strategic networking: developing relationships that work
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Strategic Networking
info@RescueDeskVA.comwww.RescueDeskVA.com
Developing Relationships that WORK
RESCUE DESK VIRTUAL ASSISTANT SERVICES provides executive, administrative and marketing support “virtually.”
We take time-consuming tasks off our clients’ to-do lists.
Team of three in our downtown Madison offi ce (along with 3 freelancers and partnerships with local service providers.)
WHO WE ARE
www.RescueDeskVA.com
Typical Clientele include:• Small-business owners• Independent service providers (accountants)• Solo entrepreneurs (coaches, consultants, etc.)• Associations and non-profits• Authors and writers• Executives and department managers
WHO WE WORK WITH
www.RescueDeskVA.com
About 98% of our business comes from referrals, word-of-mouth and
relationships we’ve developed.
All created through NETWORKING!
WHO WE WORK WITH
www.RescueDeskVA.com
OVERVIEW
www.RescueDeskVA.com
Networking as a skill – it can be learned
Who would you like to meet? Why? It’s not about taking What to do with that growing contact list
Measure the success of your efforts
7 DEADLY MISTAKES
www.RescueDeskVA.com
1. Go to “Networking Events”“Networking events” are full of people looking for sales leads. By default, they’re not looking to buy. Or help.
Excerpt from “7 Deadly Entrepreneurial Networking Mistakes” – Peter Shallard (www.petershallard.com)
7 DEADLY MISTAKES
www.RescueDeskVA.com
2. Network for Direct SalesUnless you’re networking with extremely wealthy people, strictly networking for direct sales does not result in a scalable business model.
Excerpt from “7 Deadly Entrepreneurial Networking Mistakes” – Peter Shallard (www.petershallard.com)
7 DEADLY MISTAKES
www.RescueDeskVA.com
3. Network without a clear outcome in mindHaving a clear idea about what you’re after (staff, partnerships, capital, mentors, etc.) is key to finding it.
Excerpt from “7 Deadly Entrepreneurial Networking Mistakes” – Peter Shallard (www.petershallard.com)
7 DEADLY MISTAKES
www.RescueDeskVA.com
4. Cling to your goal like a needy loserHaving clarity about your goals is important, but once you engage in conversation, relax. Go with the flow and focus on the other person.
Excerpt from “7 Deadly Entrepreneurial Networking Mistakes” – Peter Shallard (www.petershallard.com)
7 DEADLY MISTAKES
www.RescueDeskVA.com
5. Treat networking as anything other than making friends.Real networking, with the truly successful people, is just hanging out. It’s not some kind of speed dating “what-can-you-do-for-me?” game.
Excerpt from “7 Deadly Entrepreneurial Networking Mistakes” – Peter Shallard (www.petershallard.com)
7 DEADLY MISTAKES
www.RescueDeskVA.com
6. Be boring.Successful entrepreneurs don’t spend all day talking about marketing tactics and staff management. They’re passionate people, and that passion bleeds into other spheres of life.
Excerpt from “7 Deadly Entrepreneurial Networking Mistakes” – Peter Shallard (www.petershallard.com)
7 DEADLY MISTAKES
www.RescueDeskVA.com
7. Be uninterested in your own workDo not engage in networking when you’re not interested in your own work. Always be working on an interesting project. It gives you a reason to talk, ask questions and pick the brains of smart people (which they love).
Excerpt from “7 Deadly Entrepreneurial Networking Mistakes” – Peter Shallard (www.petershallard.com)
NETWORKING IS A SKILL
www.RescueDeskVA.com
One of the single most important skill sets you can develop!
A mixture of science, intuition and self-awareness
Getting over your fears Understand how and where to meet people
Practice, practice, practice
IT’S ALL ABOUT GIVING
www.RescueDeskVA.com
Networking isn’t about taking …
it’s 100% about giving. Relationship Development vs Sales Openness to learn about other people
Be genuinely interested Follow up and FOLLOW THROUGH!
www.RescueDeskVA.com
WHO ARE YOU MEETING
Who would you like to meet? And more importantly … why?
Prospective Clients Strategic Partners Potential vendors or service providers
Mentors and your “support team”
www.RescueDeskVA.com
A GROWING CONTACT LIST
You’re growing your contact list.
Now what? Incorporating people into your marketing lifecycle
A GROWING CONTACT LIST
Marketing Lifecycle
www.RescueDeskVA.com
A GROWING CONTACT LIST
You’re growing your contact list.
Now what? Incorporating people into your marketing lifecycle
Referral “star”
A GROWING CONTACT LIST
Client
Book-keeper
Biz Coach
Banker
Marketing Firm
Assoc. or Orgs
Printers
Referral “star”1. _______________2. _______________3. _______________
1. _______________2. _______________3. _______________
1. _______________2. _______________3. _______________
1. _______________2. _______________3. _______________
1. _______________2. _______________3. _______________
1. _______________2. _______________3. _______________
www.RescueDeskVA.com
A GROWING CONTACT LIST
You’re growing your contact list.
Now what? Incorporating people into your marketing lifecycle
Referral “star” Tools to track and organize
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) System
A GROWING CONTACT LIST
www.RescueDeskVA.com
MEASURING SUCCESS
Are you boosting your business or wasting your time?
Be strategic about where you spend time
Be Strategic…
Who attends this event?Have I met people with “relationship
potential”Is it related to my business?How much does it cost?How did I learn about it?What kind of time commitment is required?What’s your conversion rate?
MEASURING SUCCESS
www.RescueDeskVA.com
MEASURING SUCCESS
Are you boosting your business or wasting your time?
Be strategic about where you spend time
Budget for networking (time/cost/effort)
Budgeting
Cost of membership/attendanceTime away from offi ceTime for follow-up and follow-throughConvenience/locationAlignment with my marketing plan/budgetHas involvement resulted in sales,
partnerships or relationships?
MEASURING SUCCESS
www.RescueDeskVA.com
MEASURING SUCCESS
Are you boosting your business or wasting your time?
Be strategic about where you spend time
Budget for networking (time/cost/effort)
Test and measure your network
www.RescueDeskVA.com
Roger (banke
r)
Sue
Michael Phil Kari Janet
Jennifer
Jim Mark
Mike
Dave
Nicki
Joe
MEASURING SUCCESSExample: Test and measure
www.RescueDeskVA.com
Women’s Biz
Group
Angie Charity Andy Ruth
Amy Sam
Jenna
MEASURING SUCCESSExample: Test and measure
www.RescueDeskVA.com
CONCLUSION
Networking is a skill that can be learnedPractice and self-awareness
Know your goalsWho do you want to partner with?
It’s all about givingAnd building LASTING relationships!
Keep track of your growing contact list And take care of them!
Measure your networkingBe strategic
www.RescueDeskVA.com
CONCLUSION
Thank you!Questions?
THANK YOU!
RESCUE DESK VIRTUAL ASSISTANT SERVICES
849 E. Washington, Suite 101Madison, WI 53703
608-3587991Info@RescueDeskVA.comwww.RescueDeskVA.com
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