Essentially - Networking

It is essential in all business, to network. For the uninitiated, networking is just a fancy name for ‘word of mouth’.

“Around 70% of consumers across the world trust friends, family or other people when searching for information or ideas on products to buy.”

So if 70% of all business transactions are referral (word of mouth), then it is definitely worth getting the word out there through networking. There is nothing like a referral passed on by someone who is respected in their field. If a successful business person uses or trusts a particular printer, then chances are, so will all of her associates. Networking is a powerful tool.

There are many ways to network –
1.   Join a Business Networking Group such as Single Parents in Business or Business Mums. Once joined, use the benefits available to you. If you get a free advertisement for your business, organise and send in the copy immediately. Fill out Member Profile details and send in and include the Director or President on your press list so they receive all media releases. Use every opportunity presented to you. Many sales and contacts are made through networking groups, but it is up to you to make the most of what is presented to you.

2.   Be proactive with your networking and approach businesses that have a complimentary business objective and ask if they would like to reciprocal link i.e. drive business to each other’s web sites. If you have a visible product, send one to the other business person. If they like your product, they will be more interested in networking with you and helping to grow your business.

3.   Attend networking events and mix with other business people there. The Department of State Development (in your area) will be able to direct you to specific events that may help you further your business connections. Many of these Government involved events are free to attend. Networking events will only help you, if you step out of your comfort zone and actually speak to others (strangers). Take plenty of business cards and introduce yourself to formed groups. It may be a little scary at first, but worth it. If you make just one new contact or sale, then the event is a success. This is the time to excel, as networking events require little small talk. Your main purpose is to talk about you and your business (something YOU are an expert in).

4.   Spread the love! Spread the word around about your business by leaving business cards and promotional brochures EVERYWHERE. Wherever you go leave a few cards behind – in fitting rooms, coffee shops and even at your children’s school. Place them on noticeboards at your local post office, supermarket and shopping centre. This is a wonderful way to direct traffic to your business through passive marketing and networking.

5.   Look for opportunities. Business networking can also occur in areas outside of the traditional business arena. Public places, such as the cinema, airport and restaurants all provide opportunities to make new contacts if you have good communication skills.

Networking is all about forming potential alliances to ultimately help you in converting the leads created from your networking, into sales. So go forth now and network… and reap the benefits.

© Tina Louise Industries Pty Ltd

About Tina

Tina Shaw is the publisher of the online magazine for solo parents, The Single Parent Bible and the Director of the Single Parents in Business network . Tina was also the recipient of the 2006 Australian Home Based Business of the Year in the personal services category. For parenting information, support, or just a good belly laugh, log on to the above websites.

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