Social Networking Skills Covering The Social Networking World

Does this sound familiar to you? You are attending a meeting at your local business or civic organization, or chamber of commerce and someone stands to announce a meeting at a seemingly competing organization. And yes, everyone is invited to attend. Have you ever wondered why anyone would stand up in a crowded meeting and invite total strangers to another event?

Does it seem out of place for a blanket invitation to be issued at an event so similar to the one you are currently attending? It shouldn’t. After all, people who attend events are the perfect prospect for other events. They have already demonstrated that they have the ability to attend. They have demonstrated an understanding of the value of attending events. You could deduce they even gain value from attending events. Certainly these folks would like to know about other similar events, wouldn’t they?

Yes they would, which is why you should talk up your group when appropriate. Remember, when you can help someone else you will help yourself at the same time. If you have the opportunity to suggest a similar event to a group you should. But there are some ground rules regarding blanket invitations.

First, be certain that you are not infringing on the event you are currently attending. The event you are recommending should not be at the same time or on the same day at a time that would potentially compete.

Second, the event you recommend should not be at a competitor of the organization currently hosting you. If you are attending a networking event at an insurance agency, don’t recommend another networking event at a competing insurance agency. The same holds true for chambers of commerce. Unless the chambers are clearly not competing with each other, resist promoting one chamber to another.

Third, be certain that the event you are promoting can handle the growth. The best way to ensure this is to invite people to contact you if they wish to attend. No one will appreciate you if the fifty people you invited show up to an event that expected twenty-five attendees.

Finally, be certain that you make the invitation when appropriate. Either use your elevator speech time to make the invitation or wait until other announcements are requested. Remember, only promote one thing in your elevator speech at a time. Promote the event or your products and services, but not both.

Making a blanket invitation provides the opportunity to help your group or organization grow and shows that you care about the organization and the people involved. Follow these simple rules and you’ll be sure your good intentions are met with good results.

Need a fatter wallet? More Warm Calls? Want more sales? Better Relationships? Visit http://www.TheSuccessfulNetworker.com for FREE tips and to receive Glen Gould’s FREE newsletter packed with techniques and ideas to increase your networking success and fatten your wallet.

Glen Gould is a business growth and networking expert who works with Fortune 100 companies and chambers of commerce to grow their business through effective systems and word of mouth marketing. He is a sought-after speaker and trainer and the author of numerous audio programs and books including Meet Me At Starbucks. The founder of Inspiration Agents, Inc., Glen is a regular contributor to numerous publications including The National Networker and co-hosts The Natural Networker Radio Show. Visit http://www.IsYourNetworkingWorking.com for tools to improve your networking effectiveness.