5 Tips To Enhance Your Networking Skills
Most people don't want to do business with inaccessible companies. They want to do business with real people - people who are relatable, accessible, and responsive to their needs as a customer. Building and maintaining this reputation isn't simply something you can work on in your spare time. As a business owner, it is up to you to demonstrate your accessibility to your customers on a full-time basis.
By providing networking, sponsorship, and volunteer opportunities, Lake Area Chamber of Commerce is here to help our members build and maintain a positive reputation for their businesses. This week, we're providing a few networking tips to help members (like you!) get the most out of our monthly networking socials.
5 Tips To Help You Network Like A Pro
1. Approach People You Don't Know.
While this may seem like the most obvious component of networking, it is also the strategy that gets avoided most often. Striking up a conversation with a stranger can be an intimidating prospect, so most people unconsciously gravitate towards the people they already know. By never talking new people, however, you limit your company's potential growth. The next time you are at a networking event, step outside your comfort zone and approach someone new.
2. Be Genuine.
The point of networking is to build strong relationships with other business professionals. Relationships built on falsehoods rarely last, and can quickly become compromised once the other person figures out that he has been lied to. If you remember nothing else, remember to always be genuine and authentic when you network.
3. Focus On The Other Person.
We all love to talk about ourselves. When you meet someone for the first time, resist the urge to sell them on yourself or your company. Instead, ask her engaging, open-ended questions about her profession. She'll appreciate the opportunity to talk about her business, and she'll remember you as the one who showed genuine interest in her life.
4. Help People.
Networking provides a powerful opportunity to show your personal side to both existing and potential customers. One of the best ways to build a strong reputation is to help people. Whether that means offering to put them in touch with the right people, throw in an extra perk when they work with you, or simply share your expertise, helping people is a great way to foster positive relationships.
5. Follow Up Quickly.
The initial conversation you have at a networking event is only the first step. If you connected with someone or think you may have identified a potential client, it is important that you follow up with them the next day. It doesn't need to be more than a quick email, but it is important to keep communication flowing.
See You At The February Social!
In order to provide our members and prospective members with continued opportunities for business growth, we host business networking socials at the Lake of the Ozarks on the third Tuesday of each month. Here is the information on our upcoming event:
By providing networking, sponsorship, and volunteer opportunities, Lake Area Chamber of Commerce is here to help our members build and maintain a positive reputation for their businesses. This week, we're providing a few networking tips to help members (like you!) get the most out of our monthly networking socials.
5 Tips To Help You Network Like A Pro
1. Approach People You Don't Know.
While this may seem like the most obvious component of networking, it is also the strategy that gets avoided most often. Striking up a conversation with a stranger can be an intimidating prospect, so most people unconsciously gravitate towards the people they already know. By never talking new people, however, you limit your company's potential growth. The next time you are at a networking event, step outside your comfort zone and approach someone new.
2. Be Genuine.
The point of networking is to build strong relationships with other business professionals. Relationships built on falsehoods rarely last, and can quickly become compromised once the other person figures out that he has been lied to. If you remember nothing else, remember to always be genuine and authentic when you network.
3. Focus On The Other Person.
We all love to talk about ourselves. When you meet someone for the first time, resist the urge to sell them on yourself or your company. Instead, ask her engaging, open-ended questions about her profession. She'll appreciate the opportunity to talk about her business, and she'll remember you as the one who showed genuine interest in her life.
4. Help People.
Networking provides a powerful opportunity to show your personal side to both existing and potential customers. One of the best ways to build a strong reputation is to help people. Whether that means offering to put them in touch with the right people, throw in an extra perk when they work with you, or simply share your expertise, helping people is a great way to foster positive relationships.
5. Follow Up Quickly.
The initial conversation you have at a networking event is only the first step. If you connected with someone or think you may have identified a potential client, it is important that you follow up with them the next day. It doesn't need to be more than a quick email, but it is important to keep communication flowing.
See You At The February Social!
In order to provide our members and prospective members with continued opportunities for business growth, we host business networking socials at the Lake of the Ozarks on the third Tuesday of each month. Here is the information on our upcoming event:
- Date: Tuesday, February 21st, 2017
- Time: 5:00 - 7:00 PM
- Location: Li'l Rizzo's Premium Outlet
Li'l Rizzo's Premium Outlet is located at 929 Premium Outlets Drive in Osage Beach. We hope to see you there! Bring business cards!
Contact Your Lake Area Chamber Of Commerce!
www.LakeAreaChamber.com ~ 573-964-1008 ~ Info@LakeAreaChamber.com
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