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Networking is a crucial component<\/a> in a business owner or entrepreneur\u2019s life, but most don\u2019t know the secret of how to make networking more productive. Shaking hands and exchanging business cards rarely creates a lasting connection that will translate into a productive (and profitable) business relationship. You have to go deeper than that and it requires a little time and a follow up strategy but, for now, I am going to give you 10 ways to get the process started on being productive and in part two, I will share the follow up strategies to make it profitable.<\/p>\n 1. Start with the contacts you already have.<\/span> 2. It is not just about referrals or making a sale.<\/span> 3. It is not about exchanging business cards.<\/span> 4. NEVER add someone to your email list without their permission.<\/span> 5. Remember it is also about who they know and who knows them.<\/span> 6. Asking better questions will get better answers.<\/span> 7. Remember birthdays, anniversaries and holidays.<\/span> 8. Ask them what they need or how you can serve them FIRST.<\/span>Networking Tips that Increase Profits<\/h2>\n
\nMany entrepreneurs have built a six figure business by networking with the people they already know. Cultivate and invest in those connections and build those relationships<\/a> first.<\/p>\n
\nYour focus should not be on making a sale, but instead it should be on what introduction you can make or what resource you can share that will fill a need that other person has.<\/p>\n
\nIt is about getting to know the person behind the business card and developing a relationship with them. It is better to have a few synergistic conversations than to give away all your business cards.<\/p>\n
\nThis is not only a turn off but it is against the can-spam law as well. The exchange of a business card is not implied consent to add them to your email list.<\/p>\n
\nWhen you take the time to cultivate a relationship with someone, you are also creating a connection to those that they know and those that know them.<\/p>\n
\nTry trading in the over used \u201cWhat do you do?\u201d for alternatives such as \u201cWho do you serve?\u201d which will help you establish some synergy you can build on if you both serve some of the same industries.<\/p>\n
\nSome social media platforms such as Facebook can help you with this. If you want to make an even bigger impression, try sending an actual card from time to time. Since that is rarely done in this digital age, it will leave a lasting impression.<\/p>\n
\nThen try to provide what they need by connecting them with someone you know and trust without the expectation of getting something in return.<\/p>\n