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How to be Great at Networking




Copyright © 2009 by Alan Fairweather all rights reserved. No part of this
book may be reproduced in any form and by any means (including
electronically, mechanically, by photocopying or otherwise) without written
permission of the publisher.

Published by:
Alan Fairweather International
6 Keith Row
Edinburgh
EH4 3NL
Scotland
United Kingdom
+44 (0) 131 315 2687
alan@themotivationdoctor.com

© Alan Fairweather The Motivation Doctor 2009    www.themotivationdoctor.com


                                                                               1
How to be Great at Networking

About the Author

                       Alan Fairweather, The Motivation Doctor, is an
                       International Speaker, Best Selling Author and
                       Business Development Expert. For the past sixteen
                       years, has been turning “adequate” Managers, Sales
                       and Customer Service people into consistent top
                       performers.

                       After training as an engineer, he moved into sales and
                       management, holding senior positions in the
                       Electronics, Industrial Supplies, Car maintenance and
                       Drinks Industry.

A qualified Psychotherapist and Hypnotherapist, he founded his business in
1993. As an International Speaker, he works with people and organisations,
throughout the UK and South East Asia, to achieve business results through
behaviour change.

Alan has broad experience across many industries and runs seminars and
workshops for people in – Financial Services, Telecommunications,
Hospitality, Healthcare, Property Management, Legal, Accountancy, Printing,
Mobile Phones, Media and Computer Hardware and Software.

Alan is very much results driven and is committed to helping businesses find
new customers faster, lose fewer customers and win more sales from existing
customers.

If you want Alan to speak at your Conference or Meeting and for your FREE
e-book, newsletter and other bonuses, you can check out his website at -
www.themotivationdoctor.com
And book him on –
alan@themotivationdoctor.com




© Alan Fairweather The Motivation Doctor 2009      www.themotivationdoctor.com


                                                                                 2
How to be Great at Networking



                                                      Contents
About the Author ........................................................................................................ 2

Contents........................................................................................................................ 3
   What is it? .................................................................................................................... 4

   Why do it? ................................................................................................................... 4

   When and where .......................................................................................................... 5

   How to do it ................................................................................................................ 6

   Approaching people ................................................................................................. 7

   Follow up your networking ........................................................................................ 11

   Business network ....................................................................................................... 12




© Alan Fairweather The Motivation Doctor 2009                                         www.themotivationdoctor.com


                                                                                                                                        3
How to be Great at Networking

What is it?
                     Networking is probably the oldest, easiest, most effective
                     and least expensive way to get business to come to you. It
                     doesn‟t necessarily involve selling your product or
                     service, but it does mean selling yourself. However, that
                     doesn‟t involve a lot of talking – it does involve a lot of
                     listening.

                     Networking is about making connections with people
                     and building a network of meaningful relationships.
                     Having good relationships means – these people will
                     either do business with you and/or recommend you to
                     others.
                     These people are your unpaid sales-force and you’ve
                     got to ensure that they do a good job.



Why do it?

                     Many business people tell me that they get most of their
                     new customers from „word of mouth.‟ When I ask them
                     what they do to generate „word of mouth‟ business, they
                     usually say – “We don’t do anything, it just happens.”
                     Just think how much more word of mouth business they
                     could generate if they did something to promote it –
                     that‟s where Networking comes in.

                     Networking is one of the most important things you can
                     do to get customers to come to you.

                     You might have the sort of business whereby potential
                     customers look up Yellow Pages or some other listing or
                     even respond to your advertising. However, as I‟m sure
                     you‟re aware, many people ask others when they‟re
                     looking for a particular product or service –

                     “Which computer so you use, do you like it, where did
                     you get it?”

                     “Do you know of a graphic designer I could use?”




© Alan Fairweather The Motivation Doctor 2009       www.themotivationdoctor.com


                                                                                   4
How to be Great at Networking
                     “Who does your printing – what are they like to deal
                     with?”

                     “Who did you use to do your removal when you moved
                     house last month?”

                     People talk all the time and they‟re more likely to do
                     business with someone they‟ve met and been impressed
                     with or have heard about from a friend or colleague.



