BBGNetworking is essential, and is something every trades business owner should put some work towards. There is an expression that 'your network is your net worth', and there is truth to that. All successful business owners have strong networks of people that support them.
Your network can deliver you clients, employees, suppliers and more. First step is to work on your existing network, expand that network and then you can ask your network for referrals.
We know it's not easy, it can be intimidating walking into a room of people you don't know or asking people to refer others to your business. We've put together how to plan to network as well as how to do it when your in the moment.
Here are our top tips:
- Check your own backyard - leverage who you know already.
- What gap to do you want to fill? Do you need new suppliers, clients, how many? Take a proper look at who your Ideal Target Market (ITM) is.
- Find where to meet your target market. Events, partners, social platforms such as Facebook and LinkedIn for example.
- If you don't have an elevator pitch, nows the time to work on one. An elevator pitch is a memorable description of who you are and what you do. Short and sharp, 20-30 seconds tops!
- Now book into your event or reach out to your network, use your elevator pitch, and remember to ask questions. Prepare 5/6 ahead of time that suit the situation.
- If you are speaking to someone face to face, smile! Make eye contact and be engaged in what they are saying as much as they are actively listening to you.
- Again, if you are face to face, and the conversation is going well, swap contact details. Business card, Linked In, share your contact card from your smart phone, or go that next step, a QR code image that goes to your website or a digital business card (google it, there are free apps!)
- Practice! Every time you do this, it's going to get easier and you'll think of things you might have missed previously.
- Now aim for continuous improvement! Every time try to do 1% better than last time.
And lastly, if you don't try you won't know. Remember not everyone likes to be sold to, but by having a conversation, you might be able to solve an issue they are having and visa versa.
Plus, there's no point in hiding in the corner either is there..? You never know who you are going to meet unless you give it a go.
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