While it’s important to celebrate the mother’s up-coming birth of her child, the Celebrations team knows it can be difficult to come up with memorable baby shower ideas. Luckily, we have the tips and advice you need to create a perfect day for the mommy-to-be. From the cake and decorations to the guest list and paper invitations, we have great advice for a memorable time.
Celebrate the mom-to-be with an elegant Baby Shower Tea Party to make a memorable celebration perfect for any expecting mother.
Baby Shower Tea Invitations
Have your guests set the date with stylish formal invitations that you send through the mail.
Invitation Tips
For optimal RSVP ease, list a phone number and e-mail address.
Add a line in the card telling guests where the mother-to-be is registered.
If money or a donation is preferred, tell guests that a donation is preferred.
Decorations in White
Use shades of white for your tables.
Cream embroidered silks would be a perfect choice for your table.
White China with elegant designs make for a perfect table style.
Use short white flowers arrangements so guests can chat across the table.
Tea Time Frivolities and Favors
We have good ideas on how to make your baby shower memorable. Have some great tea themed favors and activities.
Find yourself a tea leaf reader for fun fortune telling.
Create a favor pack by wrapping a teacup with designed sugar cubes and a tea infuser with a small decorative teaspoon.
Afternoon Tea Menu
Begin the first course with finger sandwiches and scones followed by sweet chocolates and petit fours.
For a party at home, let the host enjoy herself and serve all of the food at the same time so that everyone can eat together.
Courtesy of Celebrations expert, Jeanne Benedict.
I recently entered the keyword “networking” into Google. In 0.13 seconds, it returned 21,600,000 entries. Amazing! What’s even more amazing was when I entered the same search ten minutes later 200,000 additional entries were found. Countless articles and information are available about this subject. By reviewing the latest information, many of you are taking the first step towards learning more about networking tools and techniques.
Remember the old saying, “It’s not what you know, but who you know.” Not only does this hold true today, but there continues to be a growing emphasis on the importance of people connections. Business, job and people networking have become the norm, not the exception. Baby Boomers and Generation X professionals use networking in almost every aspect of their daily lives in order to gain greater success in today’s competitive business environment.
Networking is a powerful tool that offers the promise of impacting our lives by opening endless people, company and information channels. It helps us establish new business contacts, locate and land challenging career positions and interact with people who have common interests and goals. As a young adult seeking my first job, it took a while to understand the very simple premise that people know people. Twenty-some years later, I realize the potential for using this new found tool for seeking advice, information, recommendations, referrals and support.
Not long ago, mention the word networking and most people either didn’t understand what you meant, or those with a technical background thought of a computer network. Today, most people understand the term in a general sense, however do they really understand the process, benefits and dynamics that link people together?
Don’t assume everyone understands what you mean by networking.
Lillian Bjorseth, author of “Breakthrough Networking: Building Relationships That Last,” said most people fail at networking because they don’t really understand what it is. “Networking is not a personal platform for you to tell people how wonderful you are,” said Bjorseth. “It’s a dynamic process that links people into mutually beneficial relationships.” A key success factor for effective communication is establishing a common understanding of terms, goals and expectations. Once established, you are better positioned to target specific goals and objectives. Many job seekers know from experience that the average person assumes you are seeking only contacts that have job openings. Based on this assumption, it’s easy for them to simply say, ‘I don’t know anyone who is hiring right now.’ By educating new acquaintances first, you will not only avoid this problem, but open their minds to exploring a much broader group of resources.
Without getting into the “dos & don’ts”…a list of important things to keep in mind:
· Explain networking in simple terms including your goals and how it benefits all parties.
· Assure contacts that you understand they are busy and value their time.
· Provide an option to meet or have a phone conversation.
· Explain that your focus is to develop a two-way exchange of information that is mutually valuable:
· Ask about their job, company and latest challenges, hobbies, what they excel at and listen for ways that you can help them.
· Find ways to give back to your contacts through interesting and informative articles, referrals that might assist their business, scheduled events or even social or hobby information.
· Be a courteous communicator, and always express your appreciation for assistance.
· Good relationships take time to develop; they don’t happen overnight.
Building a diverse network with an eye toward the future, including different business sectors, job responsibilities, cultures and geographic locations will provide a more comprehensive group of resources. Allow yourself time to establish relationships based upon trust, common values, interests and goals. Use your contacts effectively and recognize that each one is different and each group must be approached uniquely.
Types of Contacts
Your contacts will typically fit into three groups: (1) people you know, or warm contacts, (2) those referred to you by a business or personal contact or referral and (3) people you do not know, cold contacts. Warm contacts should not be taken for granted. Ongoing exchanges of information with warm contacts may be easy for you, but ask yourself if you are achieving your goals. Your closest friends, business associates and co-workers may provide ongoing support, advice and information, but may not necessarily be your strongest or best resources. Referrals can be introduced in person, by phone call or via e-mail. Remember that someone thought enough of you to provide a referral, so treat both individuals with professionalism and respect. Find a common thread when working with cold contacts to help you open the door or perk their interest. Use something you know about their company, a person they know, an association they belong to or an article you read that might apply to them. Don’t under estimate the potential of anyone. You will be pleasantly surprised, if you make the effort to establish a relationship. Don’t become so wrapped up in developing your own network, that you overlook the benefit of providing referrals to your contacts.
