You manage to jump out of bed at 5:30am, rush out the door and sneak in - just in the nick of time - before the 7:00am start. Ah, those morning networking events!

If you‘re coming away less than satisfied, doubting if it was worth your time, keep reading for some ideas to make the most of your networking efforts.

Remember the Boy Scout Motto - Be Prepared? Well, it works the same with attending a networking event. Preparation will make the all difference. Take these 2 easy steps to get ready and you’ll come away with more satisfaction AND great results from any networking event.

1. Make a List of what you can OFFER and what you NEED before you go.

Under the OFFER column write down things you want to share with others you meet:

The biggest asset you possess as a business owner is you mental energy. Most people would say that your greatest asset was your core competency, or your time, or your money, but none of that is true.

Your greatest asset is your mental energy. Where are you going to direct that? That’s what will determine your  failure or success.

taken from “9 Lies that are Holding Your Business Back”                            by Steve Chandler    

Are beginnings tough for you? If they are – don’t worry you’re not alone! 

Recently I was coaching a client (let’s just call him Bob) who had identified a project that would make a big difference to his business. Each week he would come to the coaching session not having done any work on it but still very committed to the idea, promising that “this would be the week” to get it started. We’d spend some time mapping out the next steps and defining the tactics to move forward. Well… you guessed it – another week and still no forward progress. 

By now you’re either reflecting on a project or issue you’ve been putting off or wanting to know what ever happened to Bob. I’m pleased to say that with some coaching, Bob did get going on his project and as expected, it made a big difference to his business. Working with a coach is great for dealing with stuck places of inaction. 

I’m often amazed at the angst we cause ourselves when we hesitate and hold ourselves back from beginning something – even when it’s a very positive ‘something’. Although there is no pat answer, one thing for sure, we just need to begin – even if there is no perfect starting place. Because there is real power in just getting started and once we do then momentum takes over.  A single brick can hold a standing train in place. But when the train gets moving and gains momentum it can crash thru a solid wall of bricks – becoming unstoppable. 

Momentum has the same power in you. Just get started and get ready for your breakthrough. 

This week, notice places where you hold back from starting and challenge yourself to just begin – do one simple thing (it doesn’t have to be perfect - read my July 13th post) and you’ll be amazed at the result – not to mention the energy gain! 

I believe in your success,
Sue

We keep hearing that networking is a great way to build your business.  I totally agree!  But I’m frustrated at the number of people who seem to miss the mark – or perhaps I should say, think that I am the “mark”.

Recently I was at a networking event where you had to stand up in front of the 40 or so people and in one minute extol the virtues of your business.  Within minutes of finishing the show & tell portion, a fellow makes a beeline over to me and in a matter of seconds he’s flashing his brochure in my face.  I guess that at some point during my 1-minute introduction he assumed that I was his target customer. The operative word here is “target”.

Here’s the truly funny (read “unfortunate”) side of this situation…  I really had no interest or need for what he was selling –  BUT could think of several people that would.

So what are the lessons to be learned…   

• Don’t sell at networking events. It’s a time to meet and connect with others - the goal is to build relationships. If there’s a good match up, ask if they would be willing to meet with you in the coming week.
     

• Don’t look for prospects – instead, look for potential referral partners. It’s much easier and more powerful to build alliances with others who share the same target market as you.  
   
• Remember, true networking is about being of service. Look to pass a referral, introduction or resource to everyone  you meet – you’ll have thankful contacts who’ll joyfully try to reciprocate.

Finally, keep in mind that networking is an excellent marketing strategy with a profitable ROI, but you need to be patient – it doesn’t happen overnight.  So get out there, start networking to build relationships and your business… but please, save the target practice for the shooting range!

I believe in your success,
Sue 

P.S. want to learn more about networking?  Check out my seminar on networking skills called ”Network Like a Pro” at  www.sueclement.com/network.html
 

I can make you a success or a failure

I can make you rise or fail

I can work for you or against you

I control your feelings and actions

I can make you laugh, work and love

I can make your heart sing with happiness

I can make you wretched, dejected or morbid

I can make you angry and resentful

I can make you sick and listless

I can be a shackle, heavy and burdensome

I can be a prism’s hue dancing bright and colorful

I can be nurtured and grown to be beautiful

I can never be removed, only replaced

Who am I?

I am Your ATTITUDE 

I am Your MASTER