Networking Tips

CCWE is a networking organization...what better place to learn more about networking. Check back often to find new networking tips. If you have tips you would like to share, please send the information to info@ccwe.org.

Select a topic from the drop down menu to view related networking tips:

Select Simple Strategies Networking Myths & Mistakes Networking Barriers Ten Ways to Stand Out

Simple Strategies for Better Networking
Here are a few tips for getting the most out of a basic networking tool.... your business card:

~ Hand them to people when you meet them for the first time. Reason: They’re more likely to remember your name if they see it...and ask for their cards in return. You’ll remember their names more easily, too.

~ Give them to people every time you meet them. Reason: Business cards are essential, but disposable. It doesn’t matter if people don’t keep your card forever, as long as it serves its purpose.

~ Include one in everything you send out including letters of introduction, invoices, articles and Thank You notes. Reason: You never know who your correspondence is going to end up with — or what those people might need.

Submitted by Carol Birkey, a Personal Business Coach. You can contact Carol online at carol@carolbirkey.com.

Networking Myths and Mistakes

~ Leads: The biggest networking myth...by simply attending meetings regularly, you will get sales leads.

~ Easy Money: I've heard networking is the lazy man's sales manager. Truth is...effective networking is hard work, but it pays dividends, year after year.

~ Taking and NOT Giving: The best way to get a sales lead is to give a lead to someone else.

~ Familiar People: The last people you want to network with are the people you already know! Force introducing yourself to as many people as possible that you don't know.

~ Lack of Follow Up: If you don't intend on following up, please stop networking. Courtesty and professionalism dictates that you follow up with referrals and leads.

~ Forgetting to say "Thank You": Unfortunately this is a more common mistake than you would think. Make sure to recognize people who introduce you to a networking club and provide referrals.

Submitted by Carol Birkey a Personal Business Coach. You can contact Carol online at carol@carolbirkey.com.

Networking Barriers
Why do some people fail to reap the rewards of active networking? The following barriers are only a few of the reasons for "networking failure".

~ Lack of understanding of the concepts of networking. Networking is more than handing out business cards at large events. It's relationship building. Networking is a delicate balance of personality, attitude and acquired skills. Networking techniques can be learned.

~ Lack of a Networking Plan. Networking without a specific plan is like driving without a road map. You won't know where you have been or where you are going.

~ Not Using a Networking Plan. Having a networking plan is the first step; however, it will be useless unless you use it.

~ Unrealistic expectations. Do you expect too much too soon? It takes time to build the kind of relationships that turn into business.

~ Emphasis on getting versus giving. Successful networkers are give/getters. They are willing to give before they receive and are constantly searching for "win-win" solutions.

~ Poor evaluation process. A good evaluation system helps us measure our progress. Nothing gives a person a feeling of success like noting milestones and achievements.

~ Unwilling to make the commitment. It's impossible to succeed in relationships, a job or business or in networking unless you are committed to the process. "Networking means never having to do business alone"

Submitted by Carol Birkey a Personal Business Coach. You can contact Carol online at carol@carolbirkey.com.

Ten Ways to Stand Out in a Crowd
If you want to make the most of your membership, here are 10 tips. They’ll help you enhance your reputation, establish your credibility, and raise your visibility.

1. Assume your presidential responsibilities. When you attend an organization’s event, remember you’re not just another member, you’re president of your own network! You are responsible for what you take away from the meeting.

2. Showcase your capabilities. Teach your fellow members what you can do — your skills, abilities, and talents. As you become active, take on only those roles you can and will do well.

3. Show off your wares or your services. Provide a demonstration or a sample. Contribute door prizes. Do a display. Take every opportunity to give other members a chance to experience — with all of their senses — your products or expertise.

4. Show up. Get there early and stay late. The involved people — speakers, board members, movers and shakers — are likely to be there for “pre-and post-meeting meetings.”

5. Listen carefully with a bias toward action. What do people need that you can offer? Always be ready to give information, resources, or help to others.

6. Help others connect. Who would your conversation partner like to meet? To find out, listen. When you become known as somebody who knows everybody, people will call you and ask you if you know someone who... As you link people together, you build your reputation as an expert networker.

7.Tell success stories. What picture do you want to pop up in people’s minds when they hear your name? They will remember what you last told them. Have something important to tell when they ask you, “What’s new?” As you think about what you want to tell people, begin with your goal. What do you want people to know about you or your business?

8. Talk to and sit with people you don’t know! View every chance meeting as an appointment.

9. Find a reason to exchange business cards. Jot a note on the back of the card so you can remember what you intend to do to further your relationship with that person.

10. Follow up quickly. To find out how to follow up, listen for what’s on the other person’s mind — her challenges, interests, enthusiasms. Get in the habit of sending cards, postcards, or e-notes after the meeting. Send your contact what you promised. Remember, it takes six to eight contacts with someone before you know each other well enough to have established a solid networking relationship. You can stand out in a crowd!

Anne Baber and Lynne Waymon are sisters who have co-authored 12 networking and career books, tapes and other resources. To see the complete write up on these tips go to http://itsallabouther.com/article.php?s=4&id=38.