When and where
                     You do it all the time and everywhere you go.

                     “I look upon every day to be lost in which I do not make
                     a new acquaintance” – Samuel Johnson

                     Networking can be done formally or informally.
Always               Formal networking takes place when you allocate time in
                     your diary to get out, and do it at –
networking
                        Chamber of Commerce meetings
                        Networking clubs
                        Professional associations
                        Breakfast meetings
                        Rotary clubs
                        Other business groups

                     These are the events you attend with the prime purpose
                     of networking – you go where your customers go (or to
                     meet people who could lead you to a customer)

                     Informal networking takes place at:

                        The gym
                        The golf club
                        PTA‟s
                        Churches
                        Social clubs
                        Parties
                        Aeroplanes
                        And absolutely everywhere you come into contact
                        with other people

© Alan Fairweather The Motivation Doctor 2009      www.themotivationdoctor.com


                                                                                 5
How to be Great at Networking

                     However this doesn‟t mean boring the pants off everyone
                     you meet, telling them about your wonderful product or
                     service. But it does mean taking every opportunity to sell
                     - You.
                     After all – to most people, you are the business. I‟m sure
                     you‟ve heard the saying – “People buy people first”
                     If people „buy you‟ then they‟re much more likely to be
                     interested in what you do and accept what you say.

How to do it
                        Be prepared – Particularly if you‟re attending a formal
                        networking event like the Chamber of Commerce –

                        Think about whom you‟ll be meeting - Consider what
                        your opening remarks or questions will be. And think
                        about what you‟re going to say when they question
                        you. (We‟ll look at this a bit closer further on)
                        Make sure you have lots of business cards, a small
                        notebook and a pen - These should be easily accessible
                        and not involve a rummage through pockets or a bag
                        to find them.
                     Reminder – NEVER go anywhere without business
                     cards
                        You don‟t necessarily need brochures - These can be
                        sent when you follow up later. A networking event is
                        not a place to sell you product or service. (This is not
                        understood by the people who have bored the pants
                        off me over the years)
                        Think about what you‟re going to wear – I‟ve seen
                        people rush into a networking event in clothes that
                        look like they‟ve been slept in. If it means having a
                        change of clothes in the office or going home to
                        freshen up – then do it. Remember, the image you
                        present to other people is the image they‟ll have of
                        your business. Men should wear a bright tie (not
                        cheap) and women should wear something bright.
                        Remember, however – business dress, not sexy.
                        Personal hygiene – Brush your teeth or use a breath
                        freshener. I‟ve met people at networking events whose
                        breath would bring down a rhino at fifty feet. Avoid
                        drinking wine; it can make your breath sour especially
                        to those who‟re on a soft drink.


© Alan Fairweather The Motivation Doctor 2009       www.themotivationdoctor.com


                                                                                   6
How to be Great at Networking
                        Watch out for the perfume – Both men and women,
                        strong scents can be overpowering.
                        Name badges – They‟ll probably hand these out at the
                        event, however consider having your own produced.
                        They‟re not expensive to produce and it means you
                        can ensure that what‟s on the badge is what you want.
                        (Conference organisers often get the details wrong on
                        name badges) Pin the badge on your right lapel – it‟s
                        easier for people to read. The majority of people shake
                        hands with their right hand. As you lean forward to
                        shake hands, it means that the other person can read
                        your badge easier.
                        Go with a partner – Take a friend or one of your team
                        to a networking event. While you‟re there, alternately
                        separate and come together. When you see your
                        partner with someone or a group, walk up and let
                        your partner introduce you. Your partner will
                        introduce you using your Sloggo (we‟re coming to
                        that shortly) it‟s then easier for you to make more
                        contacts.

Approaching people
                     I‟ve been attending networking events for over fifteen
                     years and I‟m still slightly self-conscious about
                     approaching two or three people chatting together.
                     However, I know I‟m there to make contacts so I get on
                     with it.
                     I have never been rejected by anyone and in most cases
                     people are pleased that you‟ve joined them. They want to
                     network too and it saves them the trouble and difficulty
                     of approaching you.

