Good Old Fashioned Networking - Finding Places to Network
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Doing some of that old fashioned face-to-face networking requires places to meet prospective customers. By looking around your business catchment area, you can find some worthwhile events to attend and groups to join. Be certain to be prepared to meet potential customers and clients in unexpected places such as restaurants, elevators, and even on the street.
Community groups and non-profit organizations are a great place to begin your networking campaign. Visit with as many groups in your community as you possibly can prior to joining. Some organizations are more educationally oriented, some are mainly in search of volunteers, and others are interested in facilitating business contacts. Learn as much as you can about the group focus, its support for business networking, the quality of its leadership, and its general tone. That way you can select the groups that are right for you and your business. Once you choose the groups you wish to join, become involved in their activities. Sign up as a volunteer on a few of their committees. If at all possible, select one that has some relation to your field of business.
As with community groups, be sure to attend and participate in as many trade shows and conferences as possible. Along with making great business contacts, you will also find a sea of potential customers and clients. Consider teaching courses and seminars in your area of expertise. Sharing what you know and helping others will pay off in additional customers. The word of your knowledge and abilities in your field will spread very quickly. Always be seen as a helpful person and someone who is a very professional business resource. If people view you as an expert willing to share advice freely in your area of business, they will gravitate towards you for ideas and assistance. It also serves to keep your name and business visible to them for the future.
Next: Filling your Networking Toolbox >>
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