Networking for Business

What's the single, most important factor in marketing? Many experts agree that it's word of mouth. And one of the best ways to get that word of mouth promotion happening is to get out there and meet people, build relationships and begin using word of mouth referrals yourself.

While networking can be an incredibly powerful tool, it can also be extremely daunting for those just starting out in business.

Here are some basic tips that will help make your foray into the networking world easier:

• Make sure you have a good supply of professional business cards.
• Always carry your business cards with you; you never know when you might need one.
• Give your business cards away liberally. Most people will keep these for future reference. Having said this, please don't go pushing your card onto every person you meet.
• Instead of trying to attend every function that is held and giving out as many cards as you are able to carry, focus on attending a few quality events (aim for at least one each week) and meeting a smaller number of people, but people with whom you can develop a relationship. Try meeting just three new contacts who you arrange to meet up with for coffee the following week.
• Don't join a group, attend one function and expect work to come your way from other members. It takes time to build rapport and get yourself and your skills known. Think of networking as relationship building.
• Networking is a two-way street. You need to offer support to others if you want to receive support from them. If you don't need the goods or services offered by Ms or Mr X, perhaps you know someone who does.
• When attending functions, don't stay with the same people the whole time. Mingle!
• Prepare an ‘Elevator Speech' and practise it in advance. This is your 15-30 second introduction in reply to the question you will be asked most, "What do you do?"
• Where possible, wear a jacket or pants with good pockets. This is ideal for storing your business cards while your hands are full – drink in one hand, hors d'oeuvre in the other. And much easier than reaching into your handbag all the time.
• Remember the old saying that it's not what you know but who you know? I believe it's partly what and who you know, but more so who knows you! It's no good having great products and skills if nobody knows about them.

And remember to have fun!