Archive for the ‘Networking’ Category
Let’s face it; networking is very important for having a profitable business. It’s hard to make money without having good relationships with other businesses. This will help you benefit from each other’s customers. Many people have the mistaken idea that you shouldn’t do business with your competitors. While it is true that some amount of competition is necessary, you are unlikely to achieve your full potential without joint venture partners. And the only way to get them is to network. However, networking isn’t just for getting JV partners. You need it to get customers as well. The reason social networking sites are so effective for businesses is that they enable businesses to connect with their customers much more easily. So how do you find new customers and JV partner through networking?
First, here are two tips to help you use networking to get more customers:
#1) Show you care
“People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care”. The businesses that make money are those that provide a valuable service. Get-rich-quick schemes don’t work because the focus is on making money, and not helping others. When you really want to help others, money is usually the inevitable result. People can immediately tell the difference between somebody who’s just in it for the profit, and somebody who wants to make a difference.
#2) Give free advice
This is one of the best ways to show you care and generate interest in your product. Often times, the more free information you provide, the more you will sell of your product. Some of the most successful product launches have been done by giving away lots of free advice. This might seem counter-intuitive. After all, shouldn’t you save your best information for the product? While it is true you can’t give everything away, you need to provide a lot of good information. This is how people decide whether to buy from you or not. If your free information isn’t that good, they will assume your paid information must not be great either. Where should you give free advice? There are many places online you can become active. Forums and blogs are great examples of social networking sites where you can give away lots of free information. Don’t just look for a one-way link. Instead, genuinely aim to contribute value to the site, without seeking any benefit in return. So the above two tips involve networking for finding customers. However, what if your aim is to find JV partners? Here are two tips to help you achieve that:
#3) Explain benefits
You want to clearly demonstrate how you can benefit the other business owner. If you come across as needy, and that you need them more than they need you, you won’t be very successful finding JV partners. Instead, explain why they would benefit from doing business with you. For instance, if you have a list of fifty thousand customers eager to buy, say that! Always put your best foot forward.
#4) Get offline!
While the internet is a great way to meet potential JV partners, offline offers a lot of opportunity as well. And many internet marketers ignore it because they are so focused on the internet. Attend seminars, and join organizations and associations related to you business. Here you will meet potential JV partners, while learning at the same time.
The bottom line is, networking is crucial. Implement these tips, and your profits can increase dramatically.
Deanna Maio, Business Development Strategist & Speaker, teaches women business owners how to grow their business significantly while still having time to live a great life. For FREE tips on how to get more results without working harder, attract more clients, and grow your profits, visit http://www.savvygals.com/
How do you improve your networking skills? This is a very important skill to have for business and life in general. Networking is basically having a conversation with others. This is very important, whether your objective is getting a job, a JV partner, or customers. The best example of this is the network marketing industry. If you get on the phone and reel off your sales pitch, you likely won’t do very well. People want to buy from someone who cares about them. They won’t buy from someone whose main objective is to make money for themselves. The same goes for networking. The more you show you care about the other person, the more likely you are to get a satisfactory result yourself.
“It’s not what you know, it’s who.” For instance, if you want to be an author, getting to know other top authors will be very beneficial. This is because they will help promote your book for you. So whether you are looking for a job, JV partner or more customers, being able to network is crucial. How do you improve your networking skills? Fortunately, even if you are introverted, becoming a better networker isn’t that hard. Here are five ways to do it:
#1) Have a plan
If you are going to a trade show or seminar, make sure to figure out what you want to achieve because of it. Do you want to get ten numbers from other business owners? If you are going to be using social networking sites, this is even more important. It can be very tempting to spend the whole day forum browsing instead of getting real work done. So make sure you have a clear objective, or you might find yourself wasting a lot of time.
#2) Know your skills
Nobody is good at everything. Everyone has unique skills. This is what you want to focus on in your interactions with others.
#3) Join the right group
First identify your target person, whether it’s a JV partner, customer or company to work for. Then you need to find out where they will hang out. If you don’t first identify who you are targeting, how will you find them?
#4) Provide tons of value
The more value you provide, the more you get in return. Don’t just expect to show up to a group, contribute nothing, and come out of it with a JV partner. When you focus on helping others with no personal agenda, good things will come out of it.
#5) Have a quick introduction
Make sure you can quickly and accurately explain what you do. It should take no more than half a minute. This is often how long you get to introduce yourself at events, so make sure you can do it proficiently.
The bottom line is, the key to successful networking is to first identify who you want to network with. Once you know that, you just find the best groups, and give a lot of value. If you can do these steps, you will become a very effective marketer quickly.
