The First Rule of Networking…..Is To Build A Relationship

Happy Monday Marketers! Hope everyone had a great weekend! Last week during a coaching subject a client and I worked on how he can promote himself and his new business successfully. Think of business as a game and in a game there are rules. Today I would like to share with you some of the many rules of the business game. One part of the business game is to network. So, what is the first rule to networking?

People only do business with people they know, like and trust, and this goes for passing referrals too.  You need to come across as genuine and start building solid relationships.  Networking is not about getting as many business cards as possible, or pushing your card onto others.

When you are talking to people at a networking event, don’t go straight in and start talking about yourself.  People like nothing more than to talk about themselves, so if you give them the first chance, they will remember that you took an interest in them.  Listen to what they have to say and take a genuine interest in them. 

They will automatically start to ask about you which means that now you can talk about what you do without making it seem as though you are pushing yourself on them.  Be subtle though, just because they show interest doesn’t mean they want you to bombard them with information about all the products or services that you provide!  This will make you look needy and there is nothing that will repel a potential client quicker than being needy.

If you feel you have met a good contact make sure that you get their business card and arrange that you will call them to set up a coffee date (a one to one in network speak).  Unfortunately, when people say that they will ring you, they rarely do.  Life gets in the way, they meet with other networkers, they get busy, what ever the reason, it is up to you to take the lead to avoid this happening.  Don’t leave it too long before you follow-up and get the appointment booked within 48 hours.

Don’t expect too much, too soon.  It takes a while to build strong relationships so just turning up at one event really isn’t enough.  Get along to as many as you can and get your face remembered.  Soon you will get people passing you referrals.  When someone passes you a referral, send them a hand written thank you note. 

Also, don’t forget to To find out why your potential customers aren’t buying from you and what you can do to get clients to your door, by downloading “12 Reasons Why People Aren’t Buying From You” NOW!

Happy Marketing!

Tags: attract new clients, Building customer relationship/bond, Business, Business Goals, client attraction, Goals, marketing, networking, Professional services, Solo professional, start building, start contacting, strategizing, strategy sessions