Top 5 Networking Tips for Home Businesses
For a home business, networking can be a great way to get out of the house, make new contacts and boost your sales.
However, for many, making that first step into the world of networking can be a daunting task, so here are my top 5 tips to get you started!
1. Try out several different events and find one that suits you. These days you can choose from a wide range of events. Whether you prefer an informal ‘coffee and a chat’ type event or a more traditional structured meeting, there is something out there for everyone.
2. Don’t get too hung up about selling your business when attending an event. Relax and imagine you are having a conversation with friends. Find out about the people you are talking to, ask interesting questions.
3. When talking about what you do, concentrate on the benefits. Why is your business different or better than the competition? Always speak with confidence and enthusiasm about your products or services.
4. Don’t expect instant results, it takes time for people to get to know and trust you. Once they do they are more likely to employ your services or recommend you to others.
5. After the event, always follow up with your new contacts by email. Keep in touch by sending out snippets of information that they may find useful. However a word of warning, never be tempted to add them to your mailing list without their permission!
However, for many, making that first step into the world of networking can be a daunting task, so here are my top 5 tips to get you started!
1. Try out several different events and find one that suits you. These days you can choose from a wide range of events. Whether you prefer an informal ‘coffee and a chat’ type event or a more traditional structured meeting, there is something out there for everyone.
2. Don’t get too hung up about selling your business when attending an event. Relax and imagine you are having a conversation with friends. Find out about the people you are talking to, ask interesting questions.
3. When talking about what you do, concentrate on the benefits. Why is your business different or better than the competition? Always speak with confidence and enthusiasm about your products or services.
4. Don’t expect instant results, it takes time for people to get to know and trust you. Once they do they are more likely to employ your services or recommend you to others.
5. After the event, always follow up with your new contacts by email. Keep in touch by sending out snippets of information that they may find useful. However a word of warning, never be tempted to add them to your mailing list without their permission!
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Comment by Alex Parr on September 19, 2009 at 6:16pm
- Great tips. I suggest anyone new to networking in East Anglia, joins the group East Anglia SME Business forum on LinkedIn as it is very pro-active and they have great networking opportunities in Colchester, Bury St Edmunds and Norwich. I've been to the Norwich one and they are a great bunch of people. The next meet-up is 8th October, so hope to see some of you there.
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