Deanna Maio, Business Development Strategist & Speaker, teaches women business owners how to grow their business significantly while still having time to live a great life. For FREE tips on how to get more results without working harder, attract more clients, and grow your profits, visit http://www.savvygals.com/
There are two schools of thinking when it comes to forums online. Some feel that they are a waste of time and can easily drain your day away. Others feel that they offer fantastic networking opportunities. So who is right? Are forums a timewaster or a great place to network? The answer is both. An online forum is what you make of it. Say you visit your favorite marketing forum and end up getting drawn into discussion after discussion without having much to show for it - then it’s safe to say you’re wasting your valuable time. On the other hand, if you visit a forum for a specific period of time each day and spend that time wisely – sharing tips and discussing interesting topics for example – then it’s safe to say that forum is a great contribution to your business. Many valuable friendships and joint ventures have been made through online networking forums. The key, like with most things, is to use moderation and common sense. Here are a few of the most common pitfalls of online forums and how to avoid them:
1# - They can be negative places
Sometimes you can visit a forum, get dragged in for two hours and leave feeling uninspired and even depressed. The truth is, when you visit an online forum you don’t always know who you’re dealing with – this is the anonymity our online world offers us. Unfortunately many forum regulars can be quite negative and even downright nasty. To avoid this trap, visit forums that inspire you and make you feel good. If you leave the forum feeling you have gained something and feel ready to get back to work on your business, then it’s likely a good place to spend time in.
#2 – You can get sucked in to meaningless discussions
While it’s okay to make friendships as well as network, you really don’t want to spend half of your day talking about non-business related topics (not while you’re meant to be working). It may be fine to contribute an answer or two, but keep your end goal in mind at all times – are you there to simply socialize or are you there to network as well? To avoid this trap, use your time wisely. Be friendly and contribute to the informal chitchat from time to time, but don’t make it the emphasis of your time at the forum. If you apply this rule from the start, it’s easier to avoid this trap. It’s a lot harder to switch back to being more business-like after you’ve been very socially chatty and informal for a while.
#3 – You give more than you get
It’s good to give back; there is no denying that. But if you spend a lot of time on forums helping others and not achieving much in return yourself, then you may want to ask why you’re doing it in the first place? There is nothing wrong with helping someone from time to time. But not to the extent that it takes away from your own work. To avoid this trap, give out a few helpful nuggets of information here and there and include a link back to your website for further information. For example, if someone is asking a lot of questions about search engine optimization and you’re an expert, give them a few tips then direct them to the search engine optimization section on your website for further help. Most forums will allow you to do this as long as you have been helpful and provided information in your original post. At the very least you can include a link back to your website on your signature line.
Forums can be a great addition to your business success or a complete time-wasting exercise. It’s ultimately up to you how you use your time and if in doubt keep the old saying in mind – “time is money.” Are you using yours valuably?
Deanna Maio, Business Development Strategist & Speaker, teaches women business owners how to grow their business significantly while still having time to live a great life. For FREE tips on how to get more results without working harder, attract more clients, and grow your profits, visit http://www.savvygals.com/
In today's economy, a lot of us are looking for work. One of the best way to find new employment is by networking with friends and colleagues. For shy or inexperienced folks, this exercise can be daunting. Here are some helpful tips for developing your networking skills.
1) Create a target list of people to contact and set contact goals
The list can include family, friends, and neighbors; colleagues; professors and alumni from schools you've attended; vendors and salespeople; members of organizations you belong to or volunteer with; other professionals (e.g., accountants, doctors, real estate agents, hair stylists); and bloggers and members of online groups and communities. Once you have your list, set goals for making contacts. Plan to email three people a week and to meet one person a week, for example.
2) Develop a 30-second "elevator speech"
- a concise statement about who you are, what you are looking for, and what makes you unique. Have it ready and use it at every opportunity.
3) Create a business card and carry it with you at all times
Companies like Vista Print (www.vistaprint.com) provide business cards for discounted prices or even for free. The card should include all of your contact information, job title or objective, and even some highlights from your "elevator speech."
4) Attend networking events, and come prepared
Networking events may include any meeting or forum held by professional associations, alumni groups, user groups, civic organizations, or social groups. When attending an event, try to obtain a list of attendees in advance or just before you walk in the door. Decide before you enter whom you want to meet; a reasonable goal might be five people. Dress appropriately (usually business casual) and arrive early. Have pens and business cards ready. Ask others for their cards and follow up with a handwritten note. To overcome shyness, prepare a list of questions in advance.
5) Practice good manners
When meeting a contact at an event or elsewhere, always say please and thank you, use the person's name, make eye contact, and when talking to the person again, mention something they said in the first encounter.
6) Remember that networking is a two-way street
Maintain a mindset of being a resource to others, and help fellow job-seekers whenever you can. This will not only build your network but also boost your confidence; everybody feels good and useful when they can help someone else.
