![]() |
Networking Information |
|
|
How to Collect Business Cards
Why the business card grab is not why you are there? So how do you obtain the card and show interest that gains confidence? One of the things I am also always asked is, "How do you collect cards?" and "What do you do with them when you get them back to the office?" What really happens when you collect business cards? Often they get put into a pocket with many others. Have you ever collected cards to later find out that you have no idea who the person was? This happens all the time. It is probably better to pick a few good leads rather than collect everything (sometimes that is difficult to do if people trade cards with you). Choose one pocket for the timely leads and carry post it notes to add information. It is quite easy to cull the cads as you gather them. First, I only collect cards from people that I can either do business with, form an alliance with, or simply become a referral for them. Sounds easy, but the trick is to be able to ferret out who these people are. I also take notes on the back of the card or on a pad of sticky notes and attach it to the card so that I do not forget who they are and what services they provide. I even try to put faces to the cards by describing them on the sticky notes. These people will be amazed that you can remember them the next time you meet and they will then want to talk to you. Some people look at their stack of cards the next day, or two days later is even worse, and they are bewildered: they can't remember who was who. Cards with simply black and white designs can look very alike; it is very important that you try to differentiate the cards you collect. Do this by writing on the back with a Y or N or M for Yes, No, Maybe significance. I then keep my cards in a zip lock bag for each type of card. It makes it easier to follow up. I also make note of the event we attended so as to keep a record of what we were there for. It also helps me to keep track of where the best events for attracting business are. If you are starting out cold, then keeping records will be very important - just remember not to collect every card on the floor. Bette Daoust, Ph.D. has been networking with others since leaving high school years ago. Realizing that no one really cared about what she did in life unless she had someone to tell and excite. She decided to find the best ways to get people's attention, be creative in how she presented herself and products, getting people to know who she was, and being visible all the time. Her friends and colleagues have often dubbed her the "Networking Queen". Blueprint for Networking Success: 150 ways to promote yourself is the first in this series. Blueprint for Branding Yourself: Another 150 ways to promote yourself is planned for release in 2005. For more information visit http://BlueprintBooks.com/
MORE RESOURCES:
networking - Google News |
RELATED ARTICLES
The 7 Habits of Highly Horrible Networkers Networking is a term that didn't exist (academically) until almost 40 years ago. It's a word uttered in and around the business world every day, yet is unclear to most as to how it actually works. Powerful Networking: Focus on Building Connections, Not Closing Sales You can find numerous references in the business literature about the importance of a company's mission. These sources emphasize that the mission is not to make a profit; that a profit is the outcome of and reward for fulfilling the mission. Networking: What the Heck is a Ryze? If you're new to the internet marketing club, you may have heard about "Ryze." What is that, you wonder? Ryze refers to the Ryze Business Network at http://Ryze. Work that Room, Baby! Networking, schmoozing, making connections. Call it what you want, it's something that is a necessity if you want to do business today. 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. Online Business Networking: How Personal is Too Personal? Online networking has opened up some fantastic business opportunities for solo entrepreneurs. You can open an account with one of the major online business networks such as Ryze, and get to know industrious and inspiring minds from all corners of the world. Politics, Religion, Race; Conversational No-No's in Business Do not destroy all your positive displacement and high energy and customer confidence by discussing politics in your small business. Remember not every one in the world is as smart as you are or sees as much dealing with all these different types of customers in so many different professions each day. How to Keep from Sounding LIKE Totally Stupid June is reality check month. Lots of the resolutions have been made and most are already broken. Marketing Essentials: The 15 Second Elevator Speech You're at a conference. Someone steps in the elevator, notices your name tag and asks, "So what do you guys do?" Quick -- what's your answer? You've got about 15 seconds before the doors open. 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. How to Announce a New Product How can the introduction of new products affect the way I network at meetings?When I have a new product to launch, I make sure that I have a 20 to 30 second pitch ready for the next networking event I attend. I also make sure that I have a supply of product announcements offering a free sample. Acknowledging Referrals! What's in It For You? I grew up in a household where saying thank you was a code of behavior that was absolutely essential. There were simply no exceptions. Measuring Value for a Networking Group How do you measure a group's worth to your organization?It is sometimes necessary to measure the value of a group. You may be asking yourself why you would want to measure the value of a group whose purpose is business. Develop a Great Network - Pay It Forward for Maximum Success Who needs a network of people to talk to about the struggles you're encountering in your profession? You do! The more people you have in your personal network, the more people that can help you Make it Great! Don't be afraid to ask for help, as you can't do everything alone, contrary to popular belief. By developing your network, you can actually become more dependant on others, and they will become dependant on you. Social Network Software My neighbor - a lovely man I've known, and have had social contact with for years - is the COO of one of the world's largest companies. He's read my books, is familiar with my concepts, and is a fan. Alcohol & Events Many people associate alcohol with relaxation and fun, so it is an important ingredient for a successful event. However, it can be a problem and too much alcohol can cause a great deal of trouble. Lesson 15 - Meeting the Prince with More Reputation than Power The StoryBusiness has a habit of testing us as individuals and as entrepreneurs. Several years ago I retained my first entertainment agent to represent my business and me. Are You Building Relationships Online? How's your relationship?I'm not prying into your personal life, so no need to worry. it's just that lately I've noticed something about most network marketers which got me thinking. Follow-Up with Your Contacts What happens when you meet a potential client at an event and you do not follow up?So now the event is over and you have collected a number of business cards, taken notes on the best prospects, divided the cards into Y(es), N(o), and M(aybe), now what? It is time to follow up. The best follow-up is immediate - they will remember you best if you go home that night and enter their information into your database and send a personal email or hand-written note. Discover Your Own Source Of Business Leads Generating new business leads is critical in your success, no matter what business you're in. Being aware of certain principals can help you increase your business leads list and generate an explosion of sales. |
| Article List | Index | Site Map |
|
All logos, trademarks and articles on this site are property and copyright of their respective owner(s).
The comments are property of their posters, all the rest is Copyright © 2006 CanadaSEEK.com - All Rights Reserved. |