Persistence
Accepting rejection and maintaining a positive and persistent approach are key to your success. Not everyone will have the time, energy or desire to talk with you. Set a time table for yourself that includes follow up calls and e-mails. If you fail to receive a response by the end of your defined period, move on and concentrate on those people who are receptive to talking or meeting. Cultivating and developing good working relationships takes time, patience and the right touch of persistence. Each person has unique values, which, when combined with your overall group, form a strong alliance.
Research is a very important part of developing your network.
Gaining information about companies, people, products and trends all require research. Google, www.google.com is one of many excellent tools for fulfilling your research requirements. Many times you will find limited company information, but you will be able to identify names of the management team or decision makers. By entering a very simple search using Google, you can locate every occurrence of specific companies and potentially a broad range of information valuable to your research. First, identify the company website, example: Sears Roebuck & Company is www.sears.com. Enter the following search “@sears.com” into the Google search field. The information returned from this search will provide company information, articles, personal e-mail addresses of employees and many other sources of valuable information. One of the most valuable pieces of information you may find are employee e-mail addresses. Using the e-mail format, you can now e-mail decision makers and people who might be able to assist you within specific companies.
The influence of people who know people increases our ability to lend assistance to friends and colleagues, leverage the expansive community of resources available and help us become more successful. Every individual has their own style of working, socializing and getting through their daily life tasks. Develop a networking style that recognizes your individual strengths, weaknesses and purpose.
About the Author:
You can contact Russ Kovar at rkovar1@msn.com.
Russ Kovar is also the Moderator for Chicagoland Ecademy Regional Club, an organization of us.ecademy and he is available for Job Search and Neworking Coaching.
Whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert, feel like you have the gift of gab or just don’t know how to make small talk, networking know-how is very important for your business success. There is a notion in business that I believe most of us subscribe to that says “all things being equal, people will do business with and refer business to those they know, like and trust.” And the key to this is obviously being able to develop relationships.
Think of networking as the cultivation of mutually beneficial, win-win relationships. In order to be win-win, there must be GIVE and take (notice the emphasis on give). Networking shouldn’t be viewed as “events” where you go to sell your business. When effective networking is taking place, the parties involved actively share ideas, information, resources, etc.
Ok, so you know that you should be networking because it is one of the most cost-effective lead generation activities when used wisely, appropriately and professionally. But, maybe that seems easier said than done. Here’s a seven step plan to really get going with networking for your business.
1. Check out several groups to find the best chemistry and perceived value. Most groups will allow you to come and visit at least a couple of times before you have to join. Go and ask around to find out why others have joined and what value they get out of belonging.
Resist the urge to just go join the Chamber of Commerce simply because everyone tells you that’s what you need to do. If that’s not where your target group can be found, then you might just be wasting a considerable amount of time (and money).
I’m not telling you not to join the Chamber. Just be clear about what you’d like to get out of this or any other group. If it’s to find prospective clients or referral sources, then you need to be networking where those resources can be found.
2. When you find a group or two, join and go to all the meetings you can. Don’t go just once or twice expecting things to happen and then if they don’t quit. Building mutually beneficial, win-win relationships will take some time.
The contacts you make need to constantly see your face and hear your message. Continual contact with others over time will open up opportunities for you to go deeper and learn more about each others thoughts, ideas and capabilities in regards to your respective businesses.
Know, like, and trust generally only happens over time. Being regular and persistent will pay off.
3. Get involved - be visible. Do as much as you can to make yourself more visible within the organization. Volunteer to help with meetings, be on committees, or become a leader or board member.
Being involved does a couple of things for you and your business. First, you’ll get more opportunities to establish connections and get to know some of the contacts you’ve made even better. Secondly, the higher the visibility you have in the group, the less you’ll have to work to make new connections. Instead, as new people come into the group, they will likely seek you out because they view you as a leader within the organization.
4. Keep your circles of contacts informed. Don’t just assume that running in to someone once a month (or even once a week) will cause them to start doing business with you or sending it your way. You need to let them know what’s going on when you’re not at that particular group in order to inform and educate them.
Send them invitations to your events or open houses. Send them email or letters to share big news or success stories, especially anything of relevance to them or those in their networks of contacts. If you believe that you have valuable ideas, information and resources to share with others, then doesn’t this just make sense?
5. Work at GIVING referrals and sharing valuable information. That’s right, you need to be willing to GIVE before you get. That means you need to get to know other members and what makes a good prospect for them. What kinds of information might you have access to that could be useful to them?
