“Minding your manners
will mostly get you respect from one person. Minding your reputation will get you
the respect of friends, acquaintances and strangers.”
--Author Unknown
1.
Become passionate about reciprocal
networking. True business networking is
building relationships with the intent to
eventually share referrals.
2.
Focus on helping. The main key to
effective business networking is concentrating on
helping or contributing to the businesses
of others you come in contact with through
giving referrals.
3.
Diversify your networking venues.
Belong and be active in several networking
groups, attend chamber of commerce
networking events, the Greater Houston
Partnership events and Houston Networking
News events. Just to name a few.
4.
Have one-on-one meetings. The number
one key to getting and giving quality
referrals is to have one-on-one meetings
with people in your network to learn more
about their businesses and the level of
service they provide. And, for people in your
network to learn more about your business
and the level of service you provide.
5. Seek to build a relationship first.
When you meet a stranger at a business networking
event don’t jump right into your 30 seconds
elevator speech or your 60 seconds
introduction of you and your product or
service. Instead begin with rapport building
questions about the event you are
attending, a story in the media (say nothing about
religion or politics), the person’s family,
hobbies, etc.
6.
Use a CRM tool. A great ways to keep
in contact with people you meet, at business
networking events is to use a relationship
manager (CRM) tool.
7.
Become an exceptional service provider.
Become known for how you treat
customers. Establish a reputation for
providing exceptional customer service.
8.
Connect with people anywhere and everywhere.
Don’t just network at networking
venues. Everywhere there are strangers are
excellent places to network. At the mall,
doctor’s office, pharmacy, department of
motor vehicles, your child’s sporting event,
barber or hair or nail salon, grocery
story, bookstore and library.
Find
out more about Fearless Networking at www.fearlesnetworkers.com