8 Responses

1. re Networking
   I recently attended a seminar with Jason Gilder (Ltd)around networking and networking groups – some great hint and tips – might be worth contacting.

2. Networking
   Have a look at the Business Network International (BNI) website. My partner attends once a week at a local meet and has seen an increase of services and recognition within a short space of time.

3. mixed views

   Networking is a lengthy form of indirect selling.

   It takes time to build relationships – meaning those who will provide either business or referrals.

   Equally, if your target market is ‘a’ but the businesses/people you are networking with are ‘b’ or even ‘g’, then you have to ask yourself if it is the best use of your energy, time and money.

   In my opinion, networking can be a way of increasing your profile and removing some of the elements of being an ‘unknown quantity’.

   It helps if one’s target market belong to the same community though!

4. advice
   Hello Julie
   The right mindset is important in my experience. If you imagine that you are sewing seeds around the room as you network it helps you to remain positive. Networking rarely brings fast results but seeds are rarely wasted, they just take time to germinate!

   Sally

5. Networking Essentials
   Hi Julie

   As a speaker and trainer of advanced networking skills and getting business by word-of-mouth and referral, a lot of people ask “just how do we get the best results”?

   After all, networking is about results isn’t it?

   Discounting those people who just use networking as a social activity, or use it as an excuse to get out of the house and meet other human beings, the biggest problem most business people face in networking is not having an outcome.

   What do I mean by this? I mean knowing WHY you’re going to an event, WHO you’re looking to meet and HOW you can help them.

   Without knowimg all this and preparing yourself properly (60 second speech/elevator pitch) the results you can get are limited.

   Once you’ve set your outcome, your who, your how and your why, then issues such as motivation and skills come into play.

   If anyone would like any more details or tips on this, then please feel free to get in touch.

6. look for speaking-platforms
   Plain old networking is useful, but not if you do the thing so many coaches and trainers do – network with other trainers and coaches. Your real question is how to publicise your business. The best method is to use the status and prestige of conference/chapter/business-group meetings. Look for an interesting topic of interest to the target audience, offer to the organiser and do a humdinger of a performance, offering a one-page summary of your talk which includes your contact details. And, btw, you MUST have a web site.
   Phone me on my Management Futures number 020 7242 4030 if you’d like more ideas. If you do coaching, we offer a one-day, tightly packed and practical programme on developing a coaching business. It includes a ot on promotional activites that really pay off – plus advice on what to avoid like the plague.
   Regards
   Jenny

7. Linked-In Network
   Have you looked at the LinkedIn Network as one way of achieving your networking goals?

   I’ve found it extremely useful for making new contacts and developing new business opportunities.

   You can see it at http://www.linkedin.com

8. Your attitude is what really matters
   I spend much of my time training people to network more effectively, so I think I’m pretty much of an expert on the subject.

   My two top tips would be: (a) be interested in other people and (b) try ot think about what you can do for them, rather than what they can do for you. That way, you start to build relationships rather than trying to use people for your own ends!

   If you’d like to talk more, do either email me (jperle@manadvan.com) or look at our website (www.manadvan.com)

   I hope this is helpful!