You may initially think you don’t have much of value to share with others (besides your business and what you provide). Part of the key to getting good at giving is to not make assumptions. For example, don’t assume that some basic resource (e.g., a web site) that you’re aware of is familiar to someone you might be talking to just because they are the “expert” in that field. Be willing to ask if they know about the resource and ready to share if they don’t.
Want to get better at actually giving referrals? Here’s a simple question to ask someone you’re connecting with. “How am I going to know when I meet a really good prospect for you?”
Just the fact that you are willing to explore giving will elevate your know, like and trust factor.
6. Focus on Quality, not Quantity, Quantity, Quantity. It’s not necessarily about the number of connections you make, but about the quality of the ones you do make. Are they mutually beneficial, win-win relationships?
Quality connections will be identifiable because all involved parties will be actively sharing ideas, information, and resources. Yes, it is true that you need to spend some time and effort getting to know the other person(s) and what’s important to them. But, you also need to be clear and actively thinking about what information or resources you want and need.
Staying in touch with and following up with a smaller number of quality relationships will generally be much more productive than trying to follow up with a larger number of superficial contacts.
7. Be persistent, but be patient. The goal of a networking event shouldn’t necessarily be to come away with prospects every time you go out, but to come away with great connections. Networking usually takes time to get the relationships developed and nurtured.
Don’t approach networking as a scary proposition or a necessary evil for being in business. Take the pressure off yourself and really focus on how you might be able to connect with someone you meet. Focus on them first and look for ways to be useful to them. As you become known as a connector you’ll eventually be ready to reap what you sow.
(c) - Kevin Dervin, KPD Marketing.
Kevin Dervin is the owner of KPD Marketing and creator of the ABCD Growth System. If you find this article useful, you’d probably enjoy Kevin’s FREE monthly eZine called ABCD Grow. To subscribe, just go to www.ABCDgrowth.com and follow one of the links to the FREE Stuff page!
Ever eat lunch alone?
I know, it sounds contrary to the entire concept of networking and approachability. Especially if you’ve read Keith Ferrazzi’s best selling book, Never Eat Alone. But hear me out on this one. Because eating alone (every once in a while) gives you an opportunity to do something you often forget to do while dining out with a client or coworker: observe.
Now, don’t think of it as eavesdropping, snooping or spying. It’s research. And it’s amazing what you can learn about approachability if you just immerse yourself in it, watch, and then listen.
So, I tried it yesterday. I ate at my favorite lunch spot, all by my lonesome. Just me, some gumbo and a book by John Maxwell. The smell of seafood filled the air, dozens of businesspeople talked about their plans for the week and servers frantically hustled around the floor to deliver their guests’ meals.
And here’s what I observed…
I paid my check, took my mint and thanked my server for doing a great job. When I got back to the office I hopped online to see if I could dig up some statistics on lunch meetings. Interestingly enough, I came across a great survey about lunch meeting etiquette developed by The Creative Group. It was conducted by an independent research firm and includes 250 responses from advertising executives and marketing executives among the nation’s 1,000 largest companies.
Respondents were asked, “Which one of the following actions do you think would most hurt a professional’s chances of impressing a current or potential client during a lunch meeting?”
“Displaying poor manners when interacting with the wait staff — or anyone — during a business meeting will prompt prospective clients and business partners to question whether they and their staff members will be treated the same,” said Tracey Turner, executive director of The Creative Group. “Showing up late is a similar sign of disrespect.”
Added Turner, “The key to a successful lunch meeting is making people feel comfortable. Behaving graciously throughout the meal will go a long way toward forming a positive working relationship.”
That was the word I was looking for: comfort. After all, comfort is the axis upon which approachability rotates. Comfort is the reason strangers become friends, friends become prospects, prospects become clients, and clients become fans. And fans are the people who “love your stuff,” tell their friends about you and maintain confidence in your ability to give them unique value.
Still, it kind of made me wonder: “What table did I sit at during my last lunch meeting?”
Was I the engaging businessperson at an enjoyable, yet productive lunch? Did I sit across a table from an inconsiderate cell phone junkie? Was I the workaholic who shunned the outside world at the expense of my server’s frustration? Or was I the group of friends who saw lunch as a much needed vacation from the stresses of a typical workday?
Either way, Yogi Berra was right. “You can observe a lot by just watching.” So this week, I challenge you to go out to lunch at the most crowded, popular, loud, and packed-to-the-walls-with-businesspeople restaurant in your area.
And I want you to go all by yourself.
Now, I know that might sound a bit awkward to you. But trust me, it’s great field research. So just give it a shot! You’ll learn a lot about approachability. And if you want, you can even bring along a good book to read during your lunch. If so, I highly recommend Keith Ferrazzi’s Never Eat Alone.
© 2005 All Rights Reserved.
