best job possible.
Thank you for your help.
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Changes - Zoey Jones
Just for Fun
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On my recent flight from Hanoi to Hong Kong I had the pleasure of sitting next to Zoey Jones. Zoe is a singer who has been working in Hanoi and was on her way to auditions in Hong Kong.
 | | CHANGES -Zoey Jones (Official music video) |
Sadly she wouldn't serenade me during the flight!
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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, or you are interested in booking me for a speech or training session for your team, find out more details on our website or you can contact me on:
Tel: 07930 417833
Skype: andylopata
I look forward to hearing from you.
Andy
� All material copyright H & A Lopata ltd 2011. All rights reserved.
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Recommended: How to sell through networking and referrals.
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...and Death Came Third!
The Definitive Guide to Networking and Speaking in Public
Buy Now
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Kindle version
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Andy's Musings... | |
A selection of Andy's regular online columns and coverage elsewhere:
Connecting is not Enough The Guardian Best Practice Exchange |
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In other people's words...
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"I was privileged to attend a seminar where Andy was our Guest Speaker; He was precise, motivational, inspiring and captivating throughout. "
Su Marin, Personal Development Manager, Forever and Ever
"Andy Lopata's insights into referrals and networking should be taught in all induction programmes. Networking and referrals should not be thought of as another sales skill or tactic, but as part of the company's values and culture.
Ignacio Hernandez Managing Director, EMEA, Currencies Direct Limited |
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