Advantages of Networking in Business September 24, 2008
Posted by Terry Hall in Branding, Marketing and Promotion.Tags: advantages networking business, advantages of networking in business, Business, Business Networking, online business networking, Referrals
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Advantages of Networking in Business
By Terry Hall
September 24, 2008
Every Small Business Owner is looking for more business, sales, success and a way to develop their passion, expertise and create an the income that they desire.
It seems that any book that you pick up about business strategy includes something about Business Networking. Networking in Business should be a simple and straight forward process, but it seems that no two people can agree on what networking in business really is even though it’s advantages are continually touted.
In my opinion, here are the 7 Advantages of Networking in Business:
- You get a sense of the local business environment.
- You keep up with current events and news.
- You see what the current business trends and fashion are.
- You are introduced to concepts and ideas that you can use immediately.
- You get out of the office or home office.
- You connect with other living human beings.
- You get a sense of your competition.
As a 25 years business professional, I have two recommendations. First: Get and use a system – Get a free business networking audio from The Link System. Second: Use Networking Events Finder to find great local networking events. To close, remember that The Advantages if Netowkring in Business are very much like the advantages of the gym and exercise – there is no advantage if you don’t show up and participate.
Cheers,
Terry
Networking Strategy Colorado September 24, 2008
Posted by Terry Hall in Branding, Marketing and Promotion.Tags: Business, Business Networking, networking strategy colorado, online business networking
2 comments
Networking Strategy Colorado
By Terry Hall
September 24, 2008
As business networking options for small business owners gets more complex, it’s time to take a look at which networking strategies are best whether you’re in Colorado, New York or San Diego.
There are 3 components to a Networking Strategy:
- Find and attend quality networking occasions.
- Have a specific intention when you network.
- Use a system or process to connect, qualify and follow through.
First: Finding quality netowkring events seems to ba a challange. There are so many sites run by various people. There is a new site that is in beta testing called Netwroking Events Finder. It’s a network of local “netwoking guides” that is published and moderated [business networking and business events only]. I think they have about 25 “networking guides” established so far and looking to expand. What makes them uniques is that they do not host their own events, you can’t publish a birthday party there and access if free. As they continue to develop their site, they are promising “online business networking”. It will be interesting to see if they can pull that off. Most of my online experience has been marginal and “spammy” at best. http://NetworkingEventsFinder.com
Second: Much has been written about intention and it’s power. The reason why is that it works. As a small business owner you wear many hats. You are accountable for sales, lead generation, marketing, business development, accounting [A/P, A/R, Payroll, Bookkeeping], Finance, Customer Fulfillment and Service as well as managing the whole pie. In many ways you are like the plate spinner at the Circus… Have a clear vision and intention of what you need next in your business in each area of accountability is how you truly maximize the benefit of a business networking event. The appropriate resources are always in your immediate sphere if you are aware and intentional. This is where listening and intuition are key skills for you the small business owner.
Third: Having the right system to connect, qualify and follow through is where you make you money as a business. It’s been said many times that most people make a better burger than McDonalds, but virtually no one has a better burger selling system. There are many systems out there to train you how to network. My recommendation is to perfrom you due diligence and investigate them all. You will find some better than others for your particular personality style. I personally recommend and endorse The Link System Training. It’s a foundational program that will show you how to use business networking as an effective business development strategy. You can get a free business networking introductory audio at The Link System Website. Most importantly, remember the business networking is not a hunting [immediate sale] strategy but a farming [cultivating relationships] strategy.
Well that’s it. The 3 parts to a Networking Strategy for Colorado, Manhattan, Charlotte or where ever you are…
Cheers,
Terry