Scott Ginsberg is a professional speaker, “The World’s Foremost Expert on Nametags” and the author of HELLO my name is Scott and The Power of Approachability. He helps people MAXIMIZE their personal and professional approachability - one conversation at a time. For more information contact Front Porch Productions at http://www.hellomynameisscott.com
If your elevator speech sparks a buyer’s curiosity, it’s only doing half the job. Your elevator speech should not only spark curiosity but also awaken powerful emotions. Small business owners can learn success from the Madison Avenue and branding experts about how to design advertisements and messages that drive consumers to feel and act upon their emotions.
While networking with other business leaders, I’m often surprised at how few utilize these techniques to their advantage. Below are a few examples of how to spark curiosity, make customers feel great and grow your business.
Here’s a tagline, “We develop lasers that will cut your waste 20%.” Sounds good; everyone loves saving. That should work, right? Not necessarily. Savings alone isn’t enough. What if your competitor is telling prospects, “Our lasers cut your waste by 20% and that’s the difference between staying in business or leading your industry.” By adding the emotionally packed difference, the impact is doubled and takes the job away from you. Your competitor’s “industry leading” emotional pitch demonstrates to prospects how the savings benefit will make them feel. Utilizing emotions constructively can be a real key to increasing sales.
One executive organizer I know claims in her elevator speech that she gives executives an extra hour each day. That’s great, but think how much more effective her pitch would be if she added an emotional component to it. Let’s say she’s talking to an executive who obviously works out regularly and she says to him, “With that extra hour, you can work out, stay fit, and not feel guilty about the time you are taking away from your family.” She just tied together an ego boost for working out and family pride. Surely that will earn her additional sales.
You’ve probably heard a lot about selling by benefits instead of features. Combining inspiring and thought-provoking emotions with exceptional benefits moves your message from the bottom floor up to the Trump Tower level. Here’s an example of combining an emotion that goes along with a benefit. If you’re selling a man on a dozen red roses, which is the more powerful selling statement? “Women love roses. You can’t go wrong with them.” Or,”Send a dozen of these to your wife at her office and all the other women will be envious. Your wife will love you for boosting her watercooler esteem.”
The second message ties in two very strong emotions, pride and love, and makes the buyer eager to receive the benefits.
In order to find the emotions to power your elevator speech, analyze your products’ benefits and find at least three strong emotions that you can bond to each one. Practice different ways to utilize these emotions in your pitch. And keep it positive! Fear is old school.
If you follow the steps outlined above, I guarantee you’ll profit by setting more meetings and receiving additional sales. Won’t it feel good to be the one relaxing on a tropical beach enjoying the benefits?
Michael Clark, http:www.biznbeyond.com
Business consultant and professional speaker Michael Clark has been helping businesses including Fortune 500 companies such as IBM and Cellular One succeed for over 20 years. Michael is a serial entrepreneur having opened multiple successful businesses over the last 12 years. Before that he had a successful career in finance and accounting for large corporations. He has been interviewed on radio, tv, and in print, as well as been a featured speaker at The Learning Annex, Rotary, and other business and professional groups.
Want to learn more? Go to http://www.biznbeyond.com.
Good manners, good networking and good business all have the same thing in common. What they have in common is “you!” You are the secret weapon that everyone is looking for to help promote themselves effortlessly, enhance their communication skills, and more effectively network.
Sounds too easy, doesn’t it? It is easy! There is magic that will happen in both your professional and personal lives if you hone these skills. Once these skills are sharpened, you need to use these valuable tools daily.
How do you enter a room at a networking event? Do you look for a friend or acquaintance that you already know? Will you rush to the bar or head for the buffet table? Will you make the rounds and hand out your business card to everyone you see as quickly as possible? What plan do you have to make the most of your networking?
None of these aforementioned tactics will be very beneficial to you as a professional if you haven’t established any common ground or done anything to set yourself apart from the others at the event. What can you do that will make a lasting impression with everyone you meet? How can you set yourself apart from every other networker in the room?
I want you to enter every room as if it is your own personal party. You are the host or hostess. This must be firmly planted in your mind before you cross the threshold of a room and you cannot waiver. As the host or hostess, it is your job to make everyone in the room feel welcome, comfortable and accommodated.
You do this by following some basic, straightforward rules. Rule number one - as you enter a room, you must enter a circle of communication or start your own. Within this circle of communication, not only do you introduce yourself, you insure that everyone within the group has been introduced to the others within the circle. It is your job to do so as a host or hostess. As others pass by your circle of communication, take a small step back and open the walls of this group. You will bring others into this circle; do not forget to introduce them to the group.
When doing introductions, be clever and friendly. Use first and last names; for example, “John Smith of Smith’s Speedy Deliver, I would like you to meet Bob Jones of Jone’s Porta Potties. It looks like you both deal with emergency situations on a daily basis. You should have a lot to talk about.” Gently touch the arm of the person you are introducing. This will remind them to pay attention as well as help to create a more intimate relationship between the two of you. Don’t be concerned if your circle of communication becomes large. It only serves to create more conversation and have the others in the room want to enter, too. However, you do not stop at this successful group of networkers. You move on to others in the room and repeat this success. How else will everyone get to know how gracious you are as a person?
