Read All About The News

Paul Johnstone © 
 
A quarter' of students and Scouts plan to launch a business - and could woggles replace ties in offices across the UK?

That headline has been all over the place recently.  The hidden message in that headline is that we should all be kind to students!

Check out the full story in Management Today late  http://tiny.cc/1985p

Good news
UK economy grows at the fastest pace in four years, so the Telegraph on line tells us

Check out the full story:  http://tiny.cc/f7fov


You thought money was tight.  This story says otherwise.  Heard the one about the £7,000 car wash?  Read all about it  http://tiny.cc/omaa1   


Helping Real People do Real Business Through Real Networking

Your Networker’s Tool Kit

Paul Johnstone ©  
There are a couple of important items that every serious networker should carry, at all times:

·    Business cards
·    A pen
·    Something to write on


These are the only things that need to be taken to an event. The business cards are pretty self-explanatory. Networkers should always carry pocketfuls of these to hand over to relevant people. A pen is also useful, for jotting down any notable details about people spoken to during the function.  However there is an assumption you will have something to write on, I use a WH Smith 99p notebook that slips into a pocket easily. 

All business networking groups and networking events offer different formats and ways of networking.  Almost all groups include a method of getting you to present your business to the group.   You do this because these events usually include a number of standard elements.

Just like any business, networking events have a target market, so different groups will attract different types of people. There are many networking groups specifically for women.   As there are groups targeted at start-up businesses, as well as small or large businesses. There are groups where the members all do business with professions, so have material prepared for who the others do business with.

Format of Networking Events
It is usually possible to find out the precise format before attendance at a business networking event and this will help ensure the best use of time at the meeting. Someone will run the event and will explain what happens when- also, other attendees will help newcomers to understand what to do at the right time.

Business networking events usually start on time - business people are busy. Some events start with an opportunity to meet and chat over coffee, others start immediately with the agenda. It is important to be punctual, turning up early or on time, as being late gives an immediate and noticeable impression.

A Speaker to the Business Group
A speaker, who may be a member, is often invited to talk to the group on a topic of interest to the members. The information is targeted to the group and usually gives some help to the attendees. For example, providing information on the latest technology (e.g. blogging, auto-responders, new printers) or on business opportunities in the local area (e.g. local government initiatives and how to access them).

Speakers often provide handouts or will email details of the talk after the event. These talks are not meant to be sales pitches and usually deliver valuable information. They tend to be short, around ten to thirty minutes in length and often invite questions at the end. If there is a speaker, preparing questions before the event will help ensure a business gains the most from the topic and also provides an opportunity to build a relationship with the speaker.

60 seconds to success
Business events usually provide an opportunity for attendees to present a short summary of their business. Sometimes known as a sound bite, elevator pitch or one minute, typically between thirty seconds and one minute per attendee is allowed.


Helping Real People do Real Business Through Real Networking

How to benefit from business networking

©Paul Johnstone
The business benefits of networking are well known.  Peter Jones of Dragons Den is quoted as saying “Networking is the most cost effective route to market there is”. But what is networking?  You may be familiar with word of mouth marketing, or business by referral or Advocate marketing.   These are terms for this powerful and underused marketing technique.

To get the most out of your networking, plan for success.  A good tip is to set yourself some goals.  Add to the goals the right tools, a pen, some business cards, a note pad and a badge, and you are ready to network

Once you have decided the right place for your networking.  You should attend regularly, if the group meets weekly, attend weekly, the same for monthly and so on.   This regular attendance is one of the cornerstones in building the trust based relationships that will deliver business to you, year after year

It helpful to have a 3 – 5 minute business conversation with all the other members of your group each time you meet.  This usually means you will arrive early, so you can fit everyone in.

At open networking meets such as Chamber of commerce events, work the room.  This is a simple technique where you move from one conversation to another effortlessly.  It’s a technique you may like to practice with people you know first so you are at ease when doing it with strangers.   

 
On the subject of strangers, go against what your mother told you never to do, and talk to strangers.    This works wonders for your business.   

Networking should not be confused with selling.  Networking leads to business but is not a sales pitch.  The customary phrase is networking is telling not selling.  So listen and comment, and don’t go for the hard sell.  The people who don’t succeed networking, usually try to sell all the time.  This often antagonises people who just stop listening.

It’s a good idea to have a tale to tell.  Being prepared with an outline of how you can help people is a fantastic introduction.  After all, you have only a short time to tell people what’s in it for them.   If there is a 60 second presentation, stay focused by telling people about one activity.  Either the one that is most profitable or the one you want to develop, but stick to one. 

By staying focused on one product or service you are making it easier for your audience to remember you.  Stay focused and tell them why you and how you can help them. 
Now for the Killer Ap in networking:  The Follow Up.  Take tip from some of the most successful networkers, who always follow up.  An email or phone call are good.  All you want to do is make contact.  You are not selling you are at the beginning of a journey with a potential client.  Don’t put them of with a sales pitch. 

Helping Real People do Real business through Real Networking