There are plenty of opportunities for business networking in the Illawarra (email me if you would like the latest list) but you must be prepared, so here are some hints.
Networking currently accounts for 87 per cent of business in the marketplace. People want to deal with people they know, like and trust.. It’s not what you know but who you know.
But networking is work - it takes time, effort and patience but the payoff of powerful networking will be a personal marketing strategy that accelerates the achievement of your goals and then you can reap the benefits!
There are seven steps to attending networking events:
1. PURPOSE - What is your reason for attending?
• Build business
• Increase sales
• Education/Training event
• Develop business alliances
• Check out your competitors
• Socialise
• Have a few wines/lunch/dinner
• But most importantly - enjoy yourself!
2. GOAL - What is your desired goal?
• What do you want to accomplish?
• What outcomes do you want?
• What type of people do you want to meet?
3. PLAN - Be organised
• Where is the event
• Who will be there – numbers attending etc
• What do you wear – type of event
• Resources – what to take with you, i.e. business cards, flyers etc
• Do you take a business partner/friend
• 60 seconds of fame/introduction – what will you say when you meet new people
4. REAKING THE ICE - Ask them about their business
• How they got started
• How long they have been in business
• What do you enjoy most about running the business?
• What ways have you found to be the most effective way to promote your business?
• What sort of referrals would you like?
REMEMBER – THE BEST NETWORKERS ARE THE BEST LISTENERS
5. EXECUTE - What to do when you get there
• Be early
• Circulate, don’t stagnate
• Be well armed with business cards etc
• Smile – look like you’re enjoying it!
• Collect business cards
6. FOLLOW UP - Cultivate your relationships/ leads
• Bad memory? – Make comments on their business cards / your client files
• Categorise information
• Contact your new contacts (email, phone call etc next day)
• Put contact management system in place
• Be organised!
7. EVALUATE - Is it working?
• Stop and evaluate your results
• What business benefit – if any
• Targeted networking
• How much is it costing you - $$$
Attending small business training and workshops is also a great way to meet potential customers and clients. If you would like a list of the latest small business workshops and training or a list of the networking events taking place in the Illawarra (there are currently 16 different business networking events), contact me via email ibec@illawarraitec.com.au or phone 4223 3100.
Happy Networking!!!!!
Virginia Wren
Business Development Manager
The Illawarra ITeC Pty Ltd
Ph: 4223 3100
Fx: 4223 3199
:email: ibec@illawarraitec.com.au
The Illawarra ITeC
Suite 1/336 Keira Street
Wollongong 2500
PO Box 1700
Wollongong NSW 2500
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