Rule number two - don’t be scared to touch. There is a huge difference between grabbing and gently steering. Gentlemen, offer your arm to a woman and escort her over to a group for networking. Women, take the hand or arm of a gentleman and steer him over to other attendees. Remember, you are the host. It is your job to introduce everyone in the room. You do this in an appropriate manner that is gentle and non-sexual in any fashion. Use your very best manners and show some poise. You can never go wrong if you consistently remind yourself of this. Be sure to let them know why and where you are guiding them. For example, “John, you need to meet Robert Smith of Successful Bank. He is very well connected within the business community and I know he will be a good contact for you.” Then take his arm or hand and transport him to his destiny of success and good contacts.
Rule number three - it is not your job to find out who can benefit by doing business with you at each contact. It is your job to offer your assistance to whomever you meet. There is nothing more offensive or unproductive than someone who attempts to make a sale with every contact they make. Do not approach others and say who you are, what you do and start listing all the ways you can change their lives. I promise you that you will be tuned out almost immediately. Those people will avoid you and not want to use your services in the future because you have been labeled a “wear out.” A “wear out” is a person who wears you down by going on and on about how awesome they are. Face it, people want you to know how amazing their business is. That is the bottom line.
What is the happy medium for rule number three? Again, good manners come into play. After exchanging introductions, it is your job to offer assistance to them in the future. You will have a brief introduction prepared that you use consistently, that sets you apart from others. After that introduction, you need to refrain from taking over the conversation. Your job is to stimulate but not dominate the conversation. Shake their hand. Make it a good firm handshake with two or three pumps. If it is in a noisy or crowded area, I suggest cupping the hand to insure a greater intimacy. Do a side cupping with your hand to prevent that “trapped” feeling for the recipient. Exchange business cards. Let the other person know that your only job is to help them be successful. Tune in to what their business is about and offer to help. For example, “Debra, it sounds like you’ve got an amazing talent for organizing, I come across others who need help organizing their files and offices on a weekly basis, may I share these leads with you in the future?” Do not ask for leads in return. The leads will happen in the future for several reasons. The main reason being that you will continue to keep in contact with everyone you’ve met this evening by personal notes, newsletters and emails. You are, again, exercising good manners.
Remember to stay poised, make good eye contact, speak clearly and to dress appropriately. Again, all of these things are simply part of having good manners. These are brief examples of the many easy tools you can learn that will take your business to the next level of success with very little effort.
Good manners are good business. Pretty simple. Good manners set you apart from others and help to set you up as an expert. Where else would people go for assistance but to the expert?
Carol Lynn Blood, President and Founder of U R P R is well known for her ability to generate buzz. Most recently as the Executive Director of the La Vista Area Chamber of Commerce where various programs received attention through regional, national and international media sources. Her 20+ years in Non-Profits, Sales and Management have given her an unusually broad base of experience with which to diagnose and remedy an organization’s communications and public relations concerns.
One of the best ways to get business is through networking. That’s what the majority of people I speak to tell me. So what is networking, what makes it so invaluable to its supporters and how can you maximise your networking time.
My definition of networking is
“Creating mutually beneficial relationships with like minded people with whom you can offer and receive value, knowledge and support over time”
I remember when I first established One Step Further, I went along to a network evening in central London at which various entrepreneurs and senior city executives were to speak about their businesses and what they had learnt on their paths to success.
They say that the number one fear is public speaking; death is number two and in the top five is walking into a room full of strangers. Well that evening that was firmly my number one fear. I arrived early and walked into the area where I was offered a glass of champagne and an attendee list. I scanned the list and suddenly felt that awful feeling of “what on earth am I doing here?” Senior Manager of company X, MD of Company Y, Director of ABC, I was in awe of a list of names! However, I was determined to brave it out.
As people started to arrive I smiled nervously at a few people praying that someone would take pity on me and speak to me. Fortunately they did and we had an interesting 10 minute conversation about their business. I managed to repeat that scenario 2 or 3 times that evening before being released from my fear and ushered into a room to listen to the speakers, all of which were highly entertaining and gave me inspiration for what might be achieved if you follow your passion.
That was April 2003 and all through that first year, I continued to attend similar events. I became the one introducing myself to the nervous newcomer hoping for someone to talk to.
So what changed?
I decided that if I focused on other people’s business, other people’s interests and engaged them in conversation it made for a much more enjoyable experience. Sooner or later most people do say, “So what do you do?” which comfortably let’s you talk about what you offer without it appearing a “sales pitch”
I have also found that if you are up front about why you are at these types of event and actually say what you want people respond. I spent my first 5 or 6 networking events gaining confidence speaking to different people and learning about their businesses and getting more comfortable talking about what I offer and how it might benefit them. I have also learnt that just attending an event doesn’t get you the business.
