Get the Most Out of Your Networking Efforts
Business opportunity
One of the most important activities any entrepreneur can engage in is networking going to events, meetings, parties and other gatherings to meet people and make business contacts.
Unfortunately all a lot of people come away with from these events is a handful of business cards and a free meal. Getting the most out of networking requires a little work and some close attention to detail on your part.
Take discreete notes
If your memory isn’t perfect it might be a good idea to take notes at gatherings; when you meet somebody write down their name and phone number. If they express an interest in you or your business write that down too. If you can get some personal details about their family or their hobbies write that down too. You can take your notes on a notepad or bring a Blackberry or similar device. Remember be discreet about your note taking, excessive note taking can quickly become offensive.
Stay in touch with your potential customers
Those business cards you at events are a great resource because they include the contact information for potential customers. Try and e-mail every one who gave you a card within a week of the event. Consult your notes and try and create a personalized message asking them to contact you about your service. Always note that you met them at the meeting and try to make it look like a real message not a sales letter.
Hand out giveaways
Make sure that you stand out from the crowd at meetings; everybody will be handing out business cards you should too but do a little more. Hand out pens, mouse pads or some other free giveaway with your business card. If you can afford it give out a gift card or some other incentive that will get people to visit your website. Or an invitation to a course you are teaching.
Creative business cards
Your business card should stand out too, there should be something printed on the back say a message about a free giveaway you’re offering or an interesting quote. Be creative and don’t be afraid to create a new batch of business cards for a particular meeting. If you’re a member of an organization put the fact that you belong to the organization on the meeting so that when the people look at the cards they’ll remember where they met you. It’ll also show your commitment to that organization and its goals.
Follow up your contacts
When you organize a meeting or speak to a group always have a sign up sheet that asks for the person’s name, business and contact information. This will give you a ready made list of contacts of people who are interested in your business or topic. Follow up with this people with a short e-mail message asking for feedback about your speech or meeting. This will connect you with potential customers and give you valuable feedback about your speech or gathering.
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