                        Smile – look friendly - If you look too serious you may
                        make the other people feel nervous.
                        Opening remarks could be – “Hi, I’m Alan – what did
                        you think of that speaker?” or “Isn’t this a great
                        venue, have you been here before?” or “Did you enjoy
                        your lunch?” Any other kind of opening small talk is
                        good. If you approach someone at the buffet table you
                        could ask them about the food.
                        Don‟t be negative and don‟t whinge - Don‟t say things
                        like – “What a miserable day” or “I don’t think much
                        of this hotel” or “I thought that speaker was really
                        poor”

© Alan Fairweather The Motivation Doctor 2009      www.themotivationdoctor.com


                                                                                  7
How to be Great at Networking
                        Open with something positive – Introduce yourself
                        and then ask – “And what does your business do?”
                        Use the person‟s name and the business name from
                        their badge.
                        Get interested – If you want to be interesting then be
                        interested. This is one of the best ways to sell you.
                        Look at them and smile - listen and look like you‟re
                        listening. Empathise with their problems and give
                        them genuine compliments. Use their name but don‟t
                        overdo it. Find out everything you can about the
                        individual and their business.
                        Don‟t be dismissive of people – It‟s too easy to think –
                        “They‟re not a potential customer for me” and then
                        switch off. I‟ve been in the situation where someone
                        has said – “Alan, I don’t think I’d be able to do
                        business with you, however I do know someone who’d
                        be very interested in what you do. I’ll give them your
                        card.” Of course, you politely ask if it would be alright
                        to contact their friend. Remember – people may not be
                        able to do business with you but they can become one
                        of your unpaid sales people.
                        Be likeable – People will only talk about you to other
                        people if they like you. You might have the best
                        product or service in the world but people won‟t talk
                        about you or your business unless they like you.
                        Keep moving – Although you want to spend time
                        with people, there comes a point when you‟ll have
                        found out all you need to know, and established
                        whether you‟re going to follow up later or not. Resist
                        the temptation to talk too much about your business
                        even if the other person is interested – leave that for
                        another time. You need to move on and meet some
                        more people, after all that‟s what your really there for.
                        You could make your exit by saying something like –
                        “It’s been really interesting talking to you Mary, I’ll
                        give you a call next week with that information I
                        promised and perhaps we can talk further. I need to go
                        and get another drink.” Make sure your glass is empty
                        and theirs isn‟t or you‟ll feel obliged to get them one.
                        You could also say – “I must go and wash my hands”
                        or “It’s been really interesting talking to you John,
                        thank you for your card, I’ve just seen someone I’d
                        like to talk to, hopefully we’ll meet again.”



© Alan Fairweather The Motivation Doctor 2009       www.themotivationdoctor.com


                                                                                    8
How to be Great at Networking
                              Don‟t drink alcohol – Skip the wine and have an
                              orange juice, water or a coffee. Networking is a semi-
                              social occasion but you‟re there to do business.
                              Alcohol and business don‟t mix.
                              Get there early – Your goal is to meet as many people
                              as possible so get there when the event starts. Also be
                              the last to leave – I‟ve made some great contacts as I
                              was walking out the door.

                           Of course the moment will come when they ask the
                           inevitable question – “And what do you do?”
                           This is your moment – your chance to tell people about
                           your wonderful product or service and mesmerise them
                           with your brilliance – NO IT’S NOT!
Networking is not          Remember – when networking - your goal is to sell
selling                    yourself to as many people as possible. The objective is to
                           get them really interested in you and eventually bring
                           you business and/or tell other people about you. When
                           you start to talk about your product or service, there‟s a
                           strong possibility that the other person will switch off.
                           That‟s why you need a Sloggo – you need to say
                           something that‟ll grab the other person‟s attention and
                           make them want to hear more.
                           A Sloggo – sometimes known as an elevator speech
                           needs to be:

                                 A brief description that says exactly what you do
                                 and who you do it for
                                 A benefit statement that offers value to your
                                 customer or client
                                 Short and punchy – 10 to 20 seconds maximum
                                 Not glib or yucky
                                 Variable – you should have different Sloggos
                                 depending on who you‟re speaking to
                                 Delivered with enthusiasm and energy
                                 Associated with good feelings – appeal to the
                                 emotions
                                 Something you can use on various occasions – over
                                 the phone – on your business cards – brochures –
                                 website – email signature - letterheads
                                 Something that grabs attention and makes the
                                 other person want to learn more




      © Alan Fairweather The Motivation Doctor 2009       www.themotivationdoctor.com


                                                                                         9
How to be Great at Networking
                        Here are some examples of Sloggos from people in –

                            A computer or software business – “I show
                            companies how to get more out of their computer
                            systems so that they can improve their customer
                            service and get more sales.”
                            A marketing business – “We improve a company’s
                            image so that they can get more profit from their
                            business.”
                            A financial business – “I show people how to save
                            money so that they can have an enjoyable
                            retirement.”
                            A relocation business – “We move people’s
                            domestic and commercial belongings, with great
                            care and with no stress to the individual.”
                            I would say – “I’m a Professional Speaker, I show
                            managers how to keep customers, keep their
                            people and keep their senses.”

                      I particularly like the Interior Decorator who says – “I’m
                     in the three bares business – I deal with bare walls – bare
                     windows and bare floors.”
                      Or the Insurance Broker who says – “I buy insurance”
                     and when the other person asks what he means, he says –
                     “I buy the best insurance policy I can find for my
                     clients.”

                     Write out your Sloggo and practise it until you‟re
                     comfortable with it and it becomes part of you.
                     Once you‟ve gained the other person‟s interest, your goal
                     is to find out about them and what their needs are. There
                     is no point in talking about the features and benefits of
                     your product or service if they are of no interest to the
                     other person.
                     Remember – You are not selling – you want to find out
                     about the other person, and if there is potential to do
                     business, or if they can lead you to business. If there is -
                     then agree to follow up at a later date by phone or make
                     an appointment there and then.




© Alan Fairweather The Motivation Doctor 2009        www.themotivationdoctor.com


                                                                                    10
How to be Great at Networking

Follow up your networking
                     You should have collected lots of business cards at any
                     networking event. These should also be marked with
                     information that‟ll help you with your follow up.

                     When you get back to your desk:

                        Log all details into your contact list - ACT is an
                        excellent contact management system and there are
                        others. Their website – http://www.act.com/. You
                        can buy direst from ACT or any other software
                        supplier; shop around for discounts. Another product
                        worth investing in, is a card scanner. This is an
                        excellent product which makes the job of inputting
                        information, so much quicker. Have a look at:
                        http://www.cardscanning.com/scan2outlook.php?gc
                        lid=CP3lrt7R1pgCFQo1QwodZmKKcA


                        Do the things you promised people – If you said that
                        you‟d send them information, then do it right away or
                        tell them when you will be doing it

                        Add them to your newsletter list – It‟s important that
                        you get their permission to do this

                        Follow up the leads they gave you – If they gave you
                        any information – follow it up quickly. It‟s also a good
                        idea to let the person know that you followed up their
                        lead and possibly thank them for it

                        Make appointments to discuss things further – Do it
                        the next day while you are still fresh in the other
                        person‟s mind. A week later and they may have
                        forgotten you




© Alan Fairweather The Motivation Doctor 2009       www.themotivationdoctor.com


                                                                                   11
How to be Great at Networking

                     Be aware –

                     Do not fall into the trap of thinking that just because you
                     had a nice little chat with someone and they asked for
                     your business card – that they‟ll do business with you. It
                     may happen but - you’re going to have to do more.