You need to have a goal for each event, be it – help 10 people with a problem, target 5 people in sales positions or speak to 10 people in the IT industry. Having a goal gives you focus, enabling you to maximise your time and start you on the road to building meaningful and useful relationships.
Gaining contacts doesn’t get you the business either. You need to have some method of follow up. For example, phoning them the next day or sending them some material or useful information to them.
Personally I send all new people I meet an email which serves 3 purposes.
1. It brings me back into their thoughts.
2. It gives them my contact details (in case they mislay my business card!).
3. I offer them the opportunity to subscribe to Quickstart, my weekly enewsletter for business owners.
I also enter all their details into my contacts database with a note about what their business is about, what we discussed and any memorable snippets about them. This also enables me to be able to refer them onto people who might be looking for their service at some future point and to send them some valuable resources or information that I subsequently come across. This approach really works for me, as this is how I have got all of my clients to date.
I have now become much more focused about which events I go to. After all if an event is not going to have people there that may generate business or business relationships in areas that my business is focused on, it is another “time stealer”
Networking is a critical part of the “marketing pie” but without careful planning and thought it can be time consuming and unproductive. In order to avoid networking becoming another time stealer, here are my top 10 tips to maximise your time at networking events.
1. Know Your Purpose - Is the event for making new business contacts, meeting possible business partners, learning about or updating yourself on industry trends or increasing your support team. Think ahead of the event so you can prepare your answer to “so what do you do?” in the context of your purpose for that specific event and your overall business goals.
2. Prepare Yourself – dress appropriately for the event so you feel comfortable and think about how you can also stand out and be noticed and remembered. You are marketing yourself and representing your company – how do you want to be perceived? Do your business cards act as a great marketing tool? Making time before the event to really think about impact will serve you well once you “get into” the event itself.
3. Challenge Yourself – both a fun thing to do and something to stretch your skills. You could aim to speak to all the people in blue ties, all the people who are first time visitors (this is sometimes noted on the attendee list) get 20 business cards or find 5 people who will give you feedback on your latest marketing idea. This challenge should be connected to your overall business objectives. Random activities are not productive.
4. Seek Help From Your Host – if you are a first time attendee or do not know anyone, ask the host to introduce you to 2 or 3 people who fit your purpose for that event. Connecting with the host is not only polite but can also enable you to optimise how and with whom you spend the limited time you have.
5. Listen, Listen and Listen – spend time really hearing what other people are saying. Get them talking about themselves there business and what challenges they are facing. Great networkers create relationships first. Time spent listening; gathering information will enable you to really understand how you can help someone. This is always the primary activity – give first.
6. Create Future Opportunities – networking is a process and one off meetings are rarely going to lead to business. When you meet someone that shows an interest in what you have to offer, ask him or her if they would like to meet for coffee/lunch or would like to have a phone conversation to take things further. The follow up with prospects, suspects or potential partners takes more time but is often where the real value in networking happens. Be selective about who you do this with and again have a purpose for that follow up “coffee meeting”
7. Pay it Forward – think about how you can help other people. Can you introduce them to a possible partner or business opportunity? Do you have some great resource that they could benefit from? This is what makes great networkers stand out from ordinary networkers. Continually ask yourself “how can I help this person?” and “What one piece of information, advice or one contact could I give to this person?”
8. Ask For Help – Whilst listening is important getting a great outcome for yourself is equally important so knowing your purpose for the event is the first step, knowing how people can help you is also vital. Be brave and ask for what you want otherwise how will people know? Your time is precious and so each person you speak with needs to be aware, before they leave you, what it is you do, who you do it for and how they might be able to help you further.
9. Keep Circulating – Enjoy the event, have great conversations and focus on what your purpose is. However, spending 2 hours of a 2 ½ hours event talking to one person is not making the most of the event. Develop a great moving on strategy so you don’t spend too much time in one place. If a particular person is engaging and you both feel you are getting mutual benefit from the conversation ask them if they would like to meet up at a future date. Then move on
10. Review and Follow Up – Take some time after each event to assess how successful the event was against your purpose and your challenge. Reconnect with those people you said you would and plan the meetings phone calls and actions you promised. Having taking the time to attend the event to not continue the process after the event is an unproductive activity and not good time management. As the saying goes if it’s worth doing it’s worth doing well and random activity at random events with random follow up is not a good strategy and not good use of your time.
©2005 Beverley Hamilton
About The Author
Beverley Hamilton is the author of Take Control of Your Time: 7 Straight Shooter Strategies for Success. To learn more, subscribe to Quickstart her free ezine aimed at business owners and consultants who want to gain more control of their time, gain more clarity for their business direction and gain more ideal clients. Go to One Step Further.
NOTE: You’re welcome to reprint this article online as long as it remains complete and unaltered including the “about the author” information at the end.
Ever use someone else to get your message out?
For example, big, multi-location companies sometimes make important announcements through local plant or office managers, rather than at head office. Another example: advocacy groups that ask their members to individually write or call politicians.
