All business owners know the importance of networking. It is a term given to building relationships that will help both of the people involved. So what are the benefits of networking?
- It generates new business and referrals.
- It enables you to explore ideas and discuss business challenges.
- It’s an opportunity to meet new people and socialize.
- It raises your visibility and improves your brand.
Now networking isn’t as easy as handing out your business card to every person you meet. For a lasting impression you have to have a meaningful conversation with the individual, begin to foster a relationship. Even if you have talked and exchanged business cards you still haven’t successfully networked.
The most important, and often forgotten, step to networking is following up. You must follow up if you want a relationship to last. A simple phone call or email is probably best. To make the follow-up really effective refer to:
- When and where you met. Continue the conversation with relevant, new information.
- A common need you may have.
- A common acquaintance.
- Something that you found that saves time and money.
- An idea that may help the person.
It is also important to keep your contacts organized. Building and maintaining a contact database is an efficient way to keep track of who you meet while networking. Decide on a system that works for you.
- Input your new contacts’ information into your database.
- Include their name, address, email, website, company, position, where you met, their interests and any other information you have about them.
- Develop categories of people:
- Prospective customers:
- Category A – hot prospects
- Category B – warm prospects
- Category C – potential prospects
- Supplier
- Advisor
- Industry Colleague
With this advice you will have an organized and effective way to keep in touch with the people you have networked. So get out there, meet people and help your business.
Photo credit, Rannie Turingan
- Prospective customers:
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