A search on Amazon for “business networking” produces nearly 10,000 results. So many gurus claim to have “the answers” to networking. And there are plenty of nutty suggestions promoted by some of these professed experts.
One such suggestion is: “Network as much as you can! Get off the couch and fill your calendar with as many events (especially free ones) as you can squeeze in. You’ll meet lots of people, collect scores of business cards, and appear to be very busy.” Read more
There you have it! Important questions to kick off your Monday.
Being a Ninja takes a commitment! Ninjas use their masterful skills to move stealthily. If you are to be Ninja-like in your networking, you will develop the following skills:
Have you noticed all the drama that surrounds us on a daily – no hourly– basis? It’s tiring and sometimes irritating, though sometimes fun! Watch for it. It’s on Facebook, Twitter and elsewhere, and it appears in many conversations.
Something happens. An expected shipment doesn’t arrive on time. A call is made to the business by the customer. A rant ensues. Perhaps a refund is made, or the entire order is reshipped. The customer still isn’t happy and begins to vilify the business on social media and to anyone who will listen. Charges are made about the business owner. “He doesn’t care about his customers!” “He isn’t professional!” The business owner reacts to having lost money and blames the customer for being unreasonable. Each tries to outdo the other with escalating finger pointing and tirades. The drama intensifies.
How can we STOP the damn drama? Read more
The “minding” of your business means paying attention to the basics of marketing, sales, financial systems, production, distribution, regulations, efficiencies, the customer experience and more.
You are familiar with the saying that you don’t get a second chance at a first impression. This applies to customer service. You don’t get a second chance if the first experience of doing business with you fails the customer’s expectations. How do you know what they expect? One way to find out is to ask. You’ll probably be surprised at their answers. Many times they’re not what you imagine or anticipate! Read more
One of the top motivators for networking is to meet new people and make connections, right? As business owners, we know that expanding our network of relationships will help our business grow.
Building a successful network takes more than a series of meet-and-greet events. When your networking is integrated with your daily marketing activities, it can be simple and easy – natural. Your consistent investment of time after each networking event will pay off in big ways for your business if you make it a priority. And, that time investment requires a plan.
An example of ”no plan” comes to mind. Jeff (not his real name) participated in a large trade show and collected contact information of potential clients for his custom and make-over kitchen business. He collected over 300 contacts during the show. When I asked Jeff several months later how much business he had generated as a result, Jeff said, “zero”! Read more
We all know how important networking is for building a successful business. Skillful networking is the first step in building those all-important business relationships.
There are many myths and fairytales believed by many business owners about what networking is intended to accomplish. Let’s bust through one of the biggest myths.
Last week, my daughter and I flew to Vermont to visit my Mom who is experiencing the effects of several mini strokes. She has lost much of her ability to communicate, and her vision is impaired. We ache for her and feel helpless to do much to change her circumstances. At least she is well cared for by the staff at the Senior Community where she lives.
My brothers and I are grateful for the loving care Mom receives from the nurses and team. It is evident that they don’t put on a show just for us when we are visiting. Every one of them is caring, patient and attentive.
It’s service in the best sense of the word. The assistance provided is about the customer — the person who benefits from the work. Their motto is: “Our ability to respond is your whole reason for living in our community.”
Now for the other side of service. My brother, sister-in-law, daughter and I went to dinner at a local restaurant. We go there every time we visit because the service and food are excellent. But this time, while the food still rated a 10 the server was barely a 4. Read more
Listen to Lorraine’s Business Edge Radio Interview here.
She talks about what motivated her to start a business and what led to writing her book, Business-Building Referrals. Topics discussed in the interview include how to build business relationships which are the foundation for generating referrals. Lorraine also describes her 2 major program offerings, The A-Game and Customer Service Mastery.
Michael Congemi, Business Development Specialist for the Hernando County Chamber of Commerce, conducted the interview. Special thanks to J.R., weekday morning anchor for radio WWJB/WXJB, for his humor and skill.
As business owners, we know that it pays to network. This activity is part of our marketing plan and it is an important activity for business building. Mastering the 30 second introduction, or “elevator pitch,” helps you feel confident and able to represent yourself and your business. Read more