The Value of Networking
An effective and inexpensive marketing idea that has been around for decades is networking. Social networking via the internet including Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn and many others seem to be the latest craze, although time and time again, face to face networking has been successful in bringing together many new contacts and business opportunities for professionals of all industries.
There are a vast number of social networking groups active today. The Chamber of Commerce, Toastmasters, the American Legion and Business and Networking International are just a few. They are in almost every market in the US and the world. The potential for untapped prospects in these networking groups are endless. Several of these groups require no fees or are minimal in annual dues.
Do some research to see if any of these networking groups are of interest to you. One option might be to start your own networking group. Invite likeminded professionals to meet once or twice a month to share ideas and exchange knowledge. This will always give you more control on how many people you want in the group and the different types of business professionals you want to attend.
Either option provides an opportunity to meet people and share ideas with folks who have the same goal in mind. Let's face it; we all want more prospects, clients, customers or buyers. No matter what you have to offer, someone else needs what you have and the success of any business starts with getting in front of more people.
When attending a networking meeting, be sure you have twice as many business cards as there are attendees. Each participant should receive two cards from you. One for themselves and one to give someone they may know.
Most networking groups will start off by allowing you to introduce yourself. Take about two minutes to "tout" yourself, your product and your services. You will be in the "spotlight" for a brief moment, so make the best of it. Practice and rehearse what you will say when called upon. This will be your moment to put forth your best impression.
Prior to joining or starting your own networking group, do your homework. If you are joining a new group, ask what types of businesses attend and the number of people attending. If you are starting your own group, be sure you include of variety of professions that you think will be beneficial to everyone. It could definitely be more advantageous the more variety of knowledge and experience you have. Ask yourself how their fields of expertise and yours could enhance everyone's business.
Face to face networking is an inexpensive way to meet new people in a short amount of time that are looking for other successful businesses to help promote each other to achieve a common goal. It's a fantastic avenue. And who knows, you may make a few friends along the way.
There are a vast number of social networking groups active today. The Chamber of Commerce, Toastmasters, the American Legion and Business and Networking International are just a few. They are in almost every market in the US and the world. The potential for untapped prospects in these networking groups are endless. Several of these groups require no fees or are minimal in annual dues.
Do some research to see if any of these networking groups are of interest to you. One option might be to start your own networking group. Invite likeminded professionals to meet once or twice a month to share ideas and exchange knowledge. This will always give you more control on how many people you want in the group and the different types of business professionals you want to attend.
Either option provides an opportunity to meet people and share ideas with folks who have the same goal in mind. Let's face it; we all want more prospects, clients, customers or buyers. No matter what you have to offer, someone else needs what you have and the success of any business starts with getting in front of more people.
When attending a networking meeting, be sure you have twice as many business cards as there are attendees. Each participant should receive two cards from you. One for themselves and one to give someone they may know.
Most networking groups will start off by allowing you to introduce yourself. Take about two minutes to "tout" yourself, your product and your services. You will be in the "spotlight" for a brief moment, so make the best of it. Practice and rehearse what you will say when called upon. This will be your moment to put forth your best impression.
Prior to joining or starting your own networking group, do your homework. If you are joining a new group, ask what types of businesses attend and the number of people attending. If you are starting your own group, be sure you include of variety of professions that you think will be beneficial to everyone. It could definitely be more advantageous the more variety of knowledge and experience you have. Ask yourself how their fields of expertise and yours could enhance everyone's business.
Face to face networking is an inexpensive way to meet new people in a short amount of time that are looking for other successful businesses to help promote each other to achieve a common goal. It's a fantastic avenue. And who knows, you may make a few friends along the way.
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