| |
| |
|
Networking Information |
|
The Answer to Your Worst Networking Nightmare
Imagine you just met your ideal client at a networking event. He's friendly, has great ideas and could use a valuable person like you to help grow his business. Not to mention, he's the kind of person from whom you could learn a great deal as well. After all, networking is the creation and maintenance of mutually valuable relationships. After chatting away, building rapport and connecting for a few minutes - the crucial time comes: the exchange of business cards. At his request, you give him your card. Then you ask for his card in return. And at that moment, your worst networking nightmare comes true. He utters the one sentence you never want to hear from a new and potentially valuable contact: "I don't have one of my business cards with me right now." Ouch. What do you do in this situation? Some people become frustrated with the person who commits this cardinal sin of networking. Not a good idea. Although business cards are the number-one networking necessity, don't make a big fuss if someone doesn't have one. Unfortunately, it happens. People may be changing jobs, reprinting or assumed they didn't need their cards at the time. But calling them out will only reinforce emotions of their un-professionalism. A common solution to this problem is suggested in most networking books: simply write your new contact's information on one of your own cards. Not a bad idea. But space is limited. And how many times have you written information down in your haste only to become completely baffled by your own hieroglyphics when you read your notes a week later? Perhaps this isn't your best option. Another way to capture contact information is to use scrap paper. People do this all the time, and it's not an effective networking technique. Not only does it make you look inefficient and disorganized, but Donna Fisher, author of Networking for Dummies, explains that pieces of paper are more likely to get tossed or lost than business cards. So much for that idea. Finally, the one attempt at solving this networking nightmare - which usually fails - is when the person says, "Well?just give me your card and I'll call you." Yeah right. You can't depend on someone to call you. Not because they don't like you or because they're not interested in developing a mutually valuable relationship - but because people lose, forget and misplace things. They also meet lots of people every day - and it's challenging to differentiate yourself among the masses. Therefore, the question still remains: How do you effectively and professionally capture the information of a valuable contact that doesn't have any business cards? Thus far in the field of networking, there is yet to be a solution. Until now. This is the answer to your worst networking nightmare, and it's called My Card?. Here's how it works: When someone reluctantly tells you they don't have any business cards with them, reach into your pocket and offer them My Card?. "You don't have one of your business cards with you?" you empathize, "Well, don't worry about it - it happens all the time! Here you go?" On the front of the card you hand to them, it reads in sharp blue writing: My Card? - because to your new contact that doesn't have a business card, that's exactly what it is. It's their card! "I want to help in any way I can - and also get to know you better," you explain. "Here! Fill out the card with the best way to reach you. Then I'll hang on to this one so we can be sure to stay in touch. And here are a few extras for you to keep with you until you get your new cards. I don't want you missing any networking opportunities!" No scrap paper. No scribbles. No assumptions or hopes for future contact. Just a fun, simple, memorable, face saving tool that creates a connection between two people who want to build a relationship. What's more, when you graciously hand this card to someone you've just met, you will: Basic to all victory as a successful business communicator is approachability, or "capability of being reached." So, if someone doesn't have their business card, they're not capable of being reached. They're not approachable. They can't be helped, and they can't help others. But if you pull My Card? out of your pocket; tell your new friend to fill it out - and give them a few extra cards for future use - you will break down those barriers. You will save the day, save the information and save the face of the person you've just met. Not to mention, make their subsequent networking a lot easier. You will become a Networking Superhero! And you will turn friends into mutually valuable relationships. All because you took the initiative to empathize with someone who wanted to connect with you, but couldn't because they needed a front porch through which to express their inherent human desire to do so. Remember: Interest in someone's business card = interest in them. And interest in other people is the most important rule of interpersonal communication. My Card? is the answer to your worst networking nightmare - and someone else's. And for $10.00, you can own a 50 pack today, and you'll never miss another important networking opportunity again. Click here to buy a pack today! © 2005 All Rights Reserved. Scott Ginsberg is a professional speaker, "The World's Foremost Expert on Nametags" and the author of HELLO my name is Scott and The Power of Approachability. He helps people MAXIMIZE their approachability and become UNFORGETTABLE communicators - one conversation at a time. For more information contact Front Porch Productions at http://www.hellomynameisscott.com.