                        Keep in touch
                        Send them your printed or e-mail newsletter
                        Send them occasional bits of information through the
                        post with a hand written note
                        Send them Christmas – Birthday – Easter – New Year
                        – Thanksgiving or any other relevant greetings cards
                        (Don‟t send them all or you‟ll drive them crazy)
                        Send the occasional email with some information that
                        they may find useful
                        Invite them to an event, particularly where they‟ll get
                        to mix with some of your other customers
                        Don‟t be a nuisance – just keep in touch

Business network

                     It‟s also possible to start your own business network. This
                     is where you approach other people in businesses similar
                     to you own and invite them to join your network.
                     You could have regular meetings, possibly for breakfast
                     or lunch and discuss how you will help each other to
                     develop more business.
                     A network for people in the wedding industry could
                     include –

                        Wedding planners
                        Hairdressers
                        Bridal wear
                        Makeup
                        Limousine hire
                        Bakers
                        Bands and DJ‟s
                        Photographers

                     Think about your business and who you could align with
                     - it could lead to some profitable joint ventures.

© Alan Fairweather The Motivation Doctor 2009        www.themotivationdoctor.com


                                                                                   12
How to be Great at Networking

                     The website below gives details of networking clubs in
                     the UK. However there are clubs in every town and city
                     in the US, Canada, Australia and throughout the world.
                     There are also many networking clubs for women only.
                     http://www.uktidy.co.uk/business_networking_clubs.h
                     tm

                     Also check out the website for Business Network
                     International, there‟s bound to one in your area.
                     http://www.bni.com/

                     A book to check:
                     Masters of Networking: Building Relationships for
                     Your Pocketbook and Soul
                     Ivan R. Misner, Don Morgan



                     That‟s us finished looking at networking, as I said at the
                     start it is one of the best ways to get business to come to
                     you.




© Alan Fairweather The Motivation Doctor 2009        www.themotivationdoctor.com


                                                                                   13

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How To Be Great At Networking

