7 Reasons to Network_00002

							?There are many articles written about networking but you have to DO what they say!
Here are 7 ideas. You have thought of them but have you done them yet?

1. Get out to get thinking. Meet people. Choose the right group AFTER defining your
target market. Getting out also means you aren't "stale" doing the same thing. You
have something to look forward to. Gas is expensive and "carpooling" makes driving
cheaper and gives you somebody to talk to. You'll feel good no matter what.

2. Use ezines to meet people. You probably don't know all of the people who sign up
for your newsletter when they register on your website. Look at their email address. If
it says something like trudy@smallbizbuilder.com then the last part is the name of
their website. For example, mine is . Some people use their hotmail, gmail or AOL so
you can't find them. Go to their website, look at every page and then get in touch. You
may connect and have a good reason to do business!

3. Choose the "right" groups. Whom do you want to sell to? What do you want them
to buy from you?
* Have several "elevator pitches" ready. You don't know which works best, who'll
attend, and what you want to promote.
* What is the event location? Do you want to go there? Does your target market go
there?
* What does it cost ? Do you have to be a member? How many sessions can you
attend without joining?
* Can you stand and tell everyone what you do or do you have to "mingle" and meet
as many people as possible?
* Is there a featured speaker talking about a topic that you would like to learn? Will
the speaker and/ or the topic attract people you want to speak with?
* Where, how, and to whom is the event marketed?
* Is there a website where you can get answers to your questions?

4. Connect with others that you meet. Keep a database of people you've met. Enter
what they do. Talk to them about things other than their business and you also know
what they did before and what they're interested in . Introduce them to each other or
send them and the person you referred them to an email. This is great because you
have a reason to stay in touch.
Here are some connections you can make:
* Artists with restaurants, coffee shops, spas, stores.
* Authors & musicians with bookstores for readings / presentations/ music.
* Book on Healthy Eating/ Lifestyles with a store that sells running things.
* How to get your house ready to sell talk by a home stager with a flower/ garden
shop or one that sells "knick knacks" for homes.
* Personal chefs/ caterers with a chocolate shop, a cookbook store, a tea or a coffee
shop.
* OR … introduce someone with a new business to those who are "seasoned".
5. Watch their faces when you describe your business. That can tell you a lot. It's
difficult because you may not feel comfortable with public speaking or you want to
have a "perfect" speech. They may smile and nod if they agree with you or it
describes them. They may look puzzled and confused by what you said. They may
appear shocked. They may frown as if they disagree. All are excellent because you
have a reason to speak to them to ask why they made that expression and what they
would like to know. The only thing you DON'T want to observe is indifference. Then
you haven't said anything "memorable" and you know you must change your
"elevator speech".

6. Make use of the concept of "back at you". You have a great conversation. You knew
that they had what you needed or would refer you to someone they endorsed. ASK
them if you can send them your newsletter. Have them write "newsletter" on their
business card. Send them an email with a copy of your last newsletter.

7. Build a relationship. Meet people. See them often. Go to events. You never know
who you'll meet, what they do, what they did before, who they know ... or what YOU
can give. And you'll feel good no matter what happens.


You never know what will work. One thing is sure though. They'll remember you as
the person who gave them an idea. Say something that gets their attention!

Many of my clients are people I've met at networking events.




2008 ? Trudy Van Buskirk - Smallbizbuilder

Do you want to grow your biz with marketing? Trudy Van Buskirk, entrepreneur and
founder of Smallbizbuilder, has been helping small business owners be better
marketers since 1980 and publishes a free ezine with a practical marketing tip to use
right away, and books designed to create business success. Go to her website at . Here
you can get more products and programs to grow your business easily. Reach her at
trudy@smallbizbuilder.com