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Networking for Business
Associations and trade organizations are great places
to meet individuals. Usually organizations have a common
theme, and it is an understood implication that all
members participate to improve themselves and their
businesses.
Whether it is a chamber of commerce or a trade association,
members have common problems, issues and concerns. By
sharing issues and resolutions, members can benefit
by the experience of others. Many business owners participate
in organizations, not only to network, but also to hopefully
circumvent some of the pitfalls encountered by other
small businesses--learning from others.
Networking Tips.
Many trade organizations provide forums for networking.
In some cases, these might be private online newsgroups,
casual meetings, or even professional events with speakers.
In order to take full advantage of these networking
opportunities consider these tips.
Who You Know.
It is often not who you know, but who they know. I can't
tell you the number of times I've seen someone put-off
someone who is clearly a beginner only to learn that
the "beginner" is the brother or friend of a contact
they've been trying to meet for weeks.
Honesty.
Be honest. Pretending to be something that you are not,
or implying you can deliver a product or service that
is outside of your abilities, will foster an environment
of distrust and potentially harm your reputation. Keep
in mind that networking is viral?vital? and if promises
are not kept, word will spread. Establishing yourself
and firm as an honest, reputable company.
Professional.
Keep conversations to strictly business subjects. In
a business environment, it is important to focus on
safe non-emotional topics. The last thing you want to
do is alienate or offend a potential client because
of an outspoken view on a controversial topic. There
is a time and a place for everything and discussing
political views or cultural issues is not a generally
accepted business topic. Bearing that in mind, it is
also important to be aware and sensitive to cultural
differences. The Internet has opened doors to a global
market and respecting cultural differences is critical
to establishing strong business relationships in the
global marketplace.
Socialize.
Now is not the time to be a wall flower. Whether you
participate in social business events, or monitor trade
forums, it is critical that you participate. Participation
will help you distinguish yourself in your industry.
Attempt to remember individual personal details and
foster introductions among others in the industry.
Positive.
Stay positive. It sounds simple, but it will really
impact how others view you. If you are constantly negative
and pointing out the flaws in others, it will reflect
on how others view you. Presenting the best and positive
business experiences will enhance your image.
Help.
Provide genuine assistance to others. Whether or not
they are able to reciprocate, networking is viral?vital?.
Helping others will establish you as a useful member
of your business community and will endear you to others.
If you are unable to help an individual, attempt to
refer them to someone who can.
Research
A little research goes a long way. Be sure to research
people and companies in your business community. Knowing
their common goals and interests will build topics for
discussions.
Acknowledging the need to connect with others to grow
and expand a business may seem like common sense. Cultivating
business relationships and interact with other small
businesses is often mutually beneficial and should not
be underestimated.
Networking is about building relationships and mutual
interaction benefiting both parties. Being proactive
and following up, you can have a network of contacts
that you will be able to access quickly when you need
them. Whether by more traditional means, such as in
person or over the Internet, personal networks are essential
for furthering your business. Relationship networking
is give and take, be sure to help others in your quest
for help.
About the Author -
Sharon Housley manages marketing for FeedForAll http://www.feedforall.com
software for creating, editing, publishing RSS feeds
and podcasts. In addition Sharon manages marketing for
NotePage http://www.notepage.net
a wireless text messaging software company.
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