Archive for business networking
Beneficial Relations In Business Networking
Posted by: | CommentsBusiness networking events and functions are thought to be something of huge excitement and fun for those who are looking for new contacts. Business networking is referred to as a process through which people develop jointly beneficial relationship with the other people in business, clients, customers and consumers.
The relationship should be reciprocal and equally reliable on both sides. Business networking is not about meeting and greeting new people in the business events. People usually refer to networking as a process of meeting new people, but this is the wrong way to look at it. The key to effective business networking relations is the development of jointly valuable and beneficial bond. But this is really a rare thing seen anywhere.
At most of the events people shake hands, exchange business cards and leave. These business cards are said to be the huge opportunities to get jobs or business clients.The major purpose of business networking is to increase the business profits. But these profits cannot be made possible if you don’t have built trust with your customers or clients.
Trust is the basic pillar on which any relation stands whether it is a relationship within family or with your customer. The trust can grow and become stronger if you make real efforts and be genuine. You should be true and authentic in your relationships. These business networking meetings and events are a big reservoir of information. The best business networking events serve the purpose of exchanging information between business people.
The first and foremost skill that you should learn about networking is “listening”. You concentrate very carefully on what others are saying and then respond to them very cautiously. You must concentrate on what can be a way to help other people you are listening to. It is better than giving others the chance to help you. The world is said to be like a mirror and our deeds and actions like reflection; whatever we give to the world, the good, the bad, comes back to us. So give the world the best and best will come back to you. Listen carefully and show your interest to other person which will make him feel important. Ask them to introduce and then ask questions about their business, interests and other such questions which may make them elaborate things. People like to talk about their success and achievements. So ask them how they started their business and what hurdles they have to face? How they came to such a high rank in such a competition? Such questions may make them feel valuable and excited to tell about their success in business.
Then start telling about you. Introduction should be prepared already and it should make the other people curious enough to ask enough questions. And then tell them about your business and services or products. You should make them feel that you are really valuable and different from others. A different introduction and unique presentation of your services or products will make the other people retain you in their memory for long.
When It’s Best Not to Ask for the Job
Posted by: | CommentsHere is an interesting article I found that will help if your wanting to find a job in the corporate world.
One of my clients asked me for advice on how best to network at an upcoming tradeshow for a new job. She was unemployed, but thought the event would be a prime opportunity to get in front of some people and get her name out there. Rightly so! She went on to say that while she knew she should go, the whole thing was making her uncomfortable. “I don’t want to be walking around with a stack of resumes asking people if they are hiring.” My advice: Don’t take your resume and don’t ask for a job. Here is what I told her to do:
The Introduction – You aren’t going to be the only one working a tradeshow or networking event in hopes of finding a job. So, how do you differentiate? Don’t ask who is hiring. In introducing yourself, you are going to say who you “were” with – stating you are not working and implying you are looking. There is no need to go beyond that. If you are at a tradeshow, chances are the person you are talking to is ecstatic that they still have a job. So, shift the conversation to them. What presentations or speakers are they going to hear? What new products or solutions are they rolling out? Talk about anything other than your job search. If they are looking to hire, they will drive it to you.
The Give to Get – Do your homework BEFORE the event. Who are the speakers and presenters? What topics are they covering? Research an article that is timely and pertinent to anyone who would be interested in those speakers. When you are “introducing” yourself, bring up the article. When you find out they didn’t read it or haven’t seen it, offer to email them a copy. They will give you their information, you have just made a new contact and you have established yourself as someone in the “know.” Again, don’t ask who is hiring.
The Follow up – After the event, email those contact you have made with the link to the article you discussed. This is when you can ask them to help you network. If you are interested in their company specifically, ask to be introduced to a hiring manager how covers that area in which you want to work (not HR). Otherwise, try asking them this: “Would you introduce me to the top 3 people you hold in the highest regard in your industry?” These can be former/current peers or bosses. Ideally, steer away from asking about who is hiring – it pigeon holes your networking and can keep you from the 2nd or 3rd degree of separation that will be your next job.
Differentiation is the key to standing out in what is becoming a very crowded job market, but it’s not about having a new resume with some jazzed up font. You need to take advantage of every opportunity your showcase your subject matter expertise in your field. Having conversations like these demonstrates exactly why you have what they need. This is all part of creating demand in the brand you want them to buy: You.
For more information on how to stand out in this crowded market, uncover the hidden jobs and create demand for you, watch this short video that shares so many of the techniques that have been successful for my clients.
