3 Networking Tips To Grow Your Business There is nothing like a 4th of July parade in small town Texas and this year’s parade in Johnson City (home of Lyndon Johnson) was no exception. It was a patriotic display that was genuine, from the heart and very homegrown. As we sat in folding chairs watching it all go by, a young boy caught my attention. He was walking through the crowd, approaching strangers and handing out a simple small piece of paper that said, “Tim’s Lawn Service. Hard work at a fair price!!” A couple of lollipops were attached to sweeten the deal along with his phone number. I was impressed; this took guts. So I called him and found myself asking him questions about how he grows his business. He told me that his way of getting business was passing out flyers door-to-door, or in my case, the parade. Tim is 14, and one of five children trying to make some extra money this summer. He lamented that he started off with friends, but sometimes they didn’t show up or complained about the work so he resorted to just doing things himself. I asked if he wanted to run a bigger business someday and he said, “probably so.” Tim reminded me of the basic rules of networking. Apart from the Woody Allen quote that “80% of success is showing up,” here is what I have done with the other 20% to grow my network and my business from a regional player to the national and international arena. 1. Don’t get bogged down in your own industry groups. Although they can be helpful, I don’t spend much time with people in my field because they don’t buy our services; they are usually our competitors. Instead, I seek groups that bring together an array of industries and perspectives. Many times they are our clients and prospective client events. The big message is to get out from behind your desk. You should be your own brand ambassador because no one is more passionate about your business than you are. Your travel budget may skyrocket, but so should your bottom line. I attended an event where one of our prospective clients was speaking. I sat on the front row and after his speech, I was the first person to meet him after he spoke and which gave me a chance to hold a meaningful conversation based on the speech he just gave. Within a week we got a call from him and today his company is a major client. When preparing your statements among potential customers, be genuine and relevant to each individual. 2. Building relationships takes time. Follow up is imperative, but easier said than done. When you meet a person who you think will strengthen your business, you should be in touch at least once a quarter. Send something relevant and of value to them. This takes planning, discipline and creativity. Eventually you will be on their radar. If I asked your top five prospects, “Who wants your business,” and they cannot name you or your company, then you will never get their business. 3. Get involved in a big way. If an organization is worth your time, you should be right in the middle of the action. Seek to serve on their boards and committees. Otherwise, drop out. When you are all-in, you will build relationships that matter. People will see how you work when you are at your best. These types of relationships build trust and friendships that almost always lead to business opportunities. Realize that a very strong code of reciprocity is involved. I will help you and when the time comes you will help me. The silver bullet is if I can do something for your child—even if it’s just a call or coffee. Nothing endears you to a person more than helping their daughter or nephew to get a leg up in the business world. Nothing. Period. I think the reason that young Tim caught my attention is that I had my first job in a small town in Texas when I was 13. At 14, he is already on his way to learn and build his network. Work ethic, taking risks and sheer determination are essential for entrepreneurs. Good for Tim. I will be watching his future success. Gay Gaddis #Networking | #Business | #GrowYourBusiness | #BuildingRelationships | #Volunteer ✔ Like ✔ Share ✔ Tag ✔ Comment ✔ Repost ✔Follow me ♥♥♥ Join us at https://facebook/NashvilleNetworkingBusinessLuncheon for more tips and ideas to take your business to the next level through keeping in touch with greeting cards and thank you cards ♥♥♥
Posted on: Sat, 23 Nov 2013 17:14:16 +0000
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