Networking Know-how

Successful networking requires the understanding from the get-go that it is about what we can do for each other. Networking requires time, patience, and a commitment to helping others. Honest networking is not just meeting as many people as you can with the intent of citing a "mini-commercial" about what you need. No room for selfishness here; networking requires showing an interest in others that will help build credibility and trust -- establishing a real relationship.

"Drive-by" networking is often perceived as selling; this is unfortunately the kind of networking that many people experience. The Insights For Women series supports the kind of networking that results in new friendships and mutually beneficial relationships. Networking is NOT the same as canvassing for sales leads. That kind of hard sell introduction does not mutually support everyone.

Go into business and social situations with business cards in your pocket, just in case you need them. Be ready to share information about your business with confidence and pride when the situation naturally allows for it. But also keep in mind that laughter, camaraderie, and small talk can result in sales in ordinary situations where you do not "try too hard". Let the networking happen without any preconceived notions of a financial dividend. Let the promise of possibility be your goal.

Co-authored by Deb Voss Quail and Roxanne Vincent
Vincent Voss Ventures LLC
Sponsors of Insights For Women, Delafield, WI
http://www.vvvinsights.com

In The News:


pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


Networking

Networking: Is it who you know or what you know... Read More

Write It Down!

Why would you want to write information on paper when... Read More

Where to Find a Cash Windfall of $10,000 - $1,000,000 - You Never Knew You Had

There is a rather famous true story called "Acres of... Read More

Is The Company You Keep Hurting Your Business?

When you look at your friends, it's like looking into... Read More

Savvy Networking: Grow Your Business and Your Career

Did you know that contacts are the bread of career... Read More

Where Does That Word Come From?

"Instead of a handshake, I gave Toby a high-five to... Read More

Your Front End

While surfing for traffic or browsing your safelist emails, you... Read More

10 Effective Ways to Remember Names

Sigmund Freud says "a person's name is the single context... Read More

Which Networking Events Should You Attend?

How does one determine which are the best events to... Read More

7 Step Plan To Get Going With Networking

Whether you're an introvert or an extrovert, feel like you... Read More

Networking and Trade Shows

The most important reasons people exhibit at a trade show?... Read More

Increase Your Sales by 30% Using Internet Collaboration Networks

Small businesses are really excluded from the global economySmall businesses... Read More

The Festive Season: Your Networking Opportunity

The festive season is a great time to sharpen and... Read More

Develop a Great Network - Pay It Forward for Maximum Success

Who needs a network of people to talk to about... Read More

Networking: Breaking into the Buzz

Breaking into conversational groups is one of the things people... Read More

Networking in the Change Room: 5 Ways to Network Effectively While Getting Undressed

There's a time and place to network with people in... Read More

How to Create an Interest Story for the Press

What makes a good interest story?An interest story is just... Read More

The 4 Actions of Awesome Hospitality

These Actions of Awesome Hospitality? will help you manifest the... Read More

How NOT to Waste Your Time Networking

Ever wonder if networking, referral groups, and conferences are a... Read More

People Know People

I recently entered the keyword "networking" into Google. In 0.13... Read More

Ten Simple Steps to More Customers with Better Networking

Networking is a great way to meet people in a... Read More

Online Business Networking: How Personal is Too Personal?

Online networking has opened up some fantastic business opportunities for... Read More

Creating Successful Alliances and Partnerships through Networking

Douglas Wilder, former Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and... Read More

Who Are You and What The Heck Do You Do?

A few years ago, I was attending a family function... Read More

Network Your Way to Success, and Remember: Its Not About You!

Quote of the week"The answer is always no...unless you ask."... Read More

What I Do Is Not Who I Am... The Networking Factor

Ah, the personal touch that continues to make a big... Read More

Five Steps for Expanding Your Customer Base with Guerilla Networking

As a single company, it is impossible to provide your... Read More

Flying High, Flying Far

"What me? Sell myself? You have to be joking!"This was... Read More

Are You in the Relationship Business?

Are you in the relationship business? Of course you are.... Read More

The Answer to Your Worst Networking Nightmare

Imagine you just met your ideal client at a networking... Read More

Joining Industry Specific Organizations Has Many Benefits

Recently, while providing an up-and-coming Virtual Assistant (VA) and small... Read More

Ask for Referrals: And Get the Answer You Want!

Why are people scared to ask for a referral? Is... Read More

10 Terrific Tips to Talk Your Way to the Top

What is "the top" anyway? According to society, "top" has... Read More