Networking for Beginners

Into every life some rain must fall and accordingly into
every successful business arena some networking must
occur. I can hear some of you out there already saying,
"My business is doing great and I don't Network"!

Whether you realize it or not, you probably network almost
every day of your life to one extent or the other. It could
be handing out your business card, mentioning your company
or web site, or just talking about your work in passing to
friends or associates.

Some of us are a bit more proactive about networking
and I'm sure every owner has his or her own plan and
procedures that they follow. This is good. Consistency in
almost everything is admirable, but in networking it is
crucial.

For those of you breaking into business and still trying to
get a hold on everything, here are a few steps to think
about and maybe, just maybe help you down the "networking
road of life".

Make a List.

This list should be of every person who would have a
good opinion of your product or service. Include anyone
you have ever done business with that could be "potential
customers". Friends, your family's friends, groups,
organizations and yes even your relatives. This is what you
would call your "A" List.

Now, you will also want to recruit new potential clients
to your network. There are many ways to gather new potential
clients depending on many circumstances, such as your
business, budget, media availability, time investment
and so much more. You will always need to be creative
and hardworking when it comes to getting new names
in your network list. This first-timer's list will be your
"B" list.

What to Send?

You must then decide what information you want to give
them and what you want from them. Be sure that you give them
some information about your company (background), the
product (how it will benefit them), the promotion or offer
(main reason for your contact) and don't forget the most
important; let them know what to do to repsond to your
contact.

Qualified Prospects:

A "qualified prospect" has already opened the door for
probable sales. This prospect "SHOULD NOT" be included in
your normal network (A & B Lists). You can afford to; and I
might add, they deserve to be contacted in a more personal
manner.

How Ya Doin?

Don't waste your time, money and network resources sending
out messages to your network, saying nothing more than
the basic, "We're Here, We're Open, We in Business, Here's
our Number". Save your network contacts for special
events. Special Offers, Workshops, Discount Coupons, Etc.

Be Personal....PLEASE!

This is what networking is all about and your
contact with your network should be as personal as possible.

For those of us on the Internet juggling large mailing lists
it is often hard to be personal with what you would call
your network. To start with you should use a personalized
email program (http://www.MakingProfit.com/mp/webware.shtml)
to call your contacts (or subscribers) by name. This is
better than "Dear Sir/Madam or To Whom it Concerns".

For good network contacts such as your qualified prospects
you might want to consider a phone call. A follow up letter
never hurts. That always gives you a chance to include a
brochure and/or announcements.

Just what is the Biggest Secret to Networking?

You want to know the biggest secret to Networking and the
hardest part as well? Doing it! Do yourself a favor, set
goals for yourself. Say to yourself, I will contact this
many people this month. Keep at it until you reach your
goal. The hardest part of networking just getting out there
and doing it.

One Last Tip...

Being on the Internet and using email this is no easy task
for cold calls either. With such words as Bulk Mail, Flaming
and Spam you need to step (or "key") softly.

My suggestion to writing "cold calls" is rather than send
them any advertising, take some time, use their name
(including the subject heading), and invite them to visit
your site for a free offer or to use a free service. Don't
try to sell then anything and remember to eliminate any
signature file lines you may have attached.

As with any unsolicited email always comes a risk and a
warning. No matter how clean (of advertising) it is it can
still be considered spam, but goodness knows then just about
any email today could be.

Align your messages with your targets. Don't send your
message out to just anyone, and never, ever send
advertising. Make your invite and leave it at that. If they
visit you and like your services they'll let you know. In my
judgment, anything else is far above the risk it is worth.

This can be a "nifty networking tool" if used responsibly,
moderately and properly. Be sincere, be personable and don't
sell!