How can networking help your business
Most people and organisations ignore something that’s right under their noses: the networks they already belong to. Instead they look around for expensive and complex marketing solutions. By understanding these networks, by mapping them and then taking action, every individual and every organisation can achieve very effective low or no cost marketing.
It is generally accepted that if you are over 25 years old, you will know upwards of a thousand people. That is people you would recognise if they bumped into you in the street. And because everyone has a similar number of contacts it is thought everyone in the world is connected by no more than 6 separate contacts. This is known as the theory of “Six degrees of separation”.
The essence of networking is that all business is in the end transacted between individuals so you build and develop your network to reach those people that need your product or service.
Great businesses make the most of the relationships they build over many years, creating repeat business. In fact some need to advertise no more, such is the power of who they are, what they do and the reputation they have built. The basis of all business transactions is trust. And trust is very hard to create if you are meeting people, in however friendly a setting, for a short period of time. You can swap business cards and perhaps meet up in the future - and at that point your trust has grown and you can do business.
Salesforce.com is an excellent tool for recording and managing these relationships
In addition there are some key skills that effective networkers have developed which build trust and make other people want to help you
Here are some ideas:
- You listen well and pay full attention
- You are more interested in other people than yourself
- You keep promises and do what you say you will
- You are a great friend when others are in need
- You share resources and put the people you know in touch with each other
- You aren't judgemental, but very objective (fact-based) when dealing with others
- You talk less than you listen more
- You make time for others when you say you will
- You say 'yes' when you can and 'no' when you can't - and are honest about it
- You are encouraging, enthusiastic, supportive and challenging with those you know
Call Stuart Gascoyne today for an initial consultation.
Tel: 01246 267761
email: sgascoyne(AT)kickingboy.co.uk - replace (AT) with @
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