7) Always maintain a networking frame of mind
Everywhere you go, everyone you meet could present a networking opportunity. Always have your card and your 30-second elevator speech ready, and take every chance you get to let people know who you are and why you're special. A long job search can get discouraging, but meeting new people and continuously expanding your contact base can help you stay optimistic. At any moment, you may meet the right person to change the course of your career.
Deanna Maio , The Savvy Strategies Coach, teaches small business owners how to significantly grow their business while still having time to live a great life. Want to build your business through relationships, stop wasting time, and create a business that acts as a vehicle for living the life you desire and deserve? For FREE business building tips and articles with practical strategies you can implement right away, visit http://www.savvygals.com/
At this point, most people have heard of social networking sites such as Myspace, Facebook, Twitter, and a host of other sites. They have been accepted as a great way to connect with friends and as a business networking platform. But if you want to use social networking sites to propel your business to the next level, your best bet is a lesser known site called LinkedIn. It’s a social networking site that is designed just for business-minded individuals like you who don’t want to be bothered with all the useless frills and apps that come with other networking sites.
Taking Care of Business
Not only is LinkedIn preferable for business users because you don’t have to worry about all the junk, but you also don’t have to worry about all the people that are not relevant to your business. It may be a smaller site, but when it comes to your business contacts and clients, quality is far more important than quantity. Plus, if people are talking to you through LinkedIn, they’re more likely to think you’re a quality contact too. If you’re starting a viral marketing campaign, LinkedIn can be just the ticket you need to get things going. The best viral products work on already existing networks. LinkedIn is a great network to start your campaign on, especially if your products serve people in business rather than the general public.
Search Engine Happiness
LinkedIn can help get you noticed on search engines. These pages actually get pretty high SEO rankings, so taking advantage of that can put you at the top of search engines. When you sign up on LinkedIn, use a name based on your own name, or even keywords that pertain to your business. That way, if someone searches that term, your page will come up.
Find Customers
If your clients are regular everyday people, then you might not have huge success using LinkedIn to find customers. But if you cater to people who are in business themselves, then this network is a great place to find new customers. Just check your contact’s networks for people that might be interested in your services and send them a message or a contact request. Just try not to compete with the contacts you’re finding them through; that’s likely to lose you more clients than you make.
Manage Customer Relationships
In today’s market, customer service is key, particularly if you do business online. If you don’t provide people with the kind of relationship they want, they can find ten other people who are willing to. LinkedIn is a great way to communicate with your customers and help keep them happy. If they’re happy, you’ll not only keep their business, but they may just recommend it to their friends and business associates.
Promoting Your Business
When using social networks to promote your business, it helps to only use one or two instead of spreading yourself too thin. If you only pick one, LinkedIn is a great choice.
Deanna Maio, Business Coach & Consultant, teaches women business owners how to attract more clients, make more sales, stop wasting time, and create a business that acts as a vehicle for living the life they desire and deserve. For FREE tips on how to increase your income and client base in your business, visit http://www.savvygals.com/
Being able to connect online with your target market is a powerful marketing strategy. Using the internet as a way to reach your customers is the tactic with the shortest history, but it is a growing industry with an amazing amount of promise. Recently, Pepsi pulled out of Superbowl Sunday and opted instead to spend its money on social media advertising. However, simply writing a blog or creating a facebook status update for your business doesn’t necessarily mean you're going to be able to really reach your audience. So, instead of wasting time and resources, focus your efforts by creating an online presence that is genuine.
Step One: Determine where your patrons hang out
What websites do they visit? What magazines are they buying? What gender are they? What age range, income status or household size are your preferred customers? These are just some of the questions you should ask yourself help pinpoint your clients’ likes and dislikes. Creating an online presence is no longer just about creating a “cool” website. It’s about creating a relationship that is sincere and lasting. This sort of relationship, like any relationship, takes time but is well worth the effort.
As you stare at a blank computer screen, these questions can seem daunting, but have no fear. There are many free resources available to help you. One easy way to keep your ear to ground is to read blogs. There is a blog on just about every topic under the sun. Analyze your audience by determining what blogs they frequent and then search for advertising guidelines. What verbiage is the most effective? Do they use stories to connect to the audience? What online contests or surveys seem to have the most "curb appeal" to readers? It is important to find a blog that:
- Speaks on a relevant topic
- Has a fair amount of readers
- Doesn’t have too many competing ads
Social Networking Sites
Social media has become an unstoppable force in our personal and professional lives. Many of us have facebook sites, have "tweeted" and established connections through Linkdn. If any of this sounds unfamiliar, then start there. These social media platforms are free to use and extremely user-friendly. Creating profiles on these sites will aid you tremendously in creating a greater presence online. This will allow your customers to connect with you in a more personal way, while still promoting your business, product or services. You can post links from your facebook profile to your business profile or website. The link below will show you how to create links, import video and transform your facebook presence for your business use.
http://mashable.com/2009/09/18/facebook-newsroom/
Linkedn is an amazing networking resource and Twitter allows you to share resources, stories and establish a more tangible presence because of its informal nature.
