| |
| |
|
|
Networking Information |
|
|
|
How to Collect Business Cards
Why the business card grab is not why you are there? So how do you obtain the card and show interest that gains confidence? One of the things I am also always asked is, "How do you collect cards?" and "What do you do with them when you get them back to the office?" What really happens when you collect business cards? Often they get put into a pocket with many others. Have you ever collected cards to later find out that you have no idea who the person was? This happens all the time. It is probably better to pick a few good leads rather than collect everything (sometimes that is difficult to do if people trade cards with you). Choose one pocket for the timely leads and carry post it notes to add information. It is quite easy to cull the cads as you gather them. First, I only collect cards from people that I can either do business with, form an alliance with, or simply become a referral for them. Sounds easy, but the trick is to be able to ferret out who these people are. I also take notes on the back of the card or on a pad of sticky notes and attach it to the card so that I do not forget who they are and what services they provide. I even try to put faces to the cards by describing them on the sticky notes. These people will be amazed that you can remember them the next time you meet and they will then want to talk to you. Some people look at their stack of cards the next day, or two days later is even worse, and they are bewildered: they can't remember who was who. Cards with simply black and white designs can look very alike; it is very important that you try to differentiate the cards you collect. Do this by writing on the back with a Y or N or M for Yes, No, Maybe significance. I then keep my cards in a zip lock bag for each type of card. It makes it easier to follow up. I also make note of the event we attended so as to keep a record of what we were there for. It also helps me to keep track of where the best events for attracting business are. If you are starting out cold, then keeping records will be very important - just remember not to collect every card on the floor. Bette Daoust, Ph.D. has been networking with others since leaving high school years ago. Realizing that no one really cared about what she did in life unless she had someone to tell and excite. She decided to find the best ways to get people's attention, be creative in how she presented herself and products, getting people to know who she was, and being visible all the time. Her friends and colleagues have often dubbed her the "Networking Queen". Blueprint for Networking Success: 150 ways to promote yourself is the first in this series. Blueprint for Branding Yourself: Another 150 ways to promote yourself is planned for release in 2005. For more information visit http://BlueprintBooks.com/
MORE RESOURCES:
Google News |
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
62 Ways to MAXIMIZE Your Approachability If you walk into your local bookstore and pick up any random title on interpersonal communication, the majority of the books will simply remind you to "always be approachable."Wow, you think, thanks for the advice. The Power of Word of Mouth Most of us remember the commercial that said, "I told two friends, and they told two friends, and so on, and so on, and?", well you get the picture. This commercial, which represented Breck Hair Shampoo, ran so many times that even I remember who the commercial represented. Network Your Way to Success, and Remember: Its Not About You! Quote of the week"The answer is always no.. Lesson 69 - When Networking Events Fail The StoryIn a quest to create strategic alliances, coalitions, and partnerships, we don't usually allow ourselves to imagine our efforts failing. We don't imagine faltering at building relationships with people, since working with others comes naturally to most people. Unforgettable First Impressions Part 4: Become a Social Gift Giver Do you ever wonder why single people give flowers, wine, candy or mix CD's on first dates?Bingo! Because they want to get lucky!Just kidding. They bring gifts because they want make a great first impression. Give People Something to Talk About! My husband and I tried an experiment one night. We were invited to a dinner party with three other couples we didn't know. The Anatomy of a Brain Cramp; The Retainer and the Lavalava - Communication In life, you have to successfully work with people to get anywhere. You can't avoid it. Communication Is A 2-Way Street (The Networking Factor) The Personal Touch 1There is a simple art to networking and the good news is, should you choose to put forth a conscience effort to improve the way you communicate, networking can and will become second nature to you, it is really just that simple. A personal touch big or small makes a big difference in how others perceive you professionally and personally as well. Client Attraction Technique #2: Networking One of the most cost effective ways of generating leads and referrals. However it's important that you 'work' these opportunities in the correct way. Franchisees Should Learn From Each Other If you own a franchise you should be in contact with your nearest franchisees and share information as if you were the manager of a corporate store. You should set up meetings once or twice per month and have their phone numbers logged into your speed dial for easy reference. 5 Ways to Wow People Who Wear Nametags People wear nametags more often than you think. The majority of retail establishments, stores and other social gatherings require nametags for several purposes. Networking Networking: Is it who you know or what you know that counts?Who you know gets you into the door, what you know keeps you there! Majority of the people who are in the work force today have got their opportunities through people that they knew or know. Networking in my opinion is the key to starting a successful career. How to Collect Business Cards Why the business card grab is not why you are there? So how do you obtain the card and show interest that gains confidence?One of the things I am also always asked is, "How do you collect cards?" and "What do you do with them when you get them back to the office?" What really happens when you collect business cards? Often they get put into a pocket with many others. Have you ever collected cards to later find out that you have no idea who the person was? This happens all the time. Where Does That Word Come From? "Instead of a handshake, I gave Toby a high-five to break the ice; and when we sat down on the front porch and started talking off the cuff, it was as if serendipity brought us together."That sentence contains several words and actions you see and hear every day. Test Your Networking Know-How Let's test your knowledge on networking:1)The best definition of networking is: a) Schmoozing at meetings and events b) The solicitation of funds c) Building and maintaining mutually beneficial relationships d) Marketing and selling your products and services to everyone in the room so you can meet your sales quota before your boss fires you2) Why do you network? a) To develop your business b) To help other people c) To share information d) All of the above3) What are the most effective ways to network? a) Regularly attending meetings, events and activities b) Talking to random people in the streets, stores, busses and bathrooms c) Offering referrals, resources and recommendations d) It doesn't matter as long as you help others first and remember that it ain't about you4) True or False: Networking is not a skill, but rather a hereditary trait passed down from your father not unlike height or Male Pattern Baldness.5) True or False: Networking isn't always strategic, but frequently occurs by an accident and/or stroke of luck which falls in your lap like a gift from God. Sharpen Your Business Networking Skill To Grow Your Small Business Most people become lax at maintaining their professional business network when they've worked with a company a while. With the constant rounds of mass layoffs, having a dead or outdated business network can mean business suicide to even the most skilled expert. Ask for Referrals: And Get the Answer You Want! Why are people scared to ask for a referral? Is it the fear of rejection, or do they think that it will annoy their client. If you have been giving 100% to your client and have given them truly excellent service then you shouldn't be ashamed to ask for the opportunity to give that same superior service to other people your clents know. How to Create an Interest Story for the Press What makes a good interest story?An interest story is just that, an interest story. It means that you have something interesting to say and therefore have something of interest to be printed. Strategic Networking: Take the Shortest Path to Success Do you use Ryze or LinkedIn to promote your web based business? If so, you may have noticed that everything is linked to everything else. Here's how to take the shortest path to networking success: use keywords and a targeted linking strategy. Talk Isnt Cheap The most successful organizations have good communication skills. Survey after survey bears this out.
|
| home | site map |
| © 2006 |