Sep
15
Reader Tip: Making Contacts
Posted by the Networking Goddess in Networking Tips, Networking Groups and Functions
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Reader Tip: Making Contacts
Hi Nancy:
I do a lot of networking with a friend of mine Jeanne McDonald. Jeanne works for Northwestern Mutual and I have a marketing consulting firm. Jeanne and I have devised the following process for networking.
-Whenever we meet a new contact that may be of interest to each other or someone that each other may know, we write it down in our notebooks, with pertinent contact information and needs.
-When we meet or speak (which used to be twice a month but is now at least twice a month), we sit down and discuss the contacts that we met, discuss their needs and if our initial thoughts were correct.
-If so, we provide a virtual connection via email for that contact and a conversation begins.
-After contact has been made and if deemed helpful, we meet with that person or just have a conversation. We normally add that person to our address book with notes for the future. I believe Jeanne also has a note card for each person she meets as well.
-I can’t tell you how many wonderful contacts both Jeanne and I have met through this process and how many resources (other than our services.) we have been able to give to people. -We don’t get tired of meeting or doing this due to the success and helpful introductions we have made.
It may be helpful for the group to discuss contacts and then brainstorm as a group synergies that may exist for this new contact.
I hope you find this helpful!
Beth
Thank you Beth for sharing!
Nancy
Your Networking Goddess
Sep
15
Broadcast Networking
Posted by the Networking Goddess in Types of Networking, Getting Leads, General
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Broadcast Networking
Networking is the process of building strong mutually-beneficial relationships. In order to do that, we need to meet people. There are some interesting ways to do that, which I call “broadcast networking”- telling as many people as you can about you in a non-threatening, professional way. Here are some ideas:
1. Use community bulletin boards at local stores. These can be used to post your business card, lead requests , requests for help, for sale items, help wanted..all sorts of things that get your name out to the public.
2. Join organizations- and not just business ones. You can meet a lot of people through civic groups, religious groups, social groups, Fraternities, and other none business groups. Remember with these groups, you need to give first, before you can take.
3. Use the media- Press releases and news stories are great exposure. And don’t forget the non-business releases and stories you could post. These also serve to get your name out there.
4. Family and friends - These people can be great help by asking “who do you know” questions… Who do you know that lives in this neighborhood? Who do you know that’s a printer? Who do you know that’s looking for a babysitter? Who do you know?
Broadcasting your wants and needs is called “all out massive action”. Through this action you can narrow down the field of persons you wish to build stronger relationships with.
Nancy
Your Networking Goddess
Sep
15
Tip: Referrals From Strangers
Posted by the Networking Goddess in Networking Tips, Getting Leads
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Referrals From Strangers
This week’s tip was shared with me by one of my readers. This is EXCELLENT!
Nancy,
I’m doing my income taxes and took a break to read my mail, among which was your excellent ezine. In reading it, with income tax numbers fresh in my head, I realized that I made a “mighty” connection last year by networking with a complete stranger, a connection that yielded me more than $10,000. I think your readers might profit from this tip.
Each week, I try to do one thing that is far-out, i.e., I follow a lead that is somewhat remote. For example, if I saw on CNN’s Pinnacle an individual whose work philosophy parallels a book I’ve just written, I will send that person the book. Sometimes, though, I just send a letter.
Last year, I heard about a woman who has been very successful with a national program geared toward a specific segment of the employment population. I wrote to her, suggesting that we might partner in some way. She wrote back, but–quite honestly–didn’t seem too receptive. A week later, I had a phone call from a state government, asking me to submit a proposal for training. Naturally, I asked how they even knew I existed and was told that the woman had recommended me. In 1998, I earned over $10,000 from that
organization, thanks to someone I have never even met. (Of course, I’ve thanked her profusely several times since.)
The story continues–I’ve just been awarded a two-year contract to continue working with that same state agency! Most of my far-out leads never materialize into anything more than possibilities. But the ones that do have been breathtakingly rewarding.
Regards,
Marlene Caroselli, Ed.D.
Nancy
Your Networking Goddess