Both examples illustrate what’s called a two-step communication strategy - getting extra mileage out of communication by selectively using other people to pass on messages.
It’s so common we often don’t think of it as a distinct strategy. But, it is, and offers many benefits, including: borrowed legitimacy, extended networks, speedy distribution, and unofficial status. Let’s review those benefits in more detail, and as we do so, ask yourself how you could apply them.
Borrowed legitimacy: The example of the advocacy group illustrates how you can use third parties (in this case individual voters/members) to give greater credence to a message.
It also explains the testimonials you see and hear in advertising. And, book publishers commonly use several forms of two-step communication, including testimonials, prefaces by well-known or well-respected persons, and book reviews.
In your workplace, some people probably have more influence than others. If you send out a message to the people with influence and ask them to pass it on to others in the organization, the message may carry more weight.
If you’re a sales person, you know the value of referrals. Again, this applies the two-step process to borrow legitimacy.
Extended networks: The two-step process can extend personal reach. It’s like an old-boys’ network that allows us to greatly expand the number of people we ‘know’.
Some publishers of free electronic newsletters ask subscribers to pass on copies to friends and colleagues. It’s a way for publishers to reach potential subscribers, with an implied or explicit endorsement.
Speed of distribution: Some messages can’t be sent out in mass, they need to be delivered individually and personally, but still need to go out quickly. The two-step process can do that.
For example, some associations use phoning trees. Simply sending written notices of meetings may not be enough to get a good turnout. So, one person phones three other members, and those members each phone three other members and so on. If everyone cooperates, phone trees are very effective (in my experience, though, ‘if’ is the key word here).
Unofficial status: Sometimes, organizations use what politicians call trial balloons, which is to say, they want reaction to an initiative before officially announcing it.
For example, a politician might test the feasibility of an idea by leaking it to the media. If a news story refers to ‘unnamed sources,’ you may be seeing the two-step strategy at work. It allows the politician to get a reading on the public’s mood without making a commitment.
In summary, the two-step process refers to the idea of using third parties to pass on important messages. Conscious, creative use of the process can extend your reach and give your message more impact. That makes it a useful addition to your communication toolbox.
Robert F. Abbott writes and publishes Abbott’s Communication Letter. Learn how you can use communication to help achieve your goals, by reading articles or subscribing to this ad-supported newsletter. An excellent resource for leaders and managers, at: http://www.communication-newsletter.com
Networking is the single most effective way to job hunt and to increase business opportunities. Without a circle of high quality professional acquaintances, you will be severely disadvantaged throughout your career. However, building this circle requires planning and you have to continually work at it. How do you get started? Most importantly, how do you make sure you aren’t turning people off or damaging your reputation? Read on to learn the fundamentals of effective networking - what TO do and what NOT to do.
How to Start
- There’s really no single formula. However, I recommend that you start with a specific goal and timeframe. For example, decide to meet 3 new people in your field who work both in your company and in other firms over the next 6 months. Once you “program” that goal into your brain, you’ll be amazed at the number of opportunities that come your way. Sign up for seminars, attend presentations, take a class, or ask a friend to introduce you to someone. Just get going. And don’t worry about imposing – people are generally very nice and like to help each other out.
How to Get People Interested in You
- Who are you interested in networking with? Probably people who are cheerful, hard-working, well put together and well thought of, right? Well, then you need to work on being that kind of person yourself. You have to demonstrate that you are worth building a relationship with.
If you’re meeting someone for the first time, let them do most of the talking. People love to talk about themselves. Ask them about their interests, profession…whatever. First, you’ll learn pretty quickly if this person is someone you want to keep in touch with. Second, if you do ask them for their business card or contact information, they will gladly give it to you because they now look upon you very favorably as being “a good listener”. Make sure you ask for permission to contact them in the future. Don’t assume that you can. Just say something like “I’m glad we met. May I keep in touch with you?” If you’ve used the active listening approach I described, they always say “Yes” or “Of course”.
If someone isn’t interested in networking with you, just back off. Don’t bug them or try to change his or her mind. Be objective about why this is the case and try to determine if there is something about yourself that needs improvement. If they never come around, don’t worry about it. The world is a big place and there are plenty of great people out there.
Start Off Conservatively
- Wait for at least 24-48 hours to pass before getting in touch with someone after you meet them. Otherwise, they might get the impression that you’re needy or over-eager. Don’t ask for huge favors the very first time you communicate with someone, either. Networking is a give-and-take process, not a one-time event. People don’t “owe” you anything just because you were introduced or exchanged business cards.
Mind Your Manners
- What ever happened to “Please” and “Thank you”? People of all ages are violating this basic rule and it’s appalling. Use an appropriate level of formality and respectful tone. Over time you can become more relaxed but never, ever lose basic courtesy. If you’re sending an email, watch your grammar and spell check it before sending. If you’re leaving a voicemail, write it out first and practice saying it a few times. That way, it will be delivered it smoothly and naturally. Your verbal and written communication reflects who you are.
