VirtualVocations

Networking Relationships

People are natural networkers. Everyday we meet people and somewhere in the back of our minds create a rolling index list of whom they are and where they belong in our world. If you were to sit down and make a list of every single person you know or deal with each day you would be amazed!

That is our natural living network that we depend on to improve the quality of our lives both personally and professionally.

To build a network to support your business you need to attend events and create opportunities to meet other people who are interested in or work in areas that interest you. Staying home will not work. Make it a point to plan one day/event a week where you have an opportunity to meet new people in the business community. Keep a rolodex of their business cards and flick thru it for a few minutes everyday until you have the names and types of businesses memorized. You can use it for referrals when asked!

There are many opportunities out there – join the local Chamber of Commerece or your local businesspersons network. Volunteer a few hours a week to work for local charities whose board members are people you would be interested in meeting. Look at the local colleges and schools and see if they need a speaker for their classes. Check out the local community newspapers and see who is doing the moving and the shaking in your community.

Make sure you volunteer for something that you love and care passionately about and it will get around by word of mouth how committed you are. This will be free publicity for you and your business.

Whenever you have the chance sit with people you do not know. Make it a point to introduce yourself and pass out your business card to the people directly next to you, and both in front and behind you. Introduce them to each other if you have the chance. That includes breaks and lunches, and especially if you divide into working groups. Have a 10-second description of what your company does ready if anyone asks. Practice in front of a mirror if you need to, or better yet ask your kids what they think. They can be brutally honest in the most cheerful way!

You are looking for people you find interesting and might have commons interests with so talk with everyone. You can do business after the relationship is established! Right now, just chat and ask many questions. People love talking about themselves!

Do not be shy about your accomplishments and if you think you do not have any ask your friends and family what they like most about you and use those until you are able to develop your own ideas. This is being confident about your self and your talents! Look the part of the successful businessperson you want to be – first impressions are everything!

It takes lots of time, enormous effort and a great deal of work to setup a network. The benefits it provides are worth every minute.

Posted:Monday, April 14, 2008