Recently the 10 essential principles of business networking were posted to the 30SecondsGo! Blog. So far we shared details about #1 Elevator Speech, #2 Be Different, #3 Be a Giver, #4 Keep Your Integrity, and #5 Relevance. This week we are sharing more about principle #6 Plan Your Networking
6. plan your networking – know what you want – manage it
All projects need managing. Business networking is a project, and so it needs managing. You can use various tools to manage your networking. You must manage your networking, or it will manage you. Some people plan with shapes and connections on a big sheet of paper. Others prefer a spreadsheet. Use whatever you find comfortable, whatever helps you to plan and monitor your networking activities.
It is important to know exactly what you want, because you will be asked – very directly by powerful potential contacts – and you will need to give a clear answer.
As with any project, you will only move towards your aim when you keep focused on that aim. If you don’t know what to plan, then probably some research is necessary. In terms of evaluating and choosing a potential networking group investigate the tactics that successful members are using. Ask a leading member for pointers. This will help you assess the group’s relevance to your needs and strengths.
Business networking can be a very enjoyable activity, and for some people can seem a lot more productive than it actually is, so stay mindful of business results and cost-effectiveness. Here is a simple example for planning and monitoring networking, which extends the elevator speech which we shared a few weeks ago on the 30SecondGo! Blog.
A sensible start might be to pick one business networking website, and one face-to-face business networking group or event, and see how you do before increasing your activity.
As you will see from the point of sustained focused effort, business networking works best when it is approached in a concentrated way. If you take on too many groups and websites at the same time you will be spread too thinly, and find it difficult to make an impact in any of them.
Coaching and connecting people is part of how we support our clients at 30 Second Success. We work closely with clients to create a clear, concise message that connects with confidence. The ability to convert contacts into clients through your messaging is powerful. We help you take those opportunities to share your elevator speech and turn them into great networking connections. Call today for more information 215.801.6750
