Need a Logo or a Website? Compare 8 Free Bids Today. Over 50,000 Designers Worldwide. DesignQuote.net

DQ News: Six (non-sleazy) Steps to Networking

Networking has, over the years, gotten a bad name.  This is probably because of the sleazy behavior exhibited by too many people at networking events.  Some people are pushy, others are obviously phony, and worse, they want something from you, without even considering how they might provide value to you.

Word of mouth is still the most effective method of advertising for the entrepreneur, no one just starting out can afford to get a bad reputation.  The following tips will make your networking more productive and pleasant.

1.     Be Selective With Your Time

Many entrepreneurs start out trying to go in multiple directions at once, setting up Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn accounts, and signing up for networking events. This results in burn-out and discouragement.   Choose where you will focus your attention initially, whether it will be by networking over the internet or in the real world.   If you are going to networking events,then have an idea of who you would like to meet.  Will they be your mentors, prospects, or will they be people who can connect you with the first two?  If you are going to use the world wide web, how will you build the best online profile for each social site?

If you try to do too many things at once, you will not have the time to find out what works and what needs to be fine tuned.

2.     Start With Who You Know

In the real world you work with people on various tasks, but do you really know them?  Most likely not.  Instead of always building more connections, build deeper connections.  Invite someone you work with out for coffee.  Don’t use the time to talk only about work, instead find out their other interests and who they know.

If you can do this with a potential mentor, then be prepared to ask specific questions. Don’t ask things like, “What’s your motivation?” “Do you know so -so?” The first question will get you no where and the second shows that you are obviously trying to get something.  Instead, try, “You’re an expert in,__________ can you give me some advice?”  People love giving advice.  It gives them a chance to express their ideas and their vision.

3. It’s Not About You

You can talk about yourself but only for ten to twenty percent of the time.  Keep the talk focused on them and what they do.  If like me, you’re an introvert, this technique will give you an edge. It’s a one-on-one situation in an un-threatening environment, where both parties can be themselves.

4.     The Close

Now that you’ve established an actual connection, where you’ve talked, gained insight and asked for advice, its time to wrap it up.  Let them know that you are looking for work, help, etc. Be specific about what it is that you’d like them to do and what it is you can do for them or someone they know.  “Well, you know I’m into video.” just doesn’t cut it.  “I do audio editing.  I specialize in making audio clips  on webpages load faster” is a better example of what you need to say.

If you’ve gotten some valuable advice make sure to implement it and when you do, let them know that  you have.  For them it will be encouraging to know that someone respects their wisdom.

5.  Keeping In Touch

Just as a follow-up letter is courteous after a job interview, so to is a follow-up e-mail to the people you invite out.  A week later write and say what a pleasure it was to get to know them and and let them know you welcome new clients.  If they know anyone who can use your services, then they should pass on your contact information.

Reach out to your new contacts three or four times per year.  In this way you can let them know what you are doing and most importantly, ask about them.  There are a number of Customer Relationship Management Tools (i.e: Highrise) that allow you to capture everything you know about your contacts, which you can use to make sure that they remain impressed with you.

If you do these steps properly, you are now valuable to your contacts. When something that is relevant to your field comes up in their lives, they’ll think of you.

6.      Consistency is Key

The process of networking need not be uncomfortable, confusing or sleazy.  It involves some of the most basic of human concepts, meeting people and understanding how to provide value to them.

While all of the above steps may seem like a lots of work, remember that just one new client can pay for all of the effort.  A consistent expansion of your network will lead to consistent growth in your revenue.

About the Author: Jeremy Delancy is a writer for Passive Panda. Passive Panda focuses on a variety of entrepreneurship, freelance, and small business topics. For more tips on email strategies — as well as information about networking, negotiation, and earning more — join Passive Panda’s Free Newsletter.

Photo Credit: Goynang

Want to be our next guest author? Click here for details…

Need a Logo for your new company? Compare 8 Free Bids Today. Over 50,000 Designers Worldwide. DesignQuote.net

The 3 Best Reasons Why the Time is Ripe to Get Your Business Valued

  If you have no immediate interest in selling your business then you might think a business valuation is an unnecessary expense. But there are a whole host of reasons why you should be getting an understanding of the value of your business that don’

Overcoming Management Confidence Issues

A new survey, conducted by CIPD, suggests that 21% of employees fear that they will imminently lose their jobs and that over a third believe their standard of living has dropped in the last six months highlights what a stressful time it currently is for w

How Small Business Owners Can Use Open-Source Code

Open-source code is a big part of the Web 3.0 revolution because it fits one of the key driving factors: collaboration. Open-source code is developed by several people (even thousands) working together to make a usable tool or program. Even when it’s fini

Entrepreneur Educates Entrepreneurial Women Using Life Lessons

Rachel Young has seen both sides of business. She was once homeless, running a business out of her car. She has even experienced the joys of success. Now Rachel believes it is time to share her lessons with fellow female entrepreneurs, and help guide them

The Best Business Bars

Enterpreneur recently releases a list of the best business bars. Whether you want to rub elbows with investors or hear the latest business gossip. Elixer in San Francisco is the best bar for business gossip. among entrepreneurs, venture capitalists and fo