After the excellent presentation that Benjamin Bonetti did for the Worthing Chamber recently, he has kindly shared with us, his 10 top networking tips for us to use for future networking. Here they are:
1. Be in the moment when you network - if you suffer from premature exasperation by interrupting, talking too much or being impatient, people will stop listening before you finish speaking.
2. Don’t give an elevator seminar on what you do – if you can’t say it in 15 words they won’t remember it.
3. Ask colleagues, associates or event organisers to specifically make a personal introduction to you to those you want to meet. Keep them in the loop of how things are developing and thank them by returning with something of value for them.
4. Don’t be reluctant to ask your networks if they know others who may benefit from your products or services.
5. Provide first hand evidence of what you do so they can talk from experience and value.
6. Take along several blank business cards for those who “don’t have any with them….” or have forgotten them. When you leave, write three things on all cards about each person that was meaningful to them so you can follow up accurately.
7. Make contact soon after meeting prospects - don’t believe email is good enough. It’s just one of the same - not something different. Send a relevant article, have something delivered, and shows them you have their best interests in mind by referring someone other than yourself that can add value in a different way. Be generous before you ask for favours, introductions, or sales.
8. Give back, not up! If you don’t get to second base immediately. Remember NO is only the first of maybe 7 steps you may need to get to YES!
9. Masterful networking builds business. The stronger your relationships the less likely you will get resistance. If that’s important to you for 2009, convert casual contacts into business contracts by creating a strategic approach to networking and business connections that both you and your business partners will reap the rewards.
Remember, Benjamin does offer fantastic offers exclusively to Worthing Chamber Members, and if you are interested visit his website or call him on 0845 194 9644.
I thought that this was a fantastic discussion on the power of networking and it has definately enhanced our business opportunities.
If you would like to look at our Wealth Management propositions please feel free to visit the web site www.pwmfp.co.uk.
Posted by: Mark Robinson | June 10, 2009 at 03:01 PM
You have put very effective 10 top networking tips, but I'm sure there are people who will disagree with some points.
Posted by: Recruitment Software | August 27, 2009 at 02:00 PM