Networking Tips

We have all heard the old adage it is not what you know but who you know. Many times this can be true.  By creating a solid network of dependable and diverse contacts, you can navigate many career challenges.  Here are some easy tips to make networking easier.

 

Define who you want in your network.
Are there contacts or types of people you would like to know but haven’t had the opportunity?  Make of list of those people and do a bit of homework.  Research what events, industry groups, or publications they are aligned with.  Find out where they might be appearing or possibly garner their contact info from an industry article. Being involved and reaching out takes initiative but you will be amazed at the doors it might open.

Know Yourself and Be Yourself

Have a define plan of what you want to get out of your actions. Create a brief elevator speech about who you are and where you are hoping to go.  This is useful for any introduction situation whether at  a networking event, a business meetings, or other life events.  Remember to be yourself. Be prepared with conversation starters such as "what brought you to today's event".  Relax and let the conversation flow naturally.

Follow Up

Do what you say you will and follow through on your word.  If you said you would email someone that recent article or send their contact info along to one of your contacts, have the integrity to do what you say.  This builds your credibility and respect within your network.

Build Relationships

Now that you added these contacts to your network, connected via LinkedIn, or signed up for their blog, be sure to stay in contact.  Check in occasionally and ask how they are doing or what projects they are working on.  These are relationships where you should invest time to strengthen the connection.

Building a strong professional network can help you achieve your career goals. You will have resources to bounce ideas off of or our offer solutions when challenges arise. Take time to invest in cultivating these relationships and reap the rewards!

The Personal Touch

Technology creates efficiency, streamlines operations, and makes our jobs easier. However there can be a draw back to all this digital communication. We often lose the interpersonal communication that drives a deeper understanding of others. Consciously utilizing a more personal approach can build better relationships with your coworkers and business partners. 

Why are stronger relationships important?  Businesses need coworkers and partners to work closely together to succeed. We all inevitability need a favor or extra effort to make goals reality.  Tapping our strong relationships, we can pull off these magical business feats and both savor the success!

Here are some easy ways to add the personal touch to your communication.

Handwritten Notes
Written notes are memorable.  Did you get help on securing that new buying contract? Did a coworker work overtime to finish up that demanded report? Pop a handwritten thank you note in the mail or place it on their desk. You will be amazed how much people appreciate the small gesture and it takes mere moments to do.

Phone Call
Instead of sending your 100th email today, why not pick up the phone and have a conversation with your business partner. Pepper the call with personal questions about their family, holiday plans, or their weekend.  A call might take more time than firing off an email, but can have a lasting impact on your relationship. Strategically target a few a day with your key partners or with coworkers. Much more might be accomplished in a quick call and you are building rapport.

Voicemail
Instead of the same blah-blah message, make yours more memorable.  Change it up each day or each week. Match your personality such as a quote of the day, or the latest sports score, or what the weather is like where you are at.  Keep it short but a bit difference than the rest.  You might find people are disappointed to get you on the phone because they are dying to know what you said on your message!  This is all about adding your personality to your work.

Think of ways you can be memorable and take a more personal approach to your communication. Building stronger relationships will help you succeed - and have a bit more fun along the way!

Quantity verus Quality?

The old adage - "It is not how many people you know, but who you know" can ring true in these days of how many friends, followers, fans do you have?! Growing your social media connections can be an excellent goal for your business, but don't forget to develop a few close professional community relationships too. In these relationships - quality wins out over quantity.


Relationships To Build
High profile positions that touch many people in your community are ideal relationships to pursue. Real estate agents, bankers, healthcare workers, hospital administrators, community directors - basically people that work with a large portion of your neighbors who can be potential patients and customers.

Where to Network
Chamber of Commerce groups are an excellent place to meet other business professionals looking to network. Groups such as Lions, Knights of Columbus, or community volunteer and charity groups are additional options. Join and get involved. Attend meetings and participate in sub committees and events. This will allow you to interact with other members to get to know new people and start building relationships.

Promotion Ideas
These professional relationships can help you co-market each other. When your real estate friend closes with a new buyer in your area, have her give them a goodie bag that includes a special discount offer from your business. Host a community event at your location. This allows your patients to meet and greet with your professional friends who can offer special discounts such as setting up a new banking account with your banker connection or or free hearing test with your friend that has a hearing clinic. You can also promote each other in your newsletters or email offers. Brainstorm fun promotions with your new friends that spur interest and hopefully new customers for all of you.

Quality business relationships can do wonders for your business. Challenge yourself to go out and cultivate professional friendships. As your friendships blossom so will the creative ideas to market both of your businesses!