Network your way to success

One of the simplest ways to increase marketability is through effective networking.

“Business networking is the new business card,” says Michelle Clarke, master behavioural coach. “It’s a mature tool and an important opportunity to meet people who can help us grow our businesses and consequently, our reputations”. “Word-of-mouth marketing is the positive alternative to traditional marketing. Nowadays, people are buying the person before the product. They seek out referrals from trusted sources. Those of us who take the time to meet and nurture contacts with respect and care are top of mind in the referral loop,” says Clarke.

MAKE IT WORK FOR YOU
In order to build solid business relationships you need to keep in mind that networking is not all about generating business, but also includes what you can do for others. Clarke advises not pushing yourself or your product too aggressively. Subtle ways of communication are often more effective: “Tune in to your new contact. Be friendly, curious and interested in them. Try to remember important information that he or she is telling you, as this information can open the door to conversations in the future. ”

TOOLS FOR SUCCESS:

- Highlight your unique qualities. Identify three core, defining values and make sure these come through in your conversations and are demonstrated through all your interactions with prople you’d like to network with. This creates trust and credibility, and helps them remember you.

- Follow up swiftly. According to Stephanie Speisman, success coach and author of the booklet 99 Ways of Successful Business Networking, honouring and professionally following up on referrals gives a good impression to future clients. This in turn leads to further recommendations.

- Identify what you want. Articulate what you’re looking for and how others may help you. “Too often people in conversations ask, ‘How may I help youa’ and no immediate answer comes to mind,” says Speisman. Be bold and upfront about what you’re asking for, and get to the point.

- Find groups that best suit your needs. Ask yourself what you wish to attain by participating in networking meetings. Are you solely focused on making business connections or do you wish to learn new things Tailoring groups to suit your specific needs lets you sift valid business contacts from the less useful ones.

- Become known as a powerful resource. Be open-minded about advice offered to you, and at the same time be willing to give of your ideas and share your experiences with others. Build your profile and people will turn to you for suggestions and insight.

- Find alternative ways of networking. Virtual or online interactions can be effective in generating business too. Just be prepared to give up anonymity. Also, keep your profile tidy; assume that people you meet will Google you to check your credentials.