Entrepreneur Archives – Page 14 of 20

10 Smart And Easy Steps To Become A Good Business Networker By Theodore Henderson The Wisdom Man Many of us are discouraged and disappointed by the business networking events that we go to. We feel overwhelmed by people just looking to extract money from us, or we think most of the people we meet are not relevant to our business, and we rarely feel as though the event was a good use our time. This is not how you as an entrepreneur or small business owner should feel after attending a networking activity. Networking should be one of the best ways to stimulate new business. The key is learning to network correctly. Even those of us who find networking an enjoyable activity should remember the following proven rules of effective networking. 1. Give, then Receive. If you attend a business conference or event with a "what's in it for me?" mindset, you will be much like all those predators that have kept you far from networking, to begin with. As a smart entrepreneur attend a business networking event to find opportunities to work with and not exploit others. When you present yourself in this manner, your "receive" is continuously more significant. 2. Please, No Cold Dead Hands. Do not be that person who provides a chilly, limp fish as a handshake instead of a solid. Loosen your grip a little bit when shaking a female's hand, but never go soft. Otherwise, individuals you connect with will undoubtedly remember you not for all the fantastic points you provided, but for your limp handshake. Successful businesspeople don’t sharp entrepreneurs with limp handshakes. 3. Look People Directly in the Eye. Don't ever stare at somebody as if you are "boring a hole" in their head, yet always meet his or her gaze. An individual that continuously avoids meeting someone's eye contact will undoubtedly be seen as someone a "little suspicious." 4. Dress For Professional Success. The old expression concerning making an excellent first impression is still valid. As a bit of advice, dress one step over just what you assume everybody else will undoubtedly be putting on. It could never hurt you to look just as good as some of the best-dressed people in attendance. Also, as an entrepreneur do your homework on the dress code before going and assume nothing. 5. Have a 30 - 60-second "Informercial." Have you ever spoken with somebody at a networking event, maybe even chatted with them concerning their business the whole evening, and left without understanding precisely what in the heck they do? It occurs regularly. Bear in mind to state just what it is that you do and with whom you look to work. How can you present yourself as a smart entrepreneur and business owner if you can’t explain what your business is? Click Here for a FREE Copy of "13 Tips For Success In Your Small Business Or Internet Business" CLICK HERE - GET STARTED 6. Make Notes on Business Cards. As you connect with different people, jot down information regarding them down on their business cards. It's not possible to remember all the information about the individuals you come across. Nobody will mind if you are so interested in what he or she shares that you are making an effort to take notes. 7. Develop a Cataloguing System. As quickly as you return to your office, put away your collected business cards in an easily accessible method. A manual approach I recommend that customers staple business cards to 3x5 index cards and afterward document all the relevant info you can. Include on the 3x5 the name of the individual, what was of interest to the person you spoke with, what she or he looks like, and just what you chatted about. When you next see your contact, she or he will be amazed that you remembered so much information. Alternatively, you can get an online CRM - customer relationship management system - for free or almost free. Then use an online application to scan in the cards. 8. Say It With A Card. It is never a negative suggestion to send a new contact a quick card or email note that states "it was nice meeting you." Include your business card or contact info in the event they lost your information. 9. The Money is in the Follow Up! This action is essential. If you have told a new connection that you could be of service in some way, be sure to touch base quickly. Do this regularly, as well as you will be viewed as a man of his word. Do not act on your guarantees, as well as you will be seen as unreliable as well as untruthful. Remember one of my entrepreneur formulas. Follow up is equal to more sales and more sales are equal to business growth. 10. LISTEN, LISTEN, and LISTEN Some More. The top "must do" of networking is to listen. You shouldn't talk more than 30% of the time. The average person likes to talk about themselves, and when given the opportunity they most likely will like you that much more for listening. Adhering to these policies of successful networking should make your experiences extra pleasurable, but will undoubtedly assist you in generating more quality business leads for your company. Click Here for a FREE Copy of "13 Tips For Success In Your Small Business Or Internet Business" CLICK HERE - GET STARTED About The Author Theodore Henderson works with business owners, entrepreneurs, and corporate professionals. He is an Amazon best-selling author, a Certified Career Coach, a Certified Leadership Coach, and a Certified Social Media Security Professional Powered by CompTIA. In addition he is the author of the business program “Launching Your Great Business Idea,” as well as the author of the following books; “The Wisdom Compass: Your 31-Day Journey to Wisdom-Filled Living”, “9 Simple Strategies to Becoming a Strong Leader” and the Security eBook “30 Smart Ways to Protect Yourself from Cyber Criminals" aimed at owners of Smartphones, Mobile Devices, and also those who have significant online activities including Social Media, financial services, etc. He is available for keynotes, seminars, and workshops. He may be reached through www.TheodoreHenderson.com.