Hello and welcome

For first timers a brief introduction……

This A-Z has been compiled from sources gathered over the last 25 years – many before Google – it is by no means exhaustive or I trust exhausting; merely something that will help you get more from your networking.

Originally written or should I say compiled as a resource for members of Business Network SW and then developed into a series of seminars.  Now it’s the basis for a number of blog posts which I trust that you will find informative, useful and – dare I say, even worth sharing and ultimately even engage with.

I will serialise in posts over the coming weeks and months and it will develop as more knowledge and wisdom becomes available – which it undoubtedly will!

Been here before – here’s C and D

C

Creating a Community – Your network is a really important business asset. By going networking, you are becoming part of the local business community and building your own network. Remember, by being part of this community, you are opening yourself and your business up to support, as well as free business referrals. Contribute to the community positively and it will give back.

Our existing contacts/connections are people and we all thrive on a sense of belonging and it is something that does take time to do but when done it really is rewarding for all parties.  The people we know have far more knowledge and expertise than we could ever wish for in their fields of expertise.  AND this network that you develop will have their network.  By nurturing our relationships we can have a win-win support/expertise/knowledge network that is second to none.  More available on nurturing your network here

Conversation – networking is about conversations and engagement – 2 ways – online and face to face.

Bob Burg’s great questions 10 Feel-Good Questions®

Question #1: “How did you get your start in the ‘widget’ business?”

Question #2: “What do you enjoy most about what you do?”

Question #3: “What separates your company from your competition?”

Question #4: “What advice would you give someone just starting in the widget (his or her) business?”

Question #5: “What one thing would you do with your business if you knew you couldn’t fail?”

Question #6: “What significant changes have you seen take place in your profession through the years?”

Question #7: “What do you see as the coming trends in the widget business?”

Question #8: “Describe the strangest (or funniest) incident you’ve ever experienced in your business?”

Question #9: “What ways have you found to be the most effective for promoting your

business?”

Question #10: “What one sentence would you like people to use in describing the way you do business?”

The One “Key” Question That Will Set You Apart From Everyone Else …

“How can I know if someone I’m talking to would be a good prospect for you?”

Just ask the right questions. Stay with open questions (those that cannot be answered with a “yes” or “no”) and allow room for description and introspection. Ask how, or why, or who.

As soon as you learn a little about someone, ask how they did it. Or why they did it. Or what they liked about it, or what they learned from it, or what you should do if you’re in a similar situation.

Some other questions that get beyond the cliched – what do you do…

No one gets too much recognition. Asking the right questions implicitly shows you respect another person’s opinion–and, by extension, the person.

D

Dale Carnegie – author of How to win friends and influence people – six ways to help people like you – written in 1935; first published in 1936, it has sold over 30 million copies world-wide, and went on to be named #19 on Time Magazine’s list of 100 most influential books in 2011

Dedication – like any activity be committed and become a regular, look to bring something new – new knowledge, new experience, new service, and new challenge.  See B- Bounce and Be there 

Networking can give you resources that help you build a better business- often at no cost to you. Please do not get totally hung up on ‘ Have I got my moneys worth from my subscription’ instead ask yourself ‘ Have I gained value from being a member’ The people who understand this concept are the true networking winners

The secret is that networking is a process that requires constant effort and commitment to get the desired results. Don’t expect business to come to you regularly for at least 6 months. It takes time for people to know, like and trust you.
Business networking is not just a bunch of other people waiting to do wonders for your business. The moment you join in with a network, you are part of that network and the qualities that you bring become integral to that network. If everyone who attends is expecting new sales to new customers, the there will be disappointed people. If everyone goes along wanting to be part of something valuable and useful then what will it become?

The people in the group may not be the immediate target audience for your business, however they will all know 200+ others. Everybody is somebody’s somebody.  A great read is Porter Gale’s “Your Network is your Net Worth”

Different – how can you be different – at the event with what you say, what you ask?  What will make you memorable?  The way in which you follow up, what you after the event – all helping to build the relationship(s)

Don’t Assume Everybody ‘Gets It’ – A big networking mistake is to assume that everyone already knows what you do.  Most people probably still aren’t quite sure what it is you do. Break down industry jargon to help simplify your message.  Try explaining your business and the benefits it brings to an eight-year-old child.  If you can do this then it will help those that you meet and talk to be able to talk to others about you…a few pointers

Dr Seuss – numerous networking quotations that have been with us for decades!

Coming next some E’s and F’s……

Thank you for reading this far – the next instalment will be available soon and please feel free to comment, share.

If you would like to connect then you can find me on

LinkedIn

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Have a great day and enjoy your networking and make it enjoyable and beneficial for those that you meet!

Sean Humby

Director and host – Business Network (SW) – monthly lunch time networking events in the Bristol.

Business Network SW was established in 1993 and for the last 24 years has been helping businesses build effective business relationships.