Networking is the best marketing device for entrepreneurs, professionals, and sales people. It is based on an inexpensive endeavor using a simple skill: talking. As a result, networking is also referred to as "word-of-mouth marketing" because it is based on talking to people about what you do and listening to find out how to serve them.
Networking opportunities occur every day, just about anywhere and anytime. You can expect to network at business functions, at Chamber of Commerce events, on the Golf Course, in association meetings, or in organized networking or lead referral exchange groups.
Have you ever found yourself in a place feeling certain that there were some business contacts waiting to be discovered? But you also felt that networking would be frowned upon that it would be considered well... tacky by some? Maybe even by yourself? Please understand this:
If you are networking correctly, the other person will never notice you are networking.
This happens because the other person will be enjoying the conservation more than you are. At this point I would suggest that you consider reading and rereading the classic by Dale Carnegie How To Win Friends And Influence People. From this book you will learn the importance of the following:
1. Become genuinely interested in other people.
2. Smile.
3. Remember that a person's name is to that person the sweetest and most important sound in any language.
4. Be a good listener. Encourage others to talk about themselves.
5. Talk in terms of the other person's interests.
6. Make the other person feel important - and do it sincerely.
Isn't it true that the people we find most interesting are the people who seem interested in us?
There's no downside to networking.
Eighty-five percent of all jobs are filled through personal references and contacts. It's how you meet future clients, employers, life long friends, spouses and business partners. It's how you find amazing employees, unearth tremendous opportunities and learn how to transition your career. It's also how you establish information avenues, solve problems and mentor other people. Simply put, networking accelerates your career and business success.
The Networking Mindset.
By going into networking with a "giving" mindset, you're creating an opportunity for people to really get to know you. You need to approach every networking situation with a genuine interest in people and a desire to help them. That's how you leave a positive and lasting impression and that 's why people will want to help you. That's what networking is all about.