  • 1. How to be Great at Networking Copyright © 2009 by Alan Fairweather all rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form and by any means (including electronically, mechanically, by photocopying or otherwise) without written permission of the publisher. Published by: Alan Fairweather International 6 Keith Row Edinburgh EH4 3NL Scotland United Kingdom +44 (0) 131 315 2687 alan@themotivationdoctor.com © Alan Fairweather The Motivation Doctor 2009 www.themotivationdoctor.com 1
  • 2. How to be Great at Networking About the Author Alan Fairweather, The Motivation Doctor, is an International Speaker, Best Selling Author and Business Development Expert. For the past sixteen years, has been turning “adequate” Managers, Sales and Customer Service people into consistent top performers. After training as an engineer, he moved into sales and management, holding senior positions in the Electronics, Industrial Supplies, Car maintenance and Drinks Industry. A qualified Psychotherapist and Hypnotherapist, he founded his business in 1993. As an International Speaker, he works with people and organisations, throughout the UK and South East Asia, to achieve business results through behaviour change. Alan has broad experience across many industries and runs seminars and workshops for people in – Financial Services, Telecommunications, Hospitality, Healthcare, Property Management, Legal, Accountancy, Printing, Mobile Phones, Media and Computer Hardware and Software. Alan is very much results driven and is committed to helping businesses find new customers faster, lose fewer customers and win more sales from existing customers. If you want Alan to speak at your Conference or Meeting and for your FREE e-book, newsletter and other bonuses, you can check out his website at - www.themotivationdoctor.com And book him on – alan@themotivationdoctor.com © Alan Fairweather The Motivation Doctor 2009 www.themotivationdoctor.com 2
  • 3. How to be Great at Networking Contents About the Author ........................................................................................................ 2 Contents........................................................................................................................ 3 What is it? .................................................................................................................... 4 Why do it? ................................................................................................................... 4 When and where .......................................................................................................... 5 How to do it ................................................................................................................ 6 Approaching people ................................................................................................. 7 Follow up your networking ........................................................................................ 11 Business network ....................................................................................................... 12 © Alan Fairweather The Motivation Doctor 2009 www.themotivationdoctor.com 3
  • 4. How to be Great at Networking What is it? Networking is probably the oldest, easiest, most effective and least expensive way to get business to come to you. It doesn‟t necessarily involve selling your product or service, but it does mean selling yourself. However, that doesn‟t involve a lot of talking – it does involve a lot of listening. Networking is about making connections with people and building a network of meaningful relationships. Having good relationships means – these people will either do business with you and/or recommend you to others. These people are your unpaid sales-force and you’ve got to ensure that they do a good job. Why do it? Many business people tell me that they get most of their new customers from „word of mouth.‟ When I ask them what they do to generate „word of mouth‟ business, they usually say – “We don’t do anything, it just happens.” Just think how much more word of mouth business they could generate if they did something to promote it – that‟s where Networking comes in. Networking is one of the most important things you can do to get customers to come to you. You might have the sort of business whereby potential customers look up Yellow Pages or some other listing or even respond to your advertising. However, as I‟m sure you‟re aware, many people ask others when they‟re looking for a particular product or service – “Which computer so you use, do you like it, where did you get it?” “Do you know of a graphic designer I could use?” © Alan Fairweather The Motivation Doctor 2009 www.themotivationdoctor.com 4
  • 5. How to be Great at Networking “Who does your printing – what are they like to deal with?” “Who did you use to do your removal when you moved house last month?” People talk all the time and they‟re more likely to do business with someone they‟ve met and been impressed with or have heard about from a friend or colleague. When and where You do it all the time and everywhere you go. “I look upon every day to be lost in which I do not make a new acquaintance” – Samuel Johnson Networking can be done formally or informally. Always Formal networking takes place when you allocate time in your diary to get out, and do it at – networking Chamber of Commerce meetings Networking clubs Professional associations Breakfast meetings Rotary clubs Other business groups These are the events you attend with the prime purpose of networking – you go where your customers go (or to meet people who could lead you to a customer) Informal networking takes place at: The gym The golf club PTA‟s Churches Social clubs Parties Aeroplanes And absolutely everywhere you come into contact with other people © Alan Fairweather The Motivation Doctor 2009 www.themotivationdoctor.com 5
