Where's Juli?
Upcoming Events
Netmasters Training Group
Time: Thursday, November 19, 2009 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM
Location:Century 21 New Millennium Building in Kingstowne (by Safeway)
5990 Kingstowne
Towne Center
Alexandria, VA 22315
Cost: $15
Subject: Networking During the Holidays
RSVP to me
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Juli Monroe
1 to 1 Discovery
571-220-1891
juli@1to1Discovery.com
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Greetings!
If you've been a reader of this newsletter for a couple of years, you were probably expecting me to write this month about effective holiday networking. It's been either my November or December post for the last two years.
I decided it was time to do something different this year. But not too different. This year I'm going to talk about networking out of formal groups. And yes, holiday parties count, so I'm still tangentially on the topic.
If you still want to learn about effective holiday networking, feel free to drop by my Netmasters training group this month. There will be plenty of Ho Ho Hoing there!
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Networking By Any Other Name
I was speaking to a group last month, and one of the people in the audience was very resistant to networking for his business. He runs a restaurant, and he didn't think that business networking would be effective for him.
It took me a bit, but I finally figured out that his definition of networking was too narrow. To him "networking" was going to formal events, and he didn't see how that could help him.
I was actually able to come up with several ways he could work a local Chamber of Commerce or similar organization, but I and other audience members tried to help him see that simply getting out and talking to people to spread the word in the community would be effective.
He kept raising the same objection. "But that's marketing, not networking." We could not help him to see that networking is marketing and vice versa.
Networking is simply one aspect of an overall marketing strategy, whether you are marketing a business or yourself as a job seeker. And anytime you engage in conversation about yourself or your business, you are networking and marketing.
Networking doesn't just happen in formal groups. The grocery line is a place to network. So is your kid's sporting event. Networking isn't something you turn on and off. It's something you can do anyplace and anytime.
It's all well and good to say it, but how do you actually network anywhere?
Remember to always honor the event or location. I probably wouldn't whip out my business card at a funeral, for example. But there's nothing wrong with talking about what you do if someone asks. Or with agreeing to meet later to discuss your services in a more appropriate setting.
Always have your business cards with you. Tuck a couple in your purse or wallet. Anytime you have someone near you (like waiting in line at Starbucks), make a point of striking up a conversation. Will they always lead to business? Of course not. But sometimes they will.
Do you have company shirts with your name and logo on them? No? Well, talk to your favorite promotional person (I can recommend some good ones) and get them. I've gotten leads from my shirts. Have them in multiple styles for various seasons and occasions.
Have a good 10 second elevator speech so you can clearly state what you do. Make sure there's something in there to encourage someone to say, "Tell me more."
Listen for needs. Remember, networking isn't always about you. Sometimes it needs to be about the other person. When you hear a need someone in your network can answer, make the referral. The more you refer, the more others will refer you.
Mostly it's a mindset. Be willing to engage in conversation, anywhere, with anyone. Networking isn't something you turn on and off. Be "on" as often as possible, and you'll see more and better results.
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 What to Say?
A good elevator speech is crucial to effective networking. And its not just useful in networking groups. It's always good to be comfortable with speaking about yourself.
My holiday gift this year is a special deal on elevator speeches. My usual price for developing a speech is $200. During November and December, I'll discount that to $150. Interested? Contact me!
Please forward this newsletter to anyone who might need the information, or my services.
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