Once you've exhausted your free resources, and have a more concrete idea of "how" to relate to your customers, you should research different websites to link to. By creating links to your website, you’re creating new veins that lead customers to your business. You should only create links to websites that will give your website greater credibility. For instance, you can join your local Better Business Bureau and create a link from their website to yours. That is just one idea but there are myriad of different techniques that will increase traffic on your site. The link listed below gives a thorough overview of "who" you should build links with:
www.seobook.com/archives/001792.shtml
Everyone uses search engines to find a business
These search engines capture the questions that your customers are asking. Google, Yahoo, MSN and a whole slew of other search engines offer many free ways to understand that data and learn how to capitalize on it. In order to receive that data from Google, you must have a Google account. Creating an account is free and super easy. Once you have an account, you can publish and register your site with Google. By registering your site, you are asking Google to include you in its index. Once your site is indexed, you will be more easily found by customers searching for information on your business products or services.
Enewsletters and email marketing messages are a great way to reach a targeted audience and make sure the name of your business is being splashed all over the internet. Enewsletters are cost effective, and recipients subscribed to them, are generally looking forward to receiving them and therefore more receptive to the content. Writing for your target audience is easier if you visit sites they visit, consider what they need, and write content that will appeal to them. For instance, if most of your clients are female business owners, write about the struggles they might face in the personal and professional arena. Post gender-specific resources on your website such as programs that offer funding for women business owners. If you offer relevant and interesting information on your website or through your ezine, you will be viewed as more credible. Your target audience will see you as an advocate for their needs and you will gain their trust. A consumer's trust is one of the most valuable things a business can earn.
While you want your business name mentioned as many time as it can be on the internet, maintaining your integrity is paramount. If you’re really stuck for ideas on how to create a greater online presence, research what your competition is doing. While you may not want to link to the same website, blog, or social networking site, you can at least use those ideas to get the creative juices flowing.
To create a more effective and larger presence online, track everything from the effectiveness of an article, to the color of the ad, the font, the keywords you've used in your website, the amount of friends you have on facebook, the number of people reading your "tweets" and so on. Data collection programs like Google analytics and basic split testing tactics often provide all the information you need to create and perfect the online ways you use to reach your target audience. Testing and tracking optimizes your efforts and helps you hone in on those messages which have the most influence. But only you can create the material that your readers will find genuine, sincere and trustworthy.
So be the speaker they are craving to hear and create an online presence that they want to hang out with. Do this through humor, sincerity and a genuine love for your customers.
Presented by: Deanna Maio, Business Coach & Consultant, teaches women business owners how to attract more clients, make more sales, stop wasting time, and create a business that acts as a vehicle for living the life they desire and deserve. For FREE tips on how to increase your income and client base in your business, visit http://www.savvygals.com/
As an entrepreneur you may hear a lot about networking and wonder what all the hubbub is about. Networking, both online and off, is a wonderful way to build connections in your industry. It's a terrific way to increase awareness, build your customer base and ultimately boost your profits. However, you probably know that already. What you may not know is that networking is also a wonderful way to motivate yourself.
Impress Them
Networking pushes you to be at your absolute best. If you’re putting forth the effort to network, you’ll want to stand out. So when you communicate with the public, strive to make your first impression peerless, by being ready, willing and able to give them an informative and inspirational pitch about your business.
Connections Count
You never know where you'll meet your next business partner, a superior customer or one of those coveted 'Paul Revere type' of individuals who spreads news faster than CNN. If you meet a 'Paul Revere' and can get them excited about your business, you’ve just launched your business into a whole new arena.
Moves You Forward
Because networking is usually a scheduled event, it accomplishes two things. It drives you to prepare before you head to the website or event. And it pushes you too put some serious thought into how you present yourself both online and off. Networking forces you to think about your business, where it’s going, what your future plans are, and how you want to be perceived.
Ideas Ignited
For most people, networking with other successful people sparks their competitive spirit. We see other successful people and think, “If they can do that, so can I.” We hear great ideas, product launches, marketing tactics and business strategies and we think, “How can I do this too? Hearing the stories of others is very motivating!
Mindset Shifts
Finally, networking both online and off (though online networking can be done in your pajamas with unruly hair and un-brushed teeth) makes us feel and act more professionally. For the most part, the simple act of being a professional makes us feel more professional. We start to feel less like a person who works at home in their pajamas and more like a business person, a CEO, and most importantly, a successful entrepreneur.
Deanna Maio, Business Coach & Consultant, teaches women business owners how to attract more clients, make more sales, stop wasting time, and create a business that acts as a vehicle for living the life they desire and deserve. For FREE tips on how to increase your income and client base in your business, visit http://www.savvygals.com/