Kevin Kermes publishes the ‘Build the Career Your Deserve’ e-zine with over 21,000+ subscribers. If you are ready to uncover the hidden job market and start pulling opportunities to you, visit him now www.kevinkermes.com
Expert business networking: how NOT to use business cards
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This Business Online TV show features Business Networking Strategist Andy Lopata, goes way back to basics in this show, where he teaches business card 101 – how NOT to use your business cards! At any networking event you’ll find him – that one guy that believes he has to give a card to every single person in the room. Not only is this a hugely ineffective use of his time, it’s also certain to but everyone else at the same time. In this show, Andy uses personal accounts of how some people think they should use their cards – certainly he remembered them, but in all the wrong ways. Find out how not to use your cards and more tips on: – How to make sure you use cards effectively – You’re not in business to keep your printer in business! – How to use a card to cement a relationship – How cards, like advertising, can really turn people off Join Andy Lopata in this business online TV show to hear more of his tips for networking success, or get more of his expert advice at www.yourbusinesschannel.com
Business Networking In The 21St Century For Men And Women
Posted by: | CommentsThe U.S. may be in an economic recession; however, it does not mean that you cannot use your personal experience and business background to find a better paying job or additional job. Through online and offline networking, you can find your dream job or meet potential clients and customers to increase your business revenues.
Since the inception of the Internet, email and online groups, men and women have been able to communicate with more people from more places across the globe than once imaginable. Online social networking is exploding across the Internet as more employers and agencies are turning to social network sites to find potential employees and to check work references. Knowing the most popular social networks on the Web in addition to offline network groups can dramatically increase your chances of being connected to the right people or your next employer.
Networking does differ somewhat for men and women, but only in how each gender relates to the other. “Men define themselves through business or the type of work experience they have,” says Patty Sadallah of the Redwood Sisterhood. “Whereas women define themselves through their personal relationships.” How does this difference affect men and women’s networking roles?
Women will have to overcome some challenges in order to network offline with male colleagues and other potential business contacts that are dominated by men, according to an article published in The Cleveland Women’s Journal (Feb-Mar 2009).
Tips for Women to Successfully Network with Men
• Add a feminine touch when talking with men by asking about their personal interests, family and hobbies.
• Send thank you notes to those you met and networked with at social events and include a business card if you did not get a chance to give them one already. This adds a personal feminine touch and may garner you a future interview or phone call to discuss an opportunity.
• Ask questions or advice relevant to your business or position. Men like to be the expert on something and this tactic will validate that you find them trustworthy.
• Find allies with a male colleague or two who values your insight and expertise. Attend networking functions with this person, as he is more likely to include you in conversations and introduce you to other people.
Women and men should join both online and offline groups in order to grow their professional network. Through joining free online business networks, you not only grow your own network, but will also have an opportunity to promote your business, expertise and take part in discussions. Three of the most popular online business networks are Linked In, Fast Pitch Networking and Facebook. LinkedIn and Fast Pitch both have free and paid membership choices. By joining these three networks, you will be able to connect with more people and businesses than email alone.
Features of Top 3 Online Business Social Networks
1. LinkedIn has over 10,000 groups to join and to be an active participant through discussions, Q & A, upload press releases, articles, connect to corporate blogs and more.
2. Fast Pitch Networking also has many of the same features as Linked In, but it also has a weekly live chat for those who opt for the paid membership.
3. Facebook was once touted only for those who had an email ending in ‘.edu’; it added a business application in 2008 for all types of businesses to connect in addition to creating groups by its members. You can create more than one account by using a different email address at signup.
Looking for other online business networks? Anyone can find just what he or she is looking for through simple searches using your favorite search engine. Search for top business social networks, niche social networks, or insert your industry along with social networks or social media (manufacturing social networks). There is much to be read, discussed, and critiqued when researching online social networks and social media.
Scour your local and regional newspaper for events in your area either free or low cost to meet people and to look for job opportunities. Several business social networks offer in-person networking events in many cities across the country. Attend one and talk to other attendees about yourself, your current business/company, and offer a business card for future contact. Everyone who attends is looking to meet other people, so do not be afraid to introduce yourself.
Sources:
Sadallah, Patty. Redwood Sisterhood. 20 Feb. 2009. http://www.redwoodsisterhood.com
Lifshen, Marny. “How to Network Successfully in a Male Dominated Environment.” The Cleveland Women’s Journal. West Edition. Feb-Mar 2009.
Freelance writer and copy writing editor, Alicia Young has over 10 years writing experience. Having taught high school English for several years, she has learned how to fine tune a piece of writing according to the subject matter and audience. Email Alicia for article, blogs or copy writing fees.
Business Networking for 21st century
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www.4networking.biz is the fastest growing business networking group in the UK. Watch the video and see for yourself! Want a FREE online membership, head on over to www.4networking.biz
