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RISING WOMEN EXPERT
ADVICE...
How can I do networking that works?
“Networking” is the “IT” thing, and the “IN” thing today. We all want to
know how we can build our network and thus build our business. We can never
place enough value on the power of a network. Abraham Lincoln said: “If I
had eight hours to chop down a tree, I’d spend six sharpening my axe.” My
version is this: “If I had eight hours to chop down a tree, I’d spend six
hours sharpening two axes, and one hour finding a partner. Then we would get
it done!”
Proactively expanding your network, and then growing it organically, is the
most “work-smart” thing a businessperson can do. It simply makes good
business sense to invest time, energy and money into growing your network.
Even today, person to person networking is still the best option. People
need to see your name 8-10 times before you make their list of options. And
THAT is crucial for getting into the game. Following are tips on the
“Organic Process for Growing Your Network”.
First, prepare yourself. YOU need to be ready by having someone (yourself!)
and something to offer. Insure your business model is tight, your brand is
defined, and your presentations are ready. This involves business cards,
website and advertising.
Secondly, pick the right soil. Research your target market.
Third, plant the seed. Continually meet people and have your business card
ready. Listen before you speak, present yourself humbly and confidently,
incorporate what you learn about the person into your answers. Practice
active listening and respond with poise!
Next, water the seed. Follow up contacts with thank-you emails or calls.
Continue to connect where possible. Be the person who goes the extra
distance, cares a little more, and has more expertise. Do what it takes to
keep people happy and positive about you. In this Internet age, it’s
crucial. If you make customers happy in the physical world, they might tell
six friends. If you make customers happy on the Internet, they can tell
6,000 friends.
Lastly, watch the harvest. Don’t get down if your efforts don’t pay off
immediately. It takes time. Research shows that for every 10 significant
contacts made, we can expect one of them to pay off in terms of business in
the short term, and one more in the long term. Don’t be discouraged. Be
grateful for the opportunity to interact with more people. Every day is a
new day to build your network wider and deeper.
Abe Brown is the Certified Master Coach Trainer & Regional Vice President
for the Certified Coaches Federation. To learn about becoming a Coach, call
866.455.2155.
www.certifiedcoachesfederation.com
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