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 Posté le: Lun Sep 30, 2013 3:39 pm Sujet du message: Ask the experts: How do I make the most of network |
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{Ask the experts: How do I make the most of networking opportunities?}
Christine Pilkington, Helen Stepchuck and Tania LoTue Jul 2,[url=http://www.moncler-sale.org]discount moncler jackets[/url], 2013 12:01am PSTChristine Pilkington: Founder and CEO of Crisp Media Inc. (VancouverMom.ca)Networking is an essential part of running a business. Here's how to make sure you stand out from the crowd.Be clear on why you're there. Who will be attending this event? Will your target customer be there? Your time is limited; spend it only on events that will help you get closer to your goals. Know what your business is about. Have a polished 30-second elevator pitch ready. You don't need to explain the whole thing, just a few key points to get the conversation started.Listen. Really listen. Jumping into "pitch mode" can be a real turnoff. Listening first also gives you a good chance to customize the information about your business.Don't monopolize. People are there to meet other people. Avoid being that person that talks someone's ear off. Read body language and exit gracefully.Create quality relationships. Belong to at least one or two associations or groups. You'll stay in touch with regular attendees, and it's easier to meet people when you're in familiar territory among friends.Know the organizers. If you join an association, get to know the key people involved. A good organizer knows his or her membership and will be able to introduce you to other attendees that might complement what you're doing.Follow up. Don't let those business cards collect dust at the side of your desk. Schedule time in your calendar to send followup emails or update your LinkedIn connections. Do this the next day when the interaction is still fresh and top of mind.Use Twitter before, during and after the event. Twitter is a great way to keep the conversation going well after an event is over. Follow and participate with the hashtag stream if one's available. Pay attention to who else is participating for additional opportunities to connect with people you didn't have a chance to meet at the event.Helen Stepchuck: Marketing director, Cucumber MarketingWith the plethora of marketing tools out there – for any budget, and business of any size – word of mouth remains the number 1 marketing channel. How do you tap into this miraculous business-growth panacea?It's not about selling to your network; it's about building your network, building relationships. You go to the networking events to meet new people (and, secondary, to tell them about your business). Don't make it a cold-call-fiesta kind of evening. Be cool and be curious.Avoid being "the networking one-night stand" – stay connected,[url=http://www.moncler-sale.org]moncler sale[/url], support and follow people's growth. It's not about "how soon you follow up" with people after the event; it's about how genuine your interest is.Networking doesn't bring you an immediate return on investment. It takes time to see the "results." Last week I got a call from a potential client,[url=http://www.moncler-sale.org]moncler sale[/url], referred to Cucumber by someone I met (and stayed in touch with) five years ago. Do not give up!Invest your time. Especially in the first years of your business – go to as many events as possible – explore various groups, see what works for you. It goes: visibility,[url=http://www.moncler-sale.org]moncler down jackets[/url], credibility and then profitability. Make sure you are visible in your community and people know what you are up to.Remember you are always networking (do not discount anyone, not even that grandma next door). It doesn't mean you are going to (literally) give her your elevator pitch every time you see her, but do make sure she knows what you do. Our best projects and clients came from very unexpected sources sometime. Be open to opportunities.Networking is a great opportunity to get your name out there. But also, you will develop friendships along the way,[url=http://www.moncler-sale.org]moncler outlet[/url], and nothing beats doing business with people you like and trust.Tania Lo: COO and CFO,[url=http://www.moncler-sale.org]moncler outlet[/url], Momentum magazineNetworking is connecting with people, and we definitely don't do it enough, i.e., spend time with our peers and friends and even our significant others to learn about what they are learning in their lives. With new people,[url=http://www.moncler-sale.org]moncler on sale[/url], it's a great opportunity to connect with those who have similar goals and visions for the world.Here are four tips for making the most of networking:Ask the question "What are you here to learn?" This goes both ways. I really like asking that question when I go to events. One, it helps to have something to say for those awkward moments. Two, if I can be a resource. Three, your responses to each other will quickly allow both sides to know whether each has something to share.Be honest; be yourself. If you are honest and are yourself, you're going to naturally connect with people that you are comfortable with. That doesn't mean that because you're shy,[url=http://www.moncler-sale.org]moncler on sale[/url], you're doomed. It just means that networking regularly will increase your comfort level and,[url=http://www.moncler-sale.org]discount moncler jackets[/url], as time goes by, you'll find your groove and,[url=http://www.moncler-sale.org]moncler down jackets[/url], when you're at the next event, you'll feel less intimidated.Follow up with an email and connect via LinkedIn. That ensures that you're in each other's address book and you can easily reconnect with each other again.Use social-media tools as networking opportunities. Your online personality is an extension of your professional self that cannot be ignored. I use Twitter to share thoughts and articles and follow those that have interesting perspectives. I use LinkedIn to keep track of people I have met or worked with. Great professional questions and topics are being discussed on LinkedIn forums and groups. And, over the past few years, @momentummag has built a following of more than 12,000 – and I've just recently started my own account. It's been fun starting from scratch.You know the saying "it's about who you know"; well, to some extent that is true – but what's great about today is you can grow your own network.Tags: strategy and marketing
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