This is where you talk ABOUT THEM and their business.
Just be your friendly self and relax. Have fun and get to know the people you are with.
In your networking rounds you find someone that you think can benefit from your product or service then by all means ask for their business card. One thing I find most networking people don't do is to ask the potential client f it is OK to call them about doing business. Now you have set an expectation in their mind that they will hear from you in the near future.
Here are a few things you can do when you are networking:
1. Set a time each week to networking. Pick specific meetings and events that you think your typical clientele would be attending. Make this a regular part of your business schedule. When your face becomes familiar time and again you will show more credibility and be able to interconnect with a larger group of potential clients.
2. If you are new to networking then an easy way to start is the local Chamber of Commerce. You can be an invited guest wherein you can see if this is the right crowd for your product or service. Some COC are very strong and have heavy involvement and some are so so. This will give you a chance to check them out. In addition the COC are always looking for speakers so dust of your microphone and provide the members with some great business subject matter and you will have load of clients in your book.
3. Understand why you are at the event - you want to build a relationship - not hard sell. Don't rush. Your goal is to get the OTHER person's business card. Of course if they ask you for yours give it to them.
4. By focusing your attention of THEM you will learn what makes this person tick .. over time you will hone your questions to the point where you will know within 5 minutes if your efforts will bare fruit.
5. You must make at least a mental note of something significant your subject has said and later jot is down on their card. This could be an upcoming event, birthday, graduation etc.. now these become icebreakers the next time you communicate with them.
6. You will find very few people that will network like the way we are discussing here. When asked give your best "30 second commercial" but stop after that. You're there to gather information and to meet people, period.
7. People love people who are interested in them. Your goal in getting more customers is asking questions and then listen. Your goal is to get these folks engaged in conversation, build rapport and determine quickly if they are you target market.
8. Offer a referral. The best way to start a relationship is by giving someone something. What I mean is you can offer referrals to your new friend in turn helping out a business associate and in turn ... you see what I am saying. In doing so you are setting up the expectation they will give you a reciprocal referral. But not always. There are givers and takers in this world, as you know.
Networking is a great way to build long lasting relationships. Remember people do business with people they like. You network every day of the week, sometimes you just don't see it. Believe it or not you are networking while you are at the grocery store. I challenge you to meet one new person everyday of the week and by the end of the month you would have meet and talked to 28 - 31 new prospective clients!
It is a numbers game ... getting more customers is easy when you put yourself out there and give back to the business community.
To learn more about getting more customers and a FREE 5 Part E-Course visit us at http://gettingmorecustomers.com
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