One of the reasons that entrepreneurs avoid networking is because they don't know the 'secret' steps to make networking valuable and profitable.
The truth is few of us truly understand the full power of building a $1,000,000+ network until we're already several years into a business. Most of us know that we have to get out and meet some people in order to get the word out about our business, but we don't necessarily know how.
If you are not naturally outgoing or comfortable with networking, you may find yourself shying away from attending meetings and events once you have a few clients under your belt.
Or maybe you continue to attend the meetings you've always attended even though they aren't netting you any new business. You know the people, and you're comfortable with them. It's no longer something you dread doing. Instead, you even look forward to catching up with those people you haven't seen since the last monthly meeting.
Wait a minute. This sounds more like socializing, not networking. That's the catch. Something that's supposed to be networking can easily turn into socializing or schmoozing, depending on the attitude you have towards the event.
1. Using networking to try to sell something during a first meeting. This is a short-term sales focus. Instead, it's best to develop an effective plan with my "PAR" Philosophy of Networking, which has a long-term focus on building a $1,000,000 network.
2. Networking in the wrong places.
3. Networking with the wrong people.
4. Viewing networking as socializing or schmoozing instead of making the effort to improve your networking skills.
5. Describing the elements of your business versus focusing on the benefits of the solutions you provide for your customers' problems.
6. Not nurturing your $1,000,000 network by staying in touch, or not responding to requests in a timely manner.
7. Staying in your comfort zone by networking only with people you know and not asking for referrals to others.
8. Attending networking events unprepared.
9. Focusing on yourself and the impression you're making versus focusing on learning more about the people you speak with.
10. Letting your $1,000,000 network database get out of date.
So let's talk about how to approach networking in order to maximize its potential for helping you develop a $1,000,000 network.
Networking is a process of trial and error. There is an infinite number of ways in which you could approach the art of networking.
The best networking begins with planning and taking action. Being strategic in your planning is important to your ultimate success as an effective, caring networker.
If you are interested in sharing your networking success stories or interested to receive more chapters from my ebook "Succeeding in America", drop me a note to Succeed@ImmigrantSuccessNetwork.com I would be would be an honor to interview you. Your networking story could be the subject of one of my articles or my future book. Looking forward to hearing from you. Your in your success in building your network.
© 2006 – Alexander "The Great" Alperovich is the author of ebook: "Succeeding in America" and co-author of the Bestseller book series "Wake Up - Live The live You Live, Finding Personal Freedom." He is also the Founder & CEO of the Focus On You, http://www.BrainstormingPartner.com and Immigrant Success Network, http://www.ImmigrantSuccessNetwork.com. |
No comments:
Post a Comment