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Growing your business through networking• A Crucial Skill
• Make Valuable Contacts
• Find New Customers
Welcome
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Misconceptions about Networking• Phony
• Insincere
• Awkward
• Threatening
• Takes too much time
• Difficult
• Expensive
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Attributes of Good Networkers• Outgoing
• Sincere
• Friendly
• Supportive
• Good Listener
• Good Follow-up
• Stays in Touch
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Am I a Good Networker?• How do I like to be treated?
• What type of people do I trust?
• Do I tend to monopolize conversations?
• Do I act interested in only what others can do for me?
• Do I give other people referrals and ideas without a thought for my own personal gain?
• Can people count on my word?
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Effective Networking• Involves a PLAN
• TO GET TO KNOW PEOPLE WHO
• Who want to do business with you
• Are willing to introduce or refer potential customers to you
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A Simple Networking Plan Starts With….• Who Is Your Target Market?
• Satisfied Customers
• Excellent referral sources
• Their endorsement is extremely important to prospective customers
• Keep in regular touch through personal contact
• Always remember to thank them for their business
• Phone calls and in-person conversations are best
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A Simple Networking Plan Your Target Market (cont’d.)
• Prime Prospects (Prospective Customers)
• Come from various sources
• Promptly follow-up on phone, website and email inquiries
• Promptly follow-up on leads coming from other referral sources
• Organizations & Events
• Become involved with organizations in which customers and prime prospects are involved
• Participate in programs, conferences, and community events that customers and prime prospects attend
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A Simple Networking Plan• Your Target Market (cont’d.)
• Professional Memberships
• Associations of like-minded professionals who help each other through cross-referrals and sharing of best business practices
• Golden Slippers Network Members
• Come in regular contact with people who need the type of services you provide
• Can help by referring their customers and others to you
• Can help you expand your network of potential referral sources
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Keys to Effective Networking and Cross-Referrals • Become known, liked, and trusted by people you meet
• Get Involved and Give Back
• Attend Golden Slippers Network meetings
• Volunteer and serve on a committee
• Write articles and contribute content about your business or expertise for GSN’s website and newsletter
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Other Suggestions• Reach out to other GSN members
• Visit their businesses when you’re in their area
• Schedule a time to meet them for coffee or lunch
• Discuss how you can help each other – be strategic!
• Make referrals to GSN members, and let them know about it so they can thank you
• Don’t be afraid to ask – let other members know you would appreciate receiving referrals from them
• The more you give, the more likely you are to receive
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Final Words about Networking
• It’s more than getting out and meeting people
• To succeed you need to :
• Make a plan
• Commit to carrying out your plan
• Devote enough time and effort to make the plan work
Welcome
• Get in the “habit” of networking whenever and wherever appropriate
• Be genuine and friendly -- not pushy
• Work your “elevator speech” into conversations
• Let people know you would like to stay in touch with them
• Give them your business card
• If they seem receptive – make the first move and give them a call!
• Enjoy the process while growing your business!