Do You Have the Networking Blues?
Are you an introvert? Someone who tends to feel absolutely paralyzed at the thought of meeting new people? Do your hands get cold and clammy and your heart race 100 miles an hour at the mere thought of attending a networking event? How can you network successfully if you feel faint at the mere thought of having to walk up to a stranger and introduce yourself and state what business you’re in?
When I started my business I was told that most new entrepreneurs have to cultivate their business, and in order to grow their client base they need to “network”. So what exactly is networking? How do you acquire the skills to do this effectively? Most people can learn to network better over time with practice and ease so for now let’s just look at a few of the basic “how-to’s” to get started on networking both yourself and your business. Consider this article your free “Virtual ‘bytes’” of wisdom.
1. Smile! No one wants to be greeted by a person whose face gives off the impression that they’ve just lost their favorite pet! A warm, welcoming smile (not those fake or phony grimaces either!), will show the person you are greeting that you are indeed pleased to make their acquaintance. I was once taught in a telephone answering seminar that you should always smile before saying hello when answering calls, as your smile even carries through the earpiece. Being friendly costs nothing and your genuine self will win over any hardened potential customer.
2. Get your “elevator” speech introduction down pat! It’s been said that you only have only 15 seconds to introduce yourself and what you do so you had better have a clear, concise opening introduction or else you’ll lose their attention. I’ve had trouble with this one in the past because the term ‘virtual assistant’ is a relatively new one for most people and I need to educate them on the “what is” part of my business first. Once I’ve determined that they’re interested in learning more, then I can explain in greater detail what services I have to offer them.
3. Listen! I know… this sounds so easy to do, but it’s almost impossible to listen and talk at the same time unless you’re a ventriloquist. In fact, if you aren’t paying attention to both the body language and the words that the other person is saying, you might miss some key points that you can use to determine whether or not this person is actually in need of your services. What questions are they asking you? Is their business one that might require your services? Do they seem open to the possibility of doing business with you? You will know within the first few minutes of conversation whether they’re a “fit” for you or not. Just pay attention and listen to what they have to say and then respond accordingly.
4. Follow through! If they ask you for additional information or request that you contact them at a later date, then you’d best follow through. Forgetting to get back to a potential first-time client is a certain kiss of death to that sale. A quick thank you call or follow up email will show them that you are interested in conducting business with them and will make a lasting impression.
5. Just breathe! Learning to relax and enjoy the opportunity of meeting new people is crucial to becoming a great networking person. I’ve never heard of anyone being beaten to a pulp at any social networking function I’ve ever attended just because they weren’t adept at speaking. Always be open-minded and maintain a certain curiosity about all the people you meet. After all, they’re attending the same function with most likely the same purpose in mind that you have – to find potential new clients and interact with other business people.
I could go on and on about other points to observe while trying to effectively network your business but I have to draw the line somewhere. Besides, I have to go answer some email inquiries from potential clients myself, since I’m “networking” virtually these days!
Marlene Oulton, resident wordsmith/editor of Write Choice Virtual Assistants and BulletProofers.com, derives great satisfaction from assisting authors, writers, coaches and entrepreneurs produce clean, crisp, and concisely written articles, newsletters, website copy, and other literary works. Known as “The Words Lady” by her clients and friends, her articles can be found on various online article sites. Contributing author to the soon to be released book, Overcomers Inc. Access the FREE ebook, Overcoming Adversity with Grace by visiting http://www.overcomersinc.com/grace Visit http://www.BulletProofers.com to find out more on how she can make your words sing and dance… without adding music!
