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Networking
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by: Brian
K Grinonneau
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Put join
a group on your to do list
with a big underline, star and happy face. You’ll be glad you
did for more reasons than you can count. And the advice is coming from
this confirmed non-networker who, in 20 years of business, considered
networking a colossal waste of time. The old dog is here with a new
trick.
Business networking groups bring together people who, most times, are
self- employed, successful entrepreneurs or corporate folk paid truly
paid for their efforts. (see commissioned salesperson) The types of
businesses these networkers represent vary, but the commonality is they
meet to share, learn and become better at their craft.
The networking meetings are held at times that are fairly convenient
even for the most type A business owner. Early morning, mid-day or
evening are the popular meeting times and all involve food of some
type, contests, and sometimes cocktails.
There is a networking etiquette that is a mix of business sense and
remembering what your mother taught you. Be nice. Smile. Be genuine.
Don’t show up looking to dazzle everyone you meet with your
slick sales pitch. To be sure, meet a lot of people, hand out a lot of
cards, but give before taking. Listen more than you talk. Question more
than you answer. Care about someone else and their plight.
What’s in it for me? That’s the common question in
many business conversations. Here’s what you get by joining a
networking group:
New contacts--what business can’t use more contacts? The
fellow businesspersons you meet might be able to use your service. They
also know lots of people and aren’t shy about recommending
you.
You look like an expert to your customers. As you meet new
professionals, you won’t hesitate to recommend them to your
customers to handle tasks you don’t. Your stock will rise
appreciably with your customer for being such a willing problem solver.
Education. The meetings always revolve around a guest speaker who will
bring to you valuable information about topics ranging from accounting
to law, sales to hiring an employee and much more.
Friendship. Everyone can use more friends. Imagine playing golf with
those that share your passion.
Advice. Ask around and fellow networkers will be glad to dispense it
for free and many have already faced the same situation you now have.
Find a local networking group and get involved. It will be one of the
best decisions you ever made. Go ahead. Write it down. Your to do list
is waiting.
About the author:
Brian Grinonneau is the general manager of McMann and Tate Advertising,
an agency working exclusively with small business clients to help them
cut through the clutter and stand out from the crowd.
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