  • 6. How to be Great at Networking However this doesn‟t mean boring the pants off everyone you meet, telling them about your wonderful product or service. But it does mean taking every opportunity to sell - You. After all – to most people, you are the business. I‟m sure you‟ve heard the saying – “People buy people first” If people „buy you‟ then they‟re much more likely to be interested in what you do and accept what you say. How to do it Be prepared – Particularly if you‟re attending a formal networking event like the Chamber of Commerce – Think about whom you‟ll be meeting - Consider what your opening remarks or questions will be. And think about what you‟re going to say when they question you. (We‟ll look at this a bit closer further on) Make sure you have lots of business cards, a small notebook and a pen - These should be easily accessible and not involve a rummage through pockets or a bag to find them. Reminder – NEVER go anywhere without business cards You don‟t necessarily need brochures - These can be sent when you follow up later. A networking event is not a place to sell you product or service. (This is not understood by the people who have bored the pants off me over the years) Think about what you‟re going to wear – I‟ve seen people rush into a networking event in clothes that look like they‟ve been slept in. If it means having a change of clothes in the office or going home to freshen up – then do it. Remember, the image you present to other people is the image they‟ll have of your business. Men should wear a bright tie (not cheap) and women should wear something bright. Remember, however – business dress, not sexy. Personal hygiene – Brush your teeth or use a breath freshener. I‟ve met people at networking events whose breath would bring down a rhino at fifty feet. Avoid drinking wine; it can make your breath sour especially to those who‟re on a soft drink. © Alan Fairweather The Motivation Doctor 2009 www.themotivationdoctor.com 6
  • 7. How to be Great at Networking Watch out for the perfume – Both men and women, strong scents can be overpowering. Name badges – They‟ll probably hand these out at the event, however consider having your own produced. They‟re not expensive to produce and it means you can ensure that what‟s on the badge is what you want. (Conference organisers often get the details wrong on name badges) Pin the badge on your right lapel – it‟s easier for people to read. The majority of people shake hands with their right hand. As you lean forward to shake hands, it means that the other person can read your badge easier. Go with a partner – Take a friend or one of your team to a networking event. While you‟re there, alternately separate and come together. When you see your partner with someone or a group, walk up and let your partner introduce you. Your partner will introduce you using your Sloggo (we‟re coming to that shortly) it‟s then easier for you to make more contacts. Approaching people I‟ve been attending networking events for over fifteen years and I‟m still slightly self-conscious about approaching two or three people chatting together. However, I know I‟m there to make contacts so I get on with it. I have never been rejected by anyone and in most cases people are pleased that you‟ve joined them. They want to network too and it saves them the trouble and difficulty of approaching you. Smile – look friendly - If you look too serious you may make the other people feel nervous. Opening remarks could be – “Hi, I’m Alan – what did you think of that speaker?” or “Isn’t this a great venue, have you been here before?” or “Did you enjoy your lunch?” Any other kind of opening small talk is good. If you approach someone at the buffet table you could ask them about the food. Don‟t be negative and don‟t whinge - Don‟t say things like – “What a miserable day” or “I don’t think much of this hotel” or “I thought that speaker was really poor” © Alan Fairweather The Motivation Doctor 2009 www.themotivationdoctor.com 7
  • 8. How to be Great at Networking Open with something positive – Introduce yourself and then ask – “And what does your business do?” Use the person‟s name and the business name from their badge. Get interested – If you want to be interesting then be interested. This is one of the best ways to sell you. Look at them and smile - listen and look like you‟re listening. Empathise with their problems and give them genuine compliments. Use their name but don‟t overdo it. Find out everything you can about the individual and their business. Don‟t be dismissive of people – It‟s too easy to think – “They‟re not a potential customer for me” and then switch off. I‟ve been in the situation where someone has said – “Alan, I don’t think I’d be able to do business with you, however I do know someone who’d be very interested in what you do. I’ll give them your card.” Of course, you politely ask if it would be alright to contact their friend. Remember – people may not be able to do business with you but they can become one of your unpaid sales people. Be likeable – People will only talk about you to other people if they like you. You might have the best product or service in the world but people won‟t talk about you or your business unless they like you. Keep moving – Although you want to spend time with people, there comes a point when you‟ll have found out all you need to know, and established whether you‟re going to follow up later or not. Resist the temptation to talk too much about your business even if the other person is interested – leave that for another time. You need to move on and meet some more people, after all that‟s what your really there for. You could make your exit by saying something like – “It’s been really interesting talking to you Mary, I’ll give you a call next week with that information I promised and perhaps we can talk further. I need to go and get another drink.” Make sure your glass is empty and theirs isn‟t or you‟ll feel obliged to get them one. You could also say – “I must go and wash my hands” or “It’s been really interesting talking to you John, thank you for your card, I’ve just seen someone I’d like to talk to, hopefully we’ll meet again.” © Alan Fairweather The Motivation Doctor 2009 www.themotivationdoctor.com 8
