Develop partnerships! Link up with another professional in a complementary business to promote mutual business.
Networking Tip Of The Week – Writing Notes on Cards
Write notes on the backs of business cards you collect. Record anything you think may be useful in remembering each person more clearly. This will come in handy when you follow up with your new contacts.
Networking Tip Of The Week – Review Your Contacts
While there are few networking events occurring during the holidays, this is a good time to review your contacts. Send a note to those you have not seen for a while and schedule some time to reconnect after the first of the year. Or, if you are not away on vacation, you may even make time to reconnect with a few people who are also in town during the holidays.
Networking Tip of The Week – Referrals
Follow up on referrals. If you’re presented with an opportunity, whether it’s a piece of information, a special contact or a qualified business referral make sure you act on it immediately and thank the source.
Networking Tip of The Week – Build Relationships with Your Competitors
Build relationships with your competitors so you can refer business that’s too small, too big, or too far away.
Networking Tip of The Week – Doing Business During The Holidays
The holiday season is here but that doesn’t mean you should forget about business from Thanksgiving through to New Year’s Day. On the contrary! With its many opportunities for making new contacts, this time of year can be one of the best periods to network, but you must respect the season. Be more gracious than usual and perfect the art of small talk. Describe what you do in an entertaining, story-like, humorous, conversational manner.
Networking Tip Of The Week – Focus on Networking
Don’t maximize current billable hours at the expense of networking. Networking now maximizes future growth, opportunities and revenue.
Networking Tip Of The Week – Leave On A High Note
Always leave on a high note. Know when to exit a conversation and excuse yourself from the conversation before it begins to die down.
Networking Tip Of The Week – Ask Open Ended Questions
When networking try to ask open-ended questions whenever possible. These are questions that ask who, what, where, when, and how as opposed to those that can be answered with a simple yes or no. This opens up rather than closes down the conversation.
Networking Tip Of The Week – Build Relationships
Follow -Up. Consistent, focused contacts build strong relationships. Follow up on that referral you sent. Did it turn into business for the company you recommended. If not, why? Here’s a chance to find out more specifically how you can help fellow business professionals.