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7_Ways_to_Easily_Network
| 7 Ways to Easily Network
7 Ways to Easily Network By Ja-Naé Duane and
Http://www.Ja-Nae.com
People underestimate how easy it is to network, no matter what
field they are in. Along those lines, they also underestimate
the importance of networking, even when the business is YOU. I
will give you 7 easy ways to make your networking more
beneficial to the person to whom it counts the most…….YOU.
I.How can you help others? You might not realize this, but with
every individual you speak to, you have an opportunity to
network. But let’s face it; mostly everyone is concerned with
themselves. Sometimes, we get so caught up in our own needs that
we forget that our product needs to benefit the people that are
really important to us: our customers. So, why not help them?
Listen to what people are saying to you. Get to know them. Try
to think of different ways that they might benefit from your
expertise. People love to help those they know and trust. By
helping others, you are ultimately helping yourself and your
business.
I started my monthly newsletter a year and a half ago, just to
keep everyone updated on my upcoming gigs. Since then, it has
also branched out to focus on free self-promotion ideas and free
self-actualizing hints (to see an example, go to
http://www.Ja-Nae.com). But also during this time, I began
freely promoting others. By doing so, it keeps me in the
forefront of people’s minds when they’re promoting things:
looking for a singer, actor, writer, or speaker. So, everyone
wins.
II.Tools of the Trade Tools are imperative for any trade…..
particularly when you are networking. Take the business card for
example. The business card is an easy way to concisely
distribute your information. Make sure the card says everything
it can about you and what you do…in as few words as possible.
State what you do, who you are, and how you can be contacted.
Put your logo on the card. This ensures people to associate your
name with your brand.
I’ve gone through various types of business cards. The one I
have now has generated a lot of buzz about me. Why? It has my
picture on it. There is a face to go with the name. Every time I
hand a card to someone, they compliment me on what a great card
it is. The person then shows their friend. They make the brand
association and they also help generate more exposure for
me…..Just by handing out ONE business card!!!!
III.Walk the Walk: The Importance of Image We are judged all the
time. We are judged by our appearance, what we say, and most
importantly, what we do. Since that is the case, it would be
beneficial for you to think about how you want people to
perceive you. Look at your clothes, how you converse with
others, and what you do on a daily basis. YOUR business
OPPORTUNITIES are everywhere, so everything you do affects your
image.
I’ve done many experiments with this concept. I love to wear
black yoga pants and a white tee-shirt. It’s my favorite outfit
to wear because I find it incredibly comfortable. But I’ve also
found that when you’re talking business with someone, they are
less likely to take you seriously in that type of garb. So, what
did I do? I started to wear things that were considered
“business casual.” Now, a pair of jeans and a polo top has
replaced my everyday wear. Not only do I receive more positive
responses from people, I also feel better about myself. Try the
experiment yourself. See what type of responses you get.
IV. Where to Meet People There are a ton of places where you can
meet people, whether they are in your field or potential
clients. Teach a seminar or workshop at your local library or
bookstore. Try joining your Chamber of Commerce, Service
Organizations, and Trade Associations. Attend Trade Shows in
your field; take people out to lunch. I know that Financial
Planners for American Express place fishbowls in restaurants for
people to leave their business cards. The Financial Planner then
sets a lunch date and invites everyone who has left their card
in the fishbowl to come and participate in a lunch seminar. By
doing this, The Financial Planner gets his name out, explains
his product, and it only cost him the price of everyone’s lunch.
We meet people every day, though we don’t always see an
introduction as a business opportunity. When you first meet
people, don’t try to sell anything. Get to know them. Ask them
questions about their lives. See if there are various angles
that could allow you two to work together…at some point. But
leave the initial encounter as a “getting to know you.”
V. The Art of Networking The Art of Networking starts with a
simple conversation. Some people have problems starting
conversations. Here are just a few examples of how: •Look to see
if they have a book or magazine with them •Comment on the book
or magazine •Notice their attire. Comment on it
If you’re at a convention or a trade show, focus your
conversation on the event. These people are here for the same
reason you are. Some great icebreakers for these types of
situations are: •The sponsor of the event •The venue (food,
location, entertainment) •The workshops or guest speakers
No matter with whom you are dealing with, there will always be
some common interest that can bind you two. The goal is to
establish that bond. The bond will allow the other person to
open up and begin to trust you, and people only initiate
business with those they trust.
VI. Contact Maintenance Once you’ve established a contact, it is
as important to maintain it. It is always imperative to check in
with people now and again. By doing so, you’re ultimately
informed of the person’s situation and you keep yourself in the
forefront of their mind.
People change jobs all the time. Whether you’re sending a press
release to an editor or a joint venture letter to a competitor,
make sure you know exactly who you are sending the information
to. Doing this increases your chances of having information seen
by the right people and kept out of the garbage.
VII. Care for your Network Care for your Network. Send emails,
phone calls, and newsletters out to everyone. Also, respond to
people in a timely fashion. If you’re talking to someone on the
phone, don’t be interrupted by an incoming call. If someone buys
your product, check in with them. Make sure that they are
completely satisfied with the product. If not, find out what is
wrong and take immediate steps to remedy the situation.
The biggest thing is to be respectful of the other person.
Please and thank you can go an extremely long way, and courtesy
doesn’t cost anything. Also, be respectful of the person’s time.
Everyone is busy, so keep interactions brief and to the point.
Though its clique, this statement holds your key to success:
Treat others as you wish to be treated. Do that and you’ll go a
long way.
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------------------------------------------- Up and Coming
Renaissance woman, founder of the National Artistic Effort,
social activist, and expert self-promoter, Ja-Naé Duane, is
taking the world by storm.....one gig at a time. Check out:
http://www.Ja-Nae.com Hear Ja-Naé:
http://www.mp3.com/Ja_Na__Duane Buy Ja-Naé Merchandise:
http://www.cafepress.com/janaeduane Join her mailing list!:
Ja-Nae@yahoogroups.com For more information on the National
Artistic Effort, please go to:
http://www.us.geocities.com/elektra1313/index.html REPRINT
PERMISSION Would you like to run some of the content from this
article on your web site or in your e-zine? You may do so for
free as long as you add the following credit:
"Reprinted from Ja-Naé Duane's Newsletter, featuring Ja-Naé's
up-coming gigs and projects; and focusing on free self-
promotion ideas; and free self-actualizing hints. Visit
www.Ja-Nae.com for free details."
__________________________________________________ Ja-Naé
Duane's Articles are published by Ja-Naé Duane E-mail:
nae@Ja-Nae.com http://www.Ja-Nae.com/ (c) 2003 by Ja-Naé Duane -
All Rights Reserved
__________________________________________________
About the author:
Up and Coming Renaissance woman, founder of the National
Artistic Effort, social activist, and expert self-promoter,
Ja-Naé Duane, is taking the world by storm.....one gig at a
time. Check out: http://www.Ja-Nae.com
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