Marketing Partners

Button1
Button2
Button3
Button4
Button5
Button6
Button7
Button8
Button9
Button10
Button11

Networking
A Wallflower's Guide

The Marketing Partner Sponsor
RideWay: Shared Internet Access for Networks

RideWay allows a Windows 95/NT workstation to share its Internet connection with other network workstations. Without changing the Microsoft dial-up networking settings, modems, cable modems, and ISDN cards become available for shared, concurrent access.

Other LAN users access different websites, newsgroups, and email POP3 accounts all at the same time via one Internet connection, using only one account at the Internet Service Provider.

RideWay: The Future of Internet Networking

A Wallflower's Guide To Networking
Good, solid networking is one of the least expensive and most dependable tools to help you build your business. But then, you probably know that already. The problem is, if you're not comfortable "mingling." Taking that first step into a crowded room can be awfully trying.

Here's a few tips and ideas about how to network not only effectively,but painlessly, too.

Say you're going to go to some business event, a Chamber of Commerce mixer with oodles of other business people to meet. Before you go, do a little planning.

  • Find a business friend or colleague to accompany you. That way, you only have to break the ice with half as many people. Split up once you get to the event, fan out, and meet some folks. Then regroup with your colleague and scout the room together, letting your friend introduce you to people he or she met, and visa versa.

  • Develop your own 30-second company sound bite. Make sure it includes your name, your company name, and a brief summary of what you do. Practice it a few times in front of a mirror, and as the Spin Meisters say, "Stay on message."

  • Read the local newspaper or business paper before you go. This will give you plenty of ammunition for small talk. If there is a trade journal associated with the event, read up on the issues facing this group.

  • Set a goal for how many contacts you want to make and stick to it once you get to the event.

  • Okay. Now it's time to walk the walk. Time to get out of your car and go to the event.

  • Fill out a name tag and wear it on your RIGHT side. Include your name and the name of your company. Wear it on the right, not the left, so the person shaking hands with you can see it clearly. (How's that for an obscure but effective tip?)

  • Let the people hosting the event know you are attending for the first time. Oftentimes, they will show you around and introduce you to some people in order to help get you started.

  • Find another wallflower and introduce yourself. Nervousness is a topic the two of you have in common to talk about.

  • Good topics for small talk are the event itself and the organization hosting it. But avoid saying anything negative about the event or organization. Also, avoid talking about politics or religion. They may make for lively debate, but your object at the event is to get people comfortable enough with you to want to do business, not to win debating points.

  • Be sure to exchange business cards with plenty of prospects and write notes on the backs of the cards of people you want to follow up with.

    Whew! You survived. But the job isn't over just yet.

  • Send thank you notes to the people you would like to talk with further. Be sure you reference where and when you met, and what you spoke about. It also never hurts to include your business card.

  • Attend future functions by the same organization. Chances are, you'll see some of the same people you met at the first event so you won't find yourself in a room full of strangers.

    So there you have it. Some useful tips to take those first steps into the wonderful world of networking, one of the most effective selling tools in the '90s.

    Related Articles
  • Planning

    Subscribe to "The Marketing Partner"
    Receive marketing and sales tips and suggestions
    by subscribing to our business-to-business marketing newsletter.
    Type your Internet email address in the form, and click "Subscribe."
    Email Address:

    The Marketing Partner comments and submissions to info@mpus.com.

    Previous issues are on our website at http://mpus.com/tmp/.

    Marketing Partners Incorporated
    9385 Gerwig Lane, Suite F
    Columbia, Maryland 21046-1561 USA

    410.309.0596
    info@mpus.com

    Copyright ©2002-2011 Marketing Partners Incorporated, All Rights Reserved

    http://mpus.com/
    Revised July 2011

     

    		•