Business Networking

With all the talk about business networking and how it can positively effect your bottom line I thought I would revisit this very important subject.


We all know that business networking is important, but you might not realize just how vital business networking is in today's business environment. To say that it's vital is not an overstatement! With so many businesses going under everyone should realize that you have to do everything in your power just to stay afloat now-a-days, let alone prosper.

So the question comes to mind "How do I become effective at business networking?" Here are a few things that you can do that can really help your business networking efforts.

• Join a few business networking groups.
  Business networking groups are out there, we know there are many of them, so get out there and be active. You'll get out of them what you put in. Sure it's going to take a little time to see the results, but just like everything else, if you don't plant any seeds you aren't going to reap any crops!


• Attend some business networking functions.
  While online business networking is useful, people like to do business with someone that they can put a face to, someone they've spoken with face to face and have gotten a good feel for. Attending business networking events can help you a lot more than spending your days in front of the computer! while you're there, try to have a little fun. People are drawn to those that have a penchant for laughter as opposed to the "doom and gloom" types.


• Work on that "elevator speech".
  The first 15 seconds are by far the most important, this is your "first impression". Craft a well rounded message that is very short and to the point and at the end turns the conversation back to the person you're talking with. Everyone loves to talk about themselves and their business and you can uncover opportunities this way.


• Always, always, always, remember to listen.
  Many people think that a great sales person has the "gift of gab" but in reality the greatest sales people have the "gift of silence". Learn to really hear what people are talking about. You will find yourself presented with all sorts of opportunities for your business if you spend more of your time listening than talking.

The main thing is get out there, talk to people and get busy with your business networking!