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October 2011
Newsletter
Your feedback on last
month's newsletter, "3 Networking Myths Debunked" was overwhelmingly
positive and you wanted more information on networking.
Read
on and learn how I missed a million dollar business opportunity before I
knew this month's networking technique. Learn from my mistakes and
don't let that happen to you.
How to Avoid a Million Dollar Networking Mistake
Imagine that
you're talking about your business with a friend who says, "I wish you would've called
me two weeks ago. I had an opportunity that was perfect for you."
If that idea gives you a sinking sensation in the pit of your stomach, you know how I felt when it happened to me.
During a casual conversation about my communications training program, an acquaintance told me she had a $1 million budget for my services ... the previous year.
Why
didn't I call her before? Probably for the same reason you're not
reaching out to everyone you know: you don't think that they can help
you or know how you could help them. Are you missing opportunities like that right now? You'll never uncover them if you don't network with the people that you already know.
You may think that networking is about attending swanky cocktail
parties and chatting up strangers. Not so. Real networking is about
building lasting relationships. Avoid a million dollar networking mistake by networking with people who already know you and like you. Here are 4 steps you can use now:
1. Make a list of everyone you know. Yes, everyone. The easiest way is to organize your list by categories
(classmates, former co-workers, family, friends, club members, etc.).
The friend that told me about the missed opportunity was a member of my
Toastmasters club and it never occurred to me to contact her.
2. Set objectives for each contact. Most of your contacts won't be able to directly send business your way,
but they probably can connect you to people who can help you. You may
want to update them on what you're doing and what you're looking for or
to ask for introductions to others. If you have a clear goal, you'll be
more effective.
3. Prioritize the contacts. If you're reluctant to network, you may choose people you know well
first. Or, you can prioritize based on where your contacts work or the
people they know. How you prioritize will depend on your goals and your
comfort level.
4. Prepare for each call or meeting. With your ultimate goal in mind, prepare a list of questions to ask or
information to share. And, practice how you'll phrase any request out
loud. You'll feel more confident and your meeting will be more
productive.
When you network with people you know you'll build better
relationships and achieve your goals faster. Call on your existing
contacts now. You might not make a million dollars, but someone will
eventually say, "I'm so glad you called me today."
Help Your Organization Network For Success
Are you interested in
improving the business networking skills of your team? Consider my
popular "Networking for Success" Workshop.
This interactive
session helps both the reluctant and experienced professional achieve
better results in professional and personal settings.
Contact us to learn more or visit the website for more details.
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© 2011 Chakisse Newton. All Rights Reserved.
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