MORE RESOURCES: Unable to open RSS Feed $XMLfilename with error HTTP ERROR: 404, exiting |
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Effective Networking The process of finding out about a job, getting interviewed, and eventually receiving an offer for employment starts with networking. By networking I don't mean sending out hundreds of copies of your résumé unsolicited to H. Unforgettable First Impressions Part 4: Become a Social Gift Giver Do you ever wonder why single people give flowers, wine, candy or mix CD's on first dates?Bingo! Because they want to get lucky!Just kidding. They bring gifts because they want make a great first impression. The Power of Word of Mouth Most of us remember the commercial that said, "I told two friends, and they told two friends, and so on, and so on, and?", well you get the picture. This commercial, which represented Breck Hair Shampoo, ran so many times that even I remember who the commercial represented. It Pays to be Friendly Most small business people do not take advantage of human relationship issues. They do not understand that being nice and friendly, out going and enthusiastic pays high dividends. Networking: Breaking into the Buzz Breaking into conversational groups is one of the things people ask me about when I'm conducting networking sessions. There's a buzz that hovers over a crowded room that comes from all those people conversing. 7 Step Plan To Get Going With Networking Whether you're an introvert or an extrovert, feel like you have the gift of gab or just don't know how to make small talk, networking know-how is very important for your business success. There is a notion in business that I believe most of us subscribe to that says "all things being equal, people will do business with and refer business to those they know, like and trust. Lesson 14 - Whats In A Handshake? The StoryAs a child growing up, one of the many life lessons instilled in me was to wash your hands before eating and after using the restroom. As a child I often played in the dirt and places where germs customarily manifested. How to be Known Why business relationships are formed with certain people?If you go to a networking meeting and look around the room, can you tell which individuals you would like to converse with? It is likely you will gravitate towards those that are engaged in conversations and have an enthusiasm about them. If you see people sitting around looking like wall flowers, you will not be as likely to find out more about them. Your Front End While surfing for traffic or browsing your safelist emails, you are sure to have noticed the very large number of networkers promoting similar, if not identical, programs. Empowerism and Profit Rally are everywhere, as are health related and telecom based MLM opportunities. Plan for the Event or Flounder Rather than being there to eat the food and drink the drinks, planning before attending an event will change your view.Have you ever attended an event and seen all the people gravitating towards the food and the drinks? That is the first thing people seem to go for. Should You Offer Commissions For Customer Referrals? As a small business owner you may find yourself in a situation where you want to partner with another business but they are asking for a commission on your services. You will want to be prepared to handle such a request BEFORE you find yourself in this situation. Two-Step Your Communication Ever use someone else to get your message out?For example, big, multi-location companies sometimes make important announcements through local plant or office managers, rather than at head office. Another example: advocacy groups that ask their members to individually write or call politicians. Are You in the Relationship Business? Are you in the relationship business? Of course you are. Everyone who has to work with, deal with, sell to, convince, is! Unless you're on a deserted island, you must connect with, interact, and influence people every single day. 10 Top Tips for Successful Networking 1. Recognise the importance of networkingAsk any successful business person and they will tell you that above all else networking skills are absolutely vital to grow your business. Strategic Networking: Take the Shortest Path to Success Do you use Ryze or LinkedIn to promote your web based business? If so, you may have noticed that everything is linked to everything else. Here's how to take the shortest path to networking success: use keywords and a targeted linking strategy. Networking - How To Do It Networking is probably the oldest, easiest, most effectiveand least expensive way to get more business. Itdoesn't necessarily involve selling your product or servicebut it does mean selling yourself. Did You Market Yourself Today? "If you build a better mouse trap - the world will beat a path to your door."Do you still believe that?Let's try another one. Why Cant I Start A Conversation With You? One out of every ten Americans has a fear of talking to strangers. When you enter a room full of new faces, to start these conversations seems like an impossible task. Create a 10 Second Introduction From Your USP You can generate a ton of business by networking, whether you belong to a networking organization or just get referrals from existing (satisfied) customers. Whenever you meet a new potential client, it's important to create the right impression about you and your business straight away. 3 Reasons to Join a Group Defining your purpose for joining a group.When you make the decision to join a group, you should make sure that you have a clear understanding of what you would like to gain from the group.
|
| home | site map | contact us |