Not following up on initial contacts is the single biggest networking failure that people make. Once you’ve made that first networking contact, it’s essential that you keep building on it. As a first step, make sure to call, email or send a note to people you’ve connected with. It can be a simple “nice to have met you”.

Now is NOT the time to start selling unless they’ve indicated that they are interested in your product or service. Remember the purpose here, is to build a relationship – not land a client.

But don’t stop there! A few weeks after your first follow-up contact with someone, follow up again. Here are some reasons to make a second contact. Read the rest of this entry »

Would you like to generate more referrals for BOTH someone else and yourself?

Well, a very effective strategy is to start giving more testimonials. Yes, it’s surprising how something so simple and easy can have such an enormous impact on referrals.

Webster’s defines testimonials as: “a statement testifying to benefits received“. Or more informally, one could call it “the gift that keeps on giving”.

The benefits of a testimonial:

• Rewards and recognizes others for providing a good service
• Creates credibility, trust and value for an individual or their business
• Provides added visibility for both you and the person the testimonial is for
• Generates more business and new clients

Read the rest of this entry »

Want a fast fix to quickly get some sales and grow your business? Well, networking probably won’t be the answer! Effective networking will certainly help you grow your business but it isn’t the fast fix that so many people are looking for.

Remember, networking is more about “farming” than “hunting”. The key to networking is building long-lasting relationships and connections with other professionals which takes time and nurturing to grow.

Dr. Ivan Misner, the founder of BNI (Business Network International) feels that the bonds of build networking relationships evolve through three phases: Visibility, Credibility and Profitability.

The first phase of growing a relationship is Visibility: Read the rest of this entry »

Want to get more and better connections from your networking efforts? Could be you need to brush up your One-Minute Introduction for that next networking event.

Here’s a quick checklist to create your powerful networking introduction.

Do’s

1. Make it tangible – frame the problem, your unique solution and the benefits your services or products will bring the client.
2. Quantify the results your product or service deliver. Use numbers to gain credibility and urgency (95% of people don’t – you’ll stand out if you do!)
3. Describe your product or service in a way that helps people to fully understand the outcomes and benefits you deliver.
4. Focus more on educating or “training a sales force” than on trying to “close a sale.” Read the rest of this entry »