  • 9. How to be Great at Networking Don‟t drink alcohol – Skip the wine and have an orange juice, water or a coffee. Networking is a semi- social occasion but you‟re there to do business. Alcohol and business don‟t mix. Get there early – Your goal is to meet as many people as possible so get there when the event starts. Also be the last to leave – I‟ve made some great contacts as I was walking out the door. Of course the moment will come when they ask the inevitable question – “And what do you do?” This is your moment – your chance to tell people about your wonderful product or service and mesmerise them with your brilliance – NO IT’S NOT! Networking is not Remember – when networking - your goal is to sell selling yourself to as many people as possible. The objective is to get them really interested in you and eventually bring you business and/or tell other people about you. When you start to talk about your product or service, there‟s a strong possibility that the other person will switch off. That‟s why you need a Sloggo – you need to say something that‟ll grab the other person‟s attention and make them want to hear more. A Sloggo – sometimes known as an elevator speech needs to be: A brief description that says exactly what you do and who you do it for A benefit statement that offers value to your customer or client Short and punchy – 10 to 20 seconds maximum Not glib or yucky Variable – you should have different Sloggos depending on who you‟re speaking to Delivered with enthusiasm and energy Associated with good feelings – appeal to the emotions Something you can use on various occasions – over the phone – on your business cards – brochures – website – email signature - letterheads Something that grabs attention and makes the other person want to learn more © Alan Fairweather The Motivation Doctor 2009 www.themotivationdoctor.com 9
  • 10. How to be Great at Networking Here are some examples of Sloggos from people in – A computer or software business – “I show companies how to get more out of their computer systems so that they can improve their customer service and get more sales.” A marketing business – “We improve a company’s image so that they can get more profit from their business.” A financial business – “I show people how to save money so that they can have an enjoyable retirement.” A relocation business – “We move people’s domestic and commercial belongings, with great care and with no stress to the individual.” I would say – “I’m a Professional Speaker, I show managers how to keep customers, keep their people and keep their senses.” I particularly like the Interior Decorator who says – “I’m in the three bares business – I deal with bare walls – bare windows and bare floors.” Or the Insurance Broker who says – “I buy insurance” and when the other person asks what he means, he says – “I buy the best insurance policy I can find for my clients.” Write out your Sloggo and practise it until you‟re comfortable with it and it becomes part of you. Once you‟ve gained the other person‟s interest, your goal is to find out about them and what their needs are. There is no point in talking about the features and benefits of your product or service if they are of no interest to the other person. Remember – You are not selling – you want to find out about the other person, and if there is potential to do business, or if they can lead you to business. If there is - then agree to follow up at a later date by phone or make an appointment there and then. © Alan Fairweather The Motivation Doctor 2009 www.themotivationdoctor.com 10
  • 11. How to be Great at Networking Follow up your networking You should have collected lots of business cards at any networking event. These should also be marked with information that‟ll help you with your follow up. When you get back to your desk: Log all details into your contact list - ACT is an excellent contact management system and there are others. Their website – http://www.act.com/. You can buy direst from ACT or any other software supplier; shop around for discounts. Another product worth investing in, is a card scanner. This is an excellent product which makes the job of inputting information, so much quicker. Have a look at: http://www.cardscanning.com/scan2outlook.php?gc lid=CP3lrt7R1pgCFQo1QwodZmKKcA Do the things you promised people – If you said that you‟d send them information, then do it right away or tell them when you will be doing it Add them to your newsletter list – It‟s important that you get their permission to do this Follow up the leads they gave you – If they gave you any information – follow it up quickly. It‟s also a good idea to let the person know that you followed up their lead and possibly thank them for it Make appointments to discuss things further – Do it the next day while you are still fresh in the other person‟s mind. A week later and they may have forgotten you © Alan Fairweather The Motivation Doctor 2009 www.themotivationdoctor.com 11
  • 12. How to be Great at Networking Be aware – Do not fall into the trap of thinking that just because you had a nice little chat with someone and they asked for your business card – that they‟ll do business with you. It may happen but - you’re going to have to do more. Keep in touch Send them your printed or e-mail newsletter Send them occasional bits of information through the post with a hand written note Send them Christmas – Birthday – Easter – New Year – Thanksgiving or any other relevant greetings cards (Don‟t send them all or you‟ll drive them crazy) Send the occasional email with some information that they may find useful Invite them to an event, particularly where they‟ll get to mix with some of your other customers Don‟t be a nuisance – just keep in touch Business network It‟s also possible to start your own business network. This is where you approach other people in businesses similar to you own and invite them to join your network. You could have regular meetings, possibly for breakfast or lunch and discuss how you will help each other to develop more business. A network for people in the wedding industry could include – Wedding planners Hairdressers Bridal wear Makeup Limousine hire Bakers Bands and DJ‟s Photographers Think about your business and who you could align with - it could lead to some profitable joint ventures. © Alan Fairweather The Motivation Doctor 2009 www.themotivationdoctor.com 12
  • 13. How to be Great at Networking The website below gives details of networking clubs in the UK. However there are clubs in every town and city in the US, Canada, Australia and throughout the world. There are also many networking clubs for women only. http://www.uktidy.co.uk/business_networking_clubs.h tm Also check out the website for Business Network International, there‟s bound to one in your area. http://www.bni.com/ A book to check: Masters of Networking: Building Relationships for Your Pocketbook and Soul Ivan R. Misner, Don Morgan That‟s us finished looking at networking, as I said at the start it is one of the best ways to get business to come to you. © Alan Fairweather The Motivation Doctor 2009 www.themotivationdoctor.com 13