Women In Touch April 7, 2016

The Power Of Networking

Networking is the development and maintenance of mutually valuable relationships

Key words :Development – Takes timeMaintenance – ‘Not a one-time occurrence’Mutually valuable relationships – Focus is not

‘me’ centeredWHY is networking important?

Networking is the #1 way to find new clients and prospects People do business with people they know

and trust

What is the definition of Networking and why is it important?

Reasons why Networking does not always come easy

• Fear/Shyness• Personality Types• Unfamiliar Territory/ Don’t know anyone• Getting started

Helpful Hints

• Develop your personal ‘elevator speech’ or commercial

• Wear a conversation starter • Practice with friends who can provide

helpful feedback

Take one step at a time

Develop a Networking Plano Whoo Wheno Whereo How

Work the plano Follow-up with every lead in a timely

mannero Keep a record of conversations and

meetings (PIM)o Develop a contact follow-up scheduleo Thank those who help youo Never miss an opportunity

• Develop a Networking Plan – Who?

Social Networks• Friends, Family, Neighbors• Volunteer contacts• Use networking tools – Facebook,

LinkedIn, Blog

Professional Networks• Chamber of Commerce• Professional Networking events• Small Business Development Groups• Public Hearings• Committee Involvement• Never say no to an opportunity to

speak

Other Networking Tips

Write and master a 30, 60 and 2 minute elevator pitch( record & listen)

Build a LinkedIn profile and update it often – Add recommendations

Become active on LinkedIn groupsSign up on Twitter – follow any people who follow

youUse your Facebook book page appropriatelyAsk for referrals when sharing business cardsListen and ask questions don’t be “Me” centered *

Networking Do’s

• Be genuine and authentic, building trust and relationships• Develop your goals for each networking meeting• Visit groups that spark your interest• Hold volunteer positions• Ask Open-Ended questions • Become known as a resource to others• Articulate what you are looking for & what you do• Follow through quickly and efficiently on referrals• Understand the needs of the people you are networking with

and offer some value to THEM• Try to contact one person per day • Go beyond your industry• Listen, don’t just wait to talk again

Networking Don’ts

• Don’t fear the ‘big shots’• Don’t corner a ‘heavy-hitter’ with your

personal life story at a social event• Don’t hand out business cards to everyone • Don’t only talk to people you know• Don’t waste time talking to ‘Me-ers’• Don’t drink too much at evening events–

obviously!• Don’t expect anything• Don’t dismiss anyone as irrelevant • Don’t take ‘NO’ personally

Quote: The mark of a good conversationalist is not that you can talk a lot. The mark is that you can get

others to talk a lot. Thus, good schmoozer’s are good listeners, not good talkers. - Guy Kawasaki

THANK YOUTerri Crain

President/CEO tcrain@scvchamber.com

(661) 702-6977

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