Client Attraction Technique #2: Networking
One of the most cost effective ways of generating leads and referrals. However it's important that you 'work' these opportunities in the correct way. The following techniques should make a great difference to your success rate at networking events.
In The Beginning
It's important to know exactly what you want out of a networking event, as well as why you're attending? Is it to refine your skills, build relationships, make sales or research the competition? Will you encourage people them to visit your website? Sign up for a workshop? Set up a time for a further meeting?
In fact, you may find you'll benefit most from networking when you have one intention and stick to it. That way you won't become sidetracked and instead can concentrate on the job in hand, for example, to build potential joint ventures.
Business Cards
Apart from yourself, these are second most important equipment for any networking event. However, don't just hand your business card out to all and sundry. In fact, until you know whether or not the person opposite fits a match to your needs, don't be tempted to exchange cards. No match, no card.
Also keep a pen handy, that way you can write something memorable about the person you've just met on the back of their business card before moving on i.e. what was discussed, their interests, needs etc. This can provide a great memory jog for after the event.
Never apologise for your business card. As long as it contains your correct contact details, then your business cards are performing. Remember, 'business cards do not maketh the man? Or woman.'
First Impressions
What will make more of an impression, your job title or what you actually do? Remember that with any product (and the product here is 'you') people want to know about the benefits not the features.
So instead of saying 'I'm a Financial Planner', try 'I help people take control of their finances'. Doesn't that immediately sound much more empowering and interesting?
Think about how you would introduce yourself, so that you a) tell people what you do, and b) include a perceived benefit.
However the best way to make an impression is to listen. Remember it's not about you, but them - keep talking about your business and how great you are and you've lost them. However by taking a real interest in the person opposite and how your business can help them, well then you're well on the way to gaining a good contact and maybe even a client.
So what kind of things could you ask or talk about? Here are a few questions to get your started:
* How did you become involved in this kind of business?
* How do you see this event helping you in your business
* What marketing have you found most effective in your business or industry?
* What would a typical client say about you?
* What is your number one need at the moment?
* What business trends do you see affecting you right now (or next year)?
* How do you identify potential customers?
Then see if you can leave a potential contact with something more. For example, do you have a report you could take along, a copy of an article or press release about your business? Something different, something 'extra' that could make you stand out and differentiate you from the competition.
It's Not A Race
You don't have to meet everyone. Three to four productive discussions will yield far better results, long term, than nineteen 'grip and grins'. Believe me if you're intent on meeting as many people as possible it tends to give away two things, a) a sense of desperation, and that b) you're clearly at the event for one reason: to find work? And quickly!
The Follow-Up
Follow-up within 48 hours of making a contact, either by email, phone or letter. It displays your level of commitment, credibility and professionalism. Yes, we're all busy people, but honestly how long does it really take to write a quick email? How often have we met people who have promised to 'get in touch' and never do? Don't be one of these.
Andrew Ludlam is a client attraction expert, and Director of Maverick Marketing Solutions. If you're deadly serious about maximising the potential of your business, then I urge you to visit http://www.maverickmarketingltd.com and sign up for the monthly 'Maverick Marketing Solutions Newsletter'... where you'll also receive the FREE white paper "Six Magnetic Ways To Attract More Clients To Your Business In The Next 90 Days..!" (Value $37)
Warning! This could be the last business marketing website you ever need to see...
Latest News
MeetingWave Files Geo-Location Social Networking Patent Application MarketWatch - MeetingWave.com, announced that it has filed a patent application entitled "Computer-Based Networking Service and Method and System for Performing the Same" ... |
Experts Connection Offers Executives Tips to Maximize Professional ... MarketWatch - "Understanding how to harness social networking tools like LinkedIn and Facebook demonstrates the kind of new media savvy that discriminating companies are ... |
![]() Techtree.com | Facebook Migrates Social Networking With New Connect Platform NewsOXY, FL - By John Lester The new Facebook Connect platform will migrate to multiple social networking profiles into one. The new service is similar to Microsoft's ... Facebook Connect Expands, Aims To Shrinking The Web Facebook Connects to the Rest of the Web Networking News |
How to Use Social Networking Sites for Marketing and PR New York Times, United States - By AllBusiness.com Social networking sites such as Facebook and MySpace have become the party lines of this young century. They are inviting and intriguing ... |
![]() PR Web (press release) | Power.com: For Social Networking Power Users Washington Post, United States - They're calling what they do "social inter-networking" because it allows users to view and interact with all of their social networks at once. ... SMBs Get Social Networking Bridges from Power.com Power.com Offers One-Stop Shop for Social Networking Power.com to Become Social Networking Sites Aggregator |
Cisco introduces wireless CCIE pinnacle for aspiring networking gurus Search Networking - Cisco's less advanced wireless certifications, the CCNA and CCNP, have certified networking pros to support and troubleshoot wireless networks, ... |
FindMyAudition.com Proves It's Not What You Know, But Who MarketWatch - "Through FMA's unique networking events, we're providing qualified participants with first-hand insight on how to get their big break. ... |
Fibre Channel Switch Market Propelled by New Products, According ... MarketWatch - As the trusted source for market information about the networking and telecommunications industries, Dell'Oro Group provides in-depth, objective research ... |
ADVA OPTICAL NETWORKING LEADS WITH QUALIFICATION FOR NEW VERSION ... FOXBusiness - ADVA Optical Networking successfully completed interoperability testing and qualification of its FSP 3000 platform for a new version of IBM's mainframe ... |
Elite social networking site Total Prestige to raise $1M VentureBeat, CA - Total Prestige, another social network that aims to cater to elite users, plans to raise $1 million from angel investor Frank DeRose. ... |
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Pharmaceutical Sales Interviewing Tools
Pharmaceutical Sales Interview Questions is a pharmaceutical career portal providing the job searcher with all job hunting needs from job search, questions and answers, resume advice, research and other free information.
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Home Automation & Networking -A Complete Guide
Home Automation & Networking eBook on how to design a home automation system ranging from a simple installation to a total integrated Design.
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