I Dont Do Networking!

Into every life some rain must fall and accordingly into every successful business some networking must occur. I can hear some of you out there already saying,
My business is doing great and "I Don't Do Networking"!

Whether you realize it or not, you probably network almost every day of your life to one extent or the other. It could be as subtle as handing out your business card, mentioning your company or web site, or just talking about your work in passing to friends or associates.

Some of us are a bit more proactive about networking and I'm sure most owners have his or her own plan and procedure that he or she follows. This is good.
Consistency in almost everything is admirable, but in networking it is crucial.

For those of you breaking into business and still trying to get a hold on everything, here are a few steps to think about and maybe, just maybe help you down the "networking road of life".

Make Your Lists:

The first list should be of every person who would have a good opinion of your product or service. Include anyone you have ever done business with that could be
"potential customers". Friends, your family's friends, groups, organizations and yes even your relatives. This is what you would call this your "A" (for active) List.

Now, you will also want to recruit new potential clients to your network. There are many ways to gather new potential clients depending on many circumstances,
such as your business, budget, media availability, time investment and so much more. You will always need to be creative and hardworking when it comes to getting new
names in your network list. This first-timer's list will be your "B" (for working your Butt off) list.

Ok, you now have Your "A" (Actives) and "B" (Potentials) Lists.

Qualified Prospects: Treat Them Like Family!

A "qualified prospect" has already opened the door for probable sales. This prospect "SHOULD NOT" be included in your normal network (A & B Lists). You can afford
to; and I might add, they deserve to be contacted in a more personal manner.

What To Send Out?

You must then decide what information you want to give them and what you want from them. Be sure that you give them some information about your company (background), the product (how it will benefit them), the promotion or offer (main reason for your contact) and don't forget the most important; let them know what to do to respond to your contact.

How Ya Doin?

Don't waste your time, money and network resources sending out messages to your network, saying nothing more than the basic, "We're Here, We're Open, We in
Business, Here's our Number". Save your network contacts for special events. Special Offers, Workshops, Discount Coupons, Etc.

Be Personal....PLEASE!

This is what networking is all about and your contact with your network should be as personal as possible.

For those of us on the Internet juggling large mailing lists it is often hard to be personal with what you would call your network. To start with you should use a
personalized email program to call your contacts (or subscribers) by name. This is better than "Dear Sir/Madam or To Whom it Concerns". You can see us for
a personalized newsletter program at a reasonable price, (http://www.MakingProfit.com/mp/webware.shtml), or look around the web if you are experienced at installing cgi/perl scripts yourself.

For good network contacts such as your qualified prospects you might want to consider a phone call. A follow up letter never hurts. That always gives you a chance to include a brochure and/or announcements.

Just what is the Biggest Secret to Networking?

You want to know the biggest secret to Networking and the hardest part as well? Doing it! Do yourself a favor, set goals for yourself. Say to yourself, I will contact this many people this month. Keep at it until you reach your goal. The hardest part of networking just getting out there and doing it.

About the author.

http://www.makingprofit.com greatdesignz.com

dontdonetwork@greatdesignz.com
http://www.greatdesignz.com