Tired of hearing about the bad economy? Tired of wondering where new business could possibly come from? Me too. There is a way that can create business even in this stagnant economy.
It's called networking.
I thought I knew how to network until I joined a group a few years ago. I used to think going out and having a few cocktails at the chamber meeting was it. How wrong I was. Networking is a science-no not really-it's a system...with an attitude.
Networking is a commitment. It takes time but it pays off. The easiest way to start is to join a group-whether it is formal such as BNI (Business Networking International) or a more casual group of business owners who meet weekly or twice per month. There are many groups forming in every city now and you can find one in the business announcement section of your local newspaper or on-line.
Your commitment to such a group is that you must participate by getting to know your fellow members by meeting regularly. I think it's safe to say "you do business with people you like" and the only way to get to know someone is to spend time with them. Asking them questions about their business, family background, favorite sport teams etc. The groups which meet regularly will be the most successful for you because you'll have it scheduled, for instance, that every Thursday you have lunch or breakfast with your personal group. You will have 1 to 1 1/2 hours to devote to them. And, before you know it you will start to form alliances with them. You will be exposed to a lot of different businesses and personalities as well-some you may think will never be able to help you get business. You will be very surprised.
Be open- ask for help or advice, show your willingness to learn (because no matter what you think about yourself you don't know everything). Offer to help someone with a fund raiser or maybe they need a good accountant and you happen to know one, soon, if the chemistry is there, it will lead to business. When you do something positive for someone they will feel a natural obligation to return the favor. It's just that now we're talking about making money.
As I said, it takes time and there will be members you won't click with-that's human nature. But if you join a group and stick with it, you will soon see that networking is about getting to know people, seeing them regularly and offering a helping hand. It all comes back to you - and it's all good.
Eileen Wilkins
President- Business Development
Blue Wave Design, Inc.
824 US Hwy One
Ste. 345
North Palm Beach, FL 33408
V: 561-775-9607
F:561-775-1633
www.bluewavedesign.com
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