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Networking
“I Don’t Want To” Doesn’t Cut It…Network Anyway
By justPasadena.com | December,2008
Resources
You will develop important relationships with people who offer valuable
services to enhance both your business and personal life. Remember that
networking is not only about looking for customers; if you’re smart you
will also be on the hunt for good business alliances that can exchange
referrals with you. Strong business alliances can ignite a
word-of-mouth marketing machine that is not only free, but also often
chalk full of qualified leads.
Referrals
Maybe you stumble with words, and hate “face time”, but if you offer a
good product or service and people feel they can trust you, you will
get new business and referrals. The key is not to expect the magic to
happen overnight. It takes time to build relationships, but once you
establish a connection, and prove that you are reliable, the referrals
come naturally and often.
Competition
If you’re not networking and promoting your products, you’re only
making your competition’s job easier. Your competition is networking.
It won’t be hard forever It will get easier and easier the more you do
it, we promise. In many networking venues, you have a chance to stand
up and give your 30 seconds or elevator pitch. Think about what to say,
try out a few different approaches, and see how the crowd responds. It
is unlikely that anyone will remember if you mess up, but if they do
remember your blunder, then at least they’ll have you in the forefront
of their mind when a friend of theirs asks, “Do you know a good... “You
just have to go to the meetings consistently. Eventually, the jitters
will fade, and sales will rise.
Practice makes perfect (and sales)
You will get practice explaining your product and service and
eventually, you get a good patter down that will intrigue customers and
help them understand what you have to offer. This is very valuable.
Knowing what phrases are likely to attract your customers and how to
explain your services/products quickly, will help you to schmooze in
line at the grocery store, at birthday parties, and even when your
buying products or services from others.
Inspiration
Getting out of the office and meeting people brings up opportunities
you would never have expected. It can be very exhilarating and
refreshing. When you network, you get a chance to see someone’s face
light up as you describe your business. You might even be called a
“God-Send” or “Hero” or “Treasure”. Watching others get excited about
your business is contagious. You will inevitably go back to the office
inspired and ready to get down to business.
Start with your Pasadena Chamber of Commerce. This is an excellent
business resource and a good venue to start networking. There are many
other local networking groups like Leads Clubs, BNI, Rotary and more.
Find a format and schedule that works for you. If you want to see
marketing expenses go down and income go up, then get out there and
start schmoozing with the rest of us.The team at justPasadena.com collaborates on articles. Each employee contributes ideas, Kate edits for business friendliness and Libby has the final edit for humor's sake. Our aim is to provide useful and entertaining information.
