Business
Network Into New Opportunities
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Come the New Year and it's time to reflect on the year that's gone as you craft a winning strategy for the year at hand. This year, your business will need a crisp strategy to raft past the deepening economic tumble. One sure way is to refocus on business-networking forums.
Business networking is about like-minded business people congregating to discuss way forward. Regrettably, majority of people don't get networking right as they expect immediate gains. It is critical to approach networking events with the right mind-set. Treat the event as long-term investment of your time, an opportunity to build relationships that may some day translate into a sale of your service or product or an opening to erect a tactical partnership.
Your goal should be to help others first. Make it productive and fun and turn it into a broader picture for the future.
- Once in the networking event, do not deliberately remain attracted to people you know. Introduce yourself to new people.
- When you meet someone for the first time, play the good listener and not the best marketer. It helps you know them and form a relationship.
- While conversing, regularly use the new person's first name. This will create a sense of gratitude and aid you recall once the event is over.
- Connect with others by use of body language such as tilting your head to convey you are listening. When a person is talking to you, look directly at them to encourage them share more.
- Charismatically, show your networking skills at the event. Avoid approaching people as they head towards the washroom or are on phone.
- Always have your business cards in your breast pocket or in an outside pocket of your purse so they are easy to access and in good condition. Personalize it by giving that extra phone number or email address on it to make the recipient feel special.
- Rule number one, after the event, immediate follow up. Never toss their business cards on your desk and try to remember weeks later who they are and what you talked about. Instead, send a quick e-mail. It can be as simple as "I enjoyed speaking with you today."
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