Networking in the Business world

Why is it so important to network with other people when owning a business? Because without building those key relationships our businesses won't grow. See, most of our businesses require referrals to generate more leads and needs. So you're probably saying what are the steps in networking effectively?

1. Attend networking functions with a goal! (How many people you want to talk to.)

2. Create a 30-60 second verbal business card! (Be creative and passionate)

3. Find people that you want to learn more from! (Not your friends!)

4. Avoid long conversations just because they are comfortable. (Remember, you are there for a purpose to grow that leads list.)

5. Strive to show interest in others. (Listen, Listen, Listen)

6. Show the confidence and passion about what you do. (People will want to do business with passionate people.)

7. Avoid the ME, ME, ME concept. No one cares about you, all they care about is themselves. (Remember WIIFM)

8. Ask questions to find out their needs. (Keep it on them!)

9. Never try to close the deal at the function! (Call later to meet to discuss business)

10. Have Fun!!!!! (Be yourself!)

These 10 steps to networking effectively will be the most important part of building a strong and rewarding business.

The Group Verbal Business Card

- What's in it for them?

- Succinct

- Intriguing

- Confident delivery, show the passion about what you do!

- Project your voice!

- Re-use content, but tailor it to the group and always make it fresh!

The One-on-One Verbal Business Card

- All the ideas of the group verbal business card, but you have more time to find out what they need.

- Ask questions (find out their pain)

- Listen, Listen, Listen

Bill Harnen is a Business Owner, Speaker, Trainer, Personal/Business Coach and a Stress Management Specialist.

He is the founder of Understanding Solutions, which is a training/coaching company that specializes in helping people understand themselves and others in order to develop better relationships and build more effective, accountable, profitable and cohesive teams.

Bill is an expert on the Small Business Panel of the USA Today. He was nominated for 2004 Today's Young Executive Award hosted by The Business Ledger.

He was personally trained and certified by Dr. Robert Rohm, world-renowned speaker, trainer and founder of Personality-Insights. Bill is a sought after speaker in the field of stress management when it applies to people. He is also a member of the Candidate University, sponsored by The National Speakers Association.

For questions visit his website at http://www.understandingsolutions.com or email him at bill@understandingsolutions.com

In The News:

Networking: What the Heck is a Ryze?

If you're new to the internet marketing club, you may... Read More

7 Step Plan To Get Going With Networking

Whether you're an introvert or an extrovert, feel like you... Read More

Savvy Networking: Grow Your Business and Your Career

Did you know that contacts are the bread of career... Read More

Come Home Rich - How to Get the Most out of Your Next Conference

Success in your career depends upon how well you manage... Read More

How To Make Your Next Networking Event A Success

There are people who are natural born networkers - those... Read More

Ten Simple Steps to More Customers with Better Networking

Networking is a great way to meet people in a... Read More

The Foundation of Networking: Its Not Rocket Science

Commandment 1LoveWhen we choose to simply love, our giving and... Read More

Online Business Networking: How Personal is Too Personal?

Online networking has opened up some fantastic business opportunities for... Read More

Networking - Facts to Ponder

Right here in Europe, the very last continent to enter... Read More

The Answer to Your Worst Networking Nightmare

Imagine you just met your ideal client at a networking... Read More

Network Marketing

Network marketing is the ordinary person's best opportunity to make... Read More

How to Create an Interest Story for the Press

What makes a good interest story?An interest story is just... Read More

Plan for the Event or Flounder

Rather than being there to eat the food and drink... Read More

Should You Offer Commissions For Customer Referrals?

As a small business owner you may find yourself in... Read More

Networking Know-how

Successful networking requires the understanding from the get-go that it... Read More

Networking in the Change Room: 5 Ways to Network Effectively While Getting Undressed

There's a time and place to network with people in... Read More

Business Networking ? Extroverted Web Weaving for the Introvert

If you have been in business for any amount of... Read More

Networking: Strangers, Friendship, and Business Growth

You already know that uncomfortable feeling, that knot in your... Read More

Social Networking: A Link To Like Minds

Not all dot-com dreams died when the Internet stock bubble... Read More

Politics, Religion, Race; Conversational No-No?s in Business

Do not destroy all your positive displacement and high energy... Read More

People Know People

I recently entered the keyword "networking" into Google. In 0.13... Read More

Why Bother With Social Networking Sites Like LinkedIn?

Q: I think I understand the value of networking as... Read More

Mobile Car Wash Companies; Trading Tips

If you run a mobile car washing firm we recommend... Read More

The Secrets of Effective Networking

Before we talk about specific networking tips I want to... Read More

Power Networking: Getting Your Name Out There!

Today's economy presents some very special challenges to people who... Read More