Cathy Stucker - The Idea Lady

Attract Customers and Make Yourself Famous

  • Home
  • Blog
  • Shop
  • Work with Cathy
  • About
You are here: Home / Networking / Making Networking Work

Making Networking Work

June 17, 2009 by Cathy Stucker

networking-work

Networking is one of the best ways to get new customers, and maintain relationships with existing customers. But you have to do it effectively.

Several years ago, “networking” was the hot buzzword. Everyone was talking about building their network, because this was the secret to becoming incredibly successful. Well, yes, networking is a great way to build a business, but not necessarily the way a lot of people went about it.

Going to every meeting you can find, and thrusting your business cards into the hands of every person you can corner isn’t networking. To do it right, you have to be with the right groups, and make connections with the right individuals. Networking doesn’t mean having fleeting contact with as many people as you can, it means building relationships with the right people.

Who should be in your network? Customers, potential customers, entrepreneurs in other fields who serve the same types of customers you do, people who can mentor you, people you can mentor, people with information you need, and maybe even your competitors.

Here are some ideas to keep in mind:

Choose a networking group based on the type of people you want to meet. Who are your best prospects—business owners, HR professionals, writers, nurses, lawyers? Participate in groups catering to them.

Don’t overlook your competition, but don’t expect to build your business there. Many of us join groups with others who do what we do. That’s great for getting information about the industry and making connections within it, but you probably won’t find customers there. Don’t focus all your attention on your industry group. (One way you can get business from an industry group is through alliances and collaborations.)

Choose a few groups and attend regularly, rather than attending one meeting each of dozens of groups. Just as with other marketing methods, people need to see you or hear of you several times before they feel comfortable enough to do business with you. Plus, most people won’t remember you all that well if they’ve only met you once. See the same people many times, and you will become familiar.

Look for relationships where you can contribute, as well as benefit. Networking is a two-way street. If you are doing all the receiving (or all the giving) it won’t last long.

Practice your 10-Second Brag. You need to be able to get your message across quickly and effectively, so know how to say what you do in a short, benefit-oriented statement.

Offer to speak to groups which include the people you want to reach. It’s a great way of making yourself visible and sticking in the minds of your prospects.

Take on responsibilities. Become an officer. Write a column for the newsletter. Join a committee. Truly become a part of the group.

And don’t just focus on formal networking groups. You can build connections any time you meet someone who is a good fit for your network. Next time you’re standing in line at the office supply store or post office, strike up a conversation. Pick up the phone and call someone you’ve only met once (or perhaps never met), someone you think you could help and could help you. Get to know people online through Twitter, Facebook and email—they can be important members of your network.

Your network can be a source of business, of friendship, of support, of information, of the things you need to build your business and lead a satisfying life. Something that important shouldn’t be done scattershot. Put thought and effort into surrounding yourself with the right people, and being an important part of their networks as well. 

print

Related Posts :

It's Not What You Know...
Make the Most of Networking Events
It’s Who You Know
Creating Customer Communities

Filed Under: Networking

Search

Join Me! (Get Free Stuff!)

Get useful tips and techniques to build your business, plus member-only exclusives such as free webinars, as an IdeaLady Insider. It's free!

I respect your privacy & will NEVER sell, rent or share your email address. More than a policy, it's my Privacy Pledge.

Connect with Cathy

 Facebook Google+ Twitter YouTube Pinterest LinkedIn Flickr StumbleUpon RSS Amazon Author Central

Recent Articles

  • The Short but Powerful Guide to Finding Your Passion
  • 3 Strategies for Quick & Easy Content Creation
  • What to Ask When Hiring a Ghostwriter
  • Take a Real Break – Fully Disengage
  • You Get an Extra Day

Categories

Be an Expert Blogging Business Start Ups Cash Content Copywriting Creating Information Products Creative Ideas Creative Marketing Strategies Creativity Customer Service Customer Testimonials Dealing with Clients Email Getting Things Done Growing Your Business Guest Posts Image Internet Marketing Life Lessons Making Changes Making Good Decisions Marketing Market Research Monday Morning Messages Money and Finances Motivation and Inspiration Mystery Shopping Networking Online Business Passive Income Persuasion Positive Thinking Pricing Productivity and Time Management Publicity Public Speaking Reputation Management Running Your Business Sales Search Engine Optimization Social Media Success Technology Working Smarter Writing and Publishing

Learn About

Mystery Shopping
Book Publishing
Marketing
Becoming an Expert
Free Publicity

Return to top of page

Copyright © 1998 - 2023 Cathy Stucker - All Rights Reserved