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Posts Tagged ‘Networking Plan’

Social Networking is one of the great advantages of doing business in this day and age. The challenge, however, is that for many people it feels like it is a second business. Aside from having to connect with clients and provide the services that they provide it is sometimes a little draining to now have to go online everyday to promote your business. That is why it is crucial to have a social networking plan.

First, you need to be consistent in going onto social networking sites every day. Develop a routine and time of day when you are able to go online. The key part is to put down in writing what your objectives are, and also how you plan on using social media successfully to reach your goals.

Second, you needs find which social networks will help you with building business relationships that you need and also create an online brand image for yourself. There are thousands of networks out there. Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn are the big three that everyone thinks about, but you have to know your target audience. For example, a Realtor should definitely use the big three, but also take a look at Active Rain, which is a Real Estate based social network. On the other hand, an entertainer will want to check out MySpace as well, because it is a great place for bands and entertainers to promote them self effectively.

Third, once you have created a hand crafted plan and determined the social network best fitting your demographics you need to execute your plan. Devise a strategy that will allow you to set up the necessary sites and then spend only 15-20 minutes every doing social networking. That way you have the freedom to go back to your business the rest of the day.

I started this conversation off, by telling people how you almost need to have a social networking business in addition to your paying business. Let me add now that you if you use the steps listed above you can spend less time on social networking with greater results.

Do you have a networking strategy? Does your strategy involve more than just making contacts? If you answered “No” to one or both of these questions, it’s time for a “Networking Check-Up.”

Just as location, location, location is the key element in real estate, networking is the key ingredient in any business development plan. Whether your business is large or small, a start-up or one with a long-history, for-profit or not-for-profit, networking, networking, networking is the key to business development!

Sounds simple, right? Why then do so many people struggle with networking events? Why do people find it difficult to introduce themselves to strangers and make small talk at social events? Successful networking involves more than just making contacts. Making contacts is more than just attending networking events and collecting business cards. It’s all about the people-to-people connections!

Turning small talk into positive business-talk depends on developing and following a strategic networking plan to fit your career and personal goals. There is no one-size-fits-all process. Your strategic networking plan begins with a positive attitude and an honest look or “check-up” (self-assessment) of your networking skills. It will be as unique as you are.

Your personal networking plan will be designed to maximize your personal and professional strengths – and your own networking style! According to author and networking guru, Nancy Flynn, some key areas to think about include:
- Goals – Your reasons for improving or enhancing your networking skills
- Contacts – Your access to the “right people” at the right time
- Personal style – Your comfort level and listening skills and the impression you make
- Tools and techniques – Your experience and comfort level with publicity, public speaking, e-mail, and other networking tools
- Resources – Your ability to devote time, energy, and financial resources to networking and career development
- Etiquette and netiquette – Your know-how and savvy can make or break the deal
- Challenges – Your personal and professional development areas
- Commitment – Your desire to succeed and willingness to follow through

Most likely you already have some networking skills and will discover other areas that need to be explored or fine-tuned. It’s important to clarify your networking needs and goals and be realistic as you look at your strengths and development areas. Breaking your “check-up” into the following key target areas will help you easily determine what needs to be explored, developed or fine-tuned:

1. Identifying Focus & Setting Goals (Include appropriate networking events and activities in your business/marketing plan)
2. Relationship-Building Skills (Need a professional skills coach?)
3. People Skills (Attend a local workshop)
4. Networking Tools & Techniques (Join a networking group to learn from others)
5. Networking Challenges (Be honest with yourself – there are ways to make it work)

Once you have completed your “check-up” and have determined your personal plan, you are on your way to becoming a successful networker! It’s about taking the time to invest in yourself and your business. You will learn to start and grow relationships with people who can open doors, make introductions, advance your career and help build your business by establishing long-term, reciprocal relationships with the “right” people.

Who are the “right” people? They are not necessarily the wealthiest, most powerful, or most senior executives in town. Surely, these people are good to have as a part of your networking strategy. Just remember to include all types of people who understand how the networking game is played and are willing to help you get into the action.

If you look at networking as a “two-way street” – a giving and receiving tool – your success as a receiver will be as great as your generosity as a giver. Like a smile, give it away, and it will come back to you in ways that you’d never imagine.

Here are a few tips that work for me:
o Be generous with information
o Share your contacts
o Help people help other people
o Do favors
o Ask for help
o And most importantly, thank those who have helped you!

When you do, you will find people will be ready and willing to open doors, offer tips, make the introductions and connections for you in return.

Positive business-talk reinforces the fact that people do business with those they know, like and trust. Networking is positively the best way to reach out and hold on to people who can make things happen – in a fraction of the time it would take you to accomplish the same goals on your own. As noted by the Society for Human Resource Management, 95% of human resource professionals and job seekers claim networking is the most effective tool to locate job candidates or secure a job.

Who’s in your networking circle? Cast a wide net to include family, friends, co-workers, alumni groups, teachers, students, chamber members, civic and professional organizations, just a few of the many possibilities. Becoming a successful networker does not require being the most extroverted person in town – people skills can be learned. It does require focusing clearly on your career and business goals and implementing a networking strategy to take you there. By pursuing only the networking activities, business relationships, and professional skills that will move you closer to personal, career and business success, you will make a Positive Impact on the lives of others and the communities you serve.

Invest in yourself with a networking check-up! Go out of your comfort zone! Connect with people as much as you can! As the phone company used to say, reach out and talk to someone! Turn small talk into positive business-talk!

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Are you a small business owner? Maybe you run a home based business? Or you’re just starting out and you need to make contacts.

Whatever your reason for networking, one of the hardest parts by far is walking into a room full of strangers. You don’t know anyone, you feel unsure of yourself, under prepared and you’re about to turn round and walk out when a friendly looking person approaches, with their hand extended.

That’s the toughest part over with. Most, (in fact all that I’ve been to) will have a visitor host. Someone placed strategically by the door to extend a warm welcome to the newbie! One of the first questions you will be asked if “How can I help you?” and they mean it! They want to know who you want to talk to, who would you like to be introduced to?

So do a little homework before hand. Who are you looking for introductions to? If you’re a florist you may want to link up with bridal wear, or a photographer. A word of warning though – try to be specific. If you say anyone, you’ll get no one. Sit and work out who or what would be best placed to help YOU and YOUR business. Often the most resilient are the most successful, because they pass the first requirement for success – showing up.

Networking – The Planning

You do have a networking strategy don’t you? It’s quite likely that you’ll have a business plan, a financial forecast and probably a marketing plan, so why not a business networking plan? Now more than ever networking is seen as a viable way of generating new business leads.

Picture the scenario; you regularly attend a pay on the door event at a cost of