Demonstrate Respect for Process and Position
- Don’t ask people to go around their company’s internal processes or to leap over organizational levels for you. This puts them on the spot. Instead, ask them to explain what their company’s process is and who they recommend that you contact. Always, always ask for permission to use their name before doing so. This approach shows that you are a responsible and trustworthy person. And, you will ultimately get in touch with the right individual(s) through a series of personal internal referrals Trust me – this works.
Set Up a Schedule
- A preset schedule will ensure that you keep in regular contact with your networking circle. 2-3 times a year is a good guideline, unless you are working with someone on a specific project or request. Make it a convenient time for them – breakfast, coffee, lunch, or after work. Keep it to 30 minutes. If the other person wants to make it longer, let them suggest it, not you.
Keep the Conversations Productive
- Be completely professional and upbeat in your networking activities. Networking is not a vehicle for you to whine, complain, or badmouth. It’s an opportunity for you to learn from others and to help them out as well. Anybody who is a quality individual for you to know will not be interested in listening to garbage. In networking circles, word travels fast about which people to avoid. Don’t get on that list.
Be a Giver, Not a Taker
- Keep track of how many times you ask for favors. You should be giving and taking in equal measure. End each conversation with “Thanks for your time. Please tell me how I can help you.” Even if the other person says “Oh, don’t worry about it.” or “I don’t really need anything right now.” - they will always remember you as being a very unselfish and thoughtful person. I cannot stress enough how much networking is about helping others. Again, word travels fast about which people just take, take, take and never do anything for anyone else. Don’t get on that list, either.
Be on Your Best Behavior at all Times
- Not everyone is an outgoing extrovert. And we all have bad days. But the world is a small place and people have long memories. You never know who you will run into and whose assistance you will need, even if it’s years and years from now. You can never go wrong by being kind and respectful to everyone all the time.
You Must Sow Before You Reap
- Start networking NOW. Don’t wait until you need something. There is nothing more annoying than getting a phone call from someone you just met or someone who hasn’t been in touch for years (or worse yet, didn’t return your calls when you contacted them) asking for a big favor.
If you truly don’t need anyone or anything right now, then reach out to others and help them. And be sincere about it. Develop the reputation for being someone who helps others. Not only is it the right thing to do, but by doing so, you will build up a “bank” of goodwill that you can easily tap into when you really need it. Believe me, that day will come and when it does, you’ll be amazed at the outpouring of assistance you’ll get.
Protect Your Good Name and Reputation
- Don’t feel obligated to let just anyone into your personal network. Be especially careful if you have any doubts about how a person’s behavior will reflect upon you, even if you’ve known this person since childhood or if she is your second cousin. It can take someone less than 5 minutes to ruin the good reputation you’ve spent years and years building.
Don’t blow the person off. Return the phone call and listen to the request with respect. Then simply say “I wish I could help you out. Unfortunately, I’m not in a position right now to be of assistance. If things change, I’ll certainly get in touch with you.” Leave it at that.
Dee Piziak is a manager for a Fortune 500 company and a university instructor. Her consulting firm, Acadia Communications, specializes in professional coaching, career development, and resume writing. Visit her website at http://www.acadiacommunications.com
Networking requires an investment of time, money and effort. Here are
four ways to be sure your return on that investment is worthwhile.
Decide what you want
Why are your attending networking events? Are you looking for a new
job? More business? Social contacts in a new home town? Whatever
your purpose, stay focused on it, or things can slide into just another
long lunch.
Attend the right event
If you are, say, a graphic designed looking for clients, why spend your
time at an event for graphic designers? OK, you might be able to pick up
some overload business from some designer who is super busy, but
that’s a very small poor to fish in. You’d be much better off mixing with
folks from businesses who use design work. Seems obvious, but it’s
surprising how many people make this mistake.
Talk to the right people
Don’t spend your valuable networking time chatting to people you
already know, who ar not in your traget group. It’s tempting, of course,
because it’s easy and fun—but it’s not networking! Look for new people
and make the effort to meet and greet them.
Keep track of your results
Every month or so, track back through your networking opportunities.
Who did you meet? Where did you meet them? How did they fit with
your reasons for being there? Did anyone help you achieve your
objective?
Of course, you’ll also meet people who are pleasant additions to your
social circle, some of whom may even become friends. Do include them
in your success picture, but if you find you make more casual
acquaintances than the people you are there to meet, you may need to
change your networking activites so that they bring you a higher Return
On Investment.
Helen Wilkie is a professional keynote speaker, workshop leader and
author specializing in applied communication, including networking.
Read more articles on this and other communication subjects on her
website at http://www.mhwcom.com Subscribe to Helen’s free monthly
e-zine, “Communi-keys”, and get your free 40-page e-book, 23
ideas you can use RIGHT NOW to communicate and succeed in your
business career!
