Networking Tips

I just attended a great session on Networking, organised by the Hills Business Chamber. It was on the basics of networking – basics that we hardly ever stop to think about.

For a lot of people, networking can be a really tough thing to get into. I know when I first started networking, I found it quite difficult to walk into a room of people and just start talking. I’ve since figured out that looking at networking in that way can be quite confronting and a little bit scary.

I now see networking as a great way to meet new people and make new contacts, whether it be personal or business contacts. It’s an opportunity – not a task. Remember that when you meet someone, you also meet their contacts.

Some of the things that can stop us from being a good networker are:

- we’re more interested in talking about ourselves/our business than listening to what others have to say (I think we’ve all run into at least one person like that!)

- trying for the hard sell, instead of focusing on building relationships with people, realizing that contacts, referrals and sales may come later

- the difficulties in finding things in common with the people we talk to.

- Breaking in to groups of people talking, and also leaving those groups – this can be quite awkward

Some of my networking tips are:

- keep an eye on people’s body language – if they have closed body language and are quite obviously deep in conversation with one other person, perhaps they aren’t the best person to approach to start chatting with. Keep an eye out for people who are in groups that are ‘open’ – open body language, open spaces in the circle of people, etc

- don’t focus purely on what you can get out of the session. Networking is all about building relationships and making contacts. So be sure to show the people you’re talking to that you’re interested in what they have to say, by giving them your full attention, asking questions, and really think about how you can help them, whether it be information, contacts – anything at all really!

- Be willing to excuse yourself if you feel the conversation is going nowhere. Be honest, tell them you’ve enjoyed speaking with them, etc etc etc, but don’t feel like you need to be their best friend by the end of the night. Networking is all about getting out there and meeting different people.

What are some of your networking tips?

Share the good news!

I love hearing about and learning about new and cool businesses - either they are new to me because I haven't come across them before, or they are new because they have just started. They provide me with inspiration and even more determination in my own business.

But what I also love to do, and do it ALL of the time, is spreading the love. So whenever I find something new that I think is great and will help someone (website, article, video, email etc) I will send it to the person who I know will benefit from it....straight away! I do it because I love helping people, but it has also turned into a great networking and relationship building opportunity, so it's a win-win!

So in the spirit of sharing the good news here is a great website I have just found that is full of news about new businesses that are popping up around the globe that I think you will like. You never know - it may just be the inspiration you need to start your business, or a great place to find some strategic partners or affiliate marketing opportunities.
Check out http://www.springwise.com/weekly/2008-07-30.htm

Then, my challenge to you is to find 4 great pieces of "news" and send it out to at least 4 people you know of that could benefit from learning/knowing that news. Perhaps find someone in your network, business or personal, that you haven't contacted for a while and use this as a great "hey - how you doing?' contact!!!
So go forth and spread the good news.

PS: Also don't forget about our Frank Team young entrepreneur stuff going on right now.

FREE DOWNLOAD! Our article on Secrets to Systemising Your Business - http://www.frankteam.com.au/entrepreneur/secrets-download.html

JUST ANNOUNCED! Our next Young Entrepreneurs Event - August 14^th - Castle Hill, Sydney - http://www.frankteam.com.au/entrepreneur/free-seminar.html

APPLICATIONS OPEN! Our Young Entrepreneurs Stepping Up Program Sydney - http://www.frankteam.com.au/entrepreneur/marketing-systemise-program.html