|
|
|
Everyone is an expert - who should you believe?
When I started my online business a year ago, I was absolutely overwhelmed by the number of web sites that offer advice. Everyone seemed to know how to make money on the Internet, which made it even harder to believe. The very first product I...
Radio Interviews - How to get them!
The complete article together with preactical excersises and Coaching tips can be found at www.my1stBusiness.com .
Getting on the radio can be a great tactical move as part of your overall publicity effort, but you do need to have a story...
Summer Sales Doldrums - What To Do
Last week I talked about how to take a vacation when you're the
leader of the band. This week I want to talk about summer sales.
Many sales people and just as many business owners bemoan their
annual summer sales slump. Their numbers are down and...
Top 7 Steps to Better Public Speaking
Whether you want to be a part time, full time or BIG time speaker you must speak, speak, speak. At first, deliver 25-30 minute free talks to service clubs and community organizations. Consider it to be your off-Broadway tryout. A great...
Veteran Entrepreneurs Are Growing In Ranks
When I’m not running my own business, writing articles about business, speaking to groups and organizations about business, or consulting with companies who want my advice about the running of their business, I teach a weekly class on the subject of...
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
BUILD YOUR BUSINESS THROUGH STRATEGIC NETWORKING
Networking – it’s the latest business trend. Or is it?
Actually, business owners have always engaged in the art and science of networking.
Only years ago it didn’t have a name. Business owners would get together, shake hands, and smile and chat about themselves and their businesses. Same thing with “coaching.” I’ve been a sales trainer for 40 years, but it wasn’t until five or six years ago that someone said, “Milt, you’re not a sales trainer, you’re a coach.” I always thought coaching was leading your kid’s soccer or baseball team. Turns out I’ve been a “coach” for 40 years.
The buzzwords, however, aren’t important. What counts is what you do. And if you’re a business owner looking to grow your business, then networking should be a way of life for you. It’s how you climb the ladder of success. But if you don’t actually climb that ladder, you won’t go anywhere. That’s why it’s called networking!
While you can network anywhere – I’ve met some really great clients while eating at the local diner – a good place to begin is by joining a networking group. It’s an excellent way to meet a lot of potential “suspects” who have the potential to become “prospects.”
Here you will have a brief opportunity to stand up and talk about yourself and your business to a group of people who share the same goals you do. In essence, you become a 60-second commercial. When given the opportunity to “sell” yourself, be sharp and to the point. Look directly at your audience, not at the ground or up at the ceiling. Make eye contact. It lets your peers know that you’re confident.
Once your commercial is over, get out in the crowd and talk to people. Work them like a politician works a crowd. But don’t be pushy; don’t use fancy words – not everyone is a Princeton graduate, and make sure you have a firm handshake. Trust me, you can tell if a person is positive or negative by their handshake. And be a good listener. Listen 80% of the time, talk 20%.
But most importantly, don’t make this an “it’s all about me” affair. Remember, you’re not the only person there networking. You’re all in the same boat. When you introduce yourself, don’t hand someone your business card and immediately tell them what you do. Show an interest in others – talk about what they do. Ask them questions about themselves and their families; develop a rapport. In other words, don’t kiss on the first date!
You’ll know if there’s any “chemistry”
between you. If there is, make arrangements to meet at another time and place to discuss your mutual interests. Why eat lunch by yourself? And always ask for a referral.
While there’s no harm in speaking to everyone, do target your audience – seek out people who you know would benefit your business. But even if you determine there’s nothing worth pursuing, a particular business owner may have other clients that can help you. You may speak to a business owner with whom you have no mutual interest, but you’re also talking to his/her 30 “suspects” who may become “prospects.”
As for that business card – make sure it describes what service you are offering. Your card is your billboard. I suggest putting your photo on it. If I don’t remember what you do, chances are I will toss the card. When you receive someone’s card, don’t wait a week or three weeks to make contact. Follow-up in a day or two.
The key to successful networking is practicing your presentation. Write down your message and key points and practice it over and over. Repetition leads to confidence. Practice in front of your spouse or friends and neighbors. Practice is especially important for people who are terrified to speak in public, which is about 99% of the total population. You may even want to consider hiring a coach.
There’s also the “likeability factor” to consider. In order to sell your product or service, you have to sell yourself. And if people like and trust you, they’ll sign that contract. Conversely, if they don’t like you, you can be selling gold in your pockets, but they won’t buy.
Networking is the best way to build your business. You can read a million books about it, but unless you get out there and do it, you’ll never even reach the first rung of that ladder.
About the author:
Milton J. Paris is Sales and Business Coach and Marketing Consultant for Paradigm Associates, LLC. The host and producer of the radio show “Getting Ahead in Business” on WCTC 1450 AM every Saturday, Paris believes the way to increase sales is through setting goals and executing them. An author and speaker, he served as President and Vice President of Sales for three diverse companies with a national customer base. He has 40 years of sales and business growth experience. Visit www.ParadigmAssociates.USor call (908) 276-4547.
|
|
|
|
|
| How To Conquer Public Speaking Fear |
| A report that covers the common causes of public speaking fear and tips to overcome it. Book available. |
| www.stresscure.com |
|
| Allyn and Bacon Public Speaking Website |
| A five-step guide to preparing and delivering effective speeches. |
| wps.ablongman.com |
|
| Public Speaking & Speech Writing |
| A free guide to speech writing and delivery for every occasion. From best man speeches to eulogies. |
| www.speechtips.com |
|
| Presentation Tips for Public Speaking |
| Art of Public Speaking. Hints and tips on public speaking, ... On the Job: Public Speaking Tips - Twelve Steps to Great Presentations by Elise Bauer. ... |
| www.aresearchguide.com |
|
| 10 Tips for Successful Public Speaking - Toastmasters International |
| 10 Tips For Successful Public Speaking. Feeling some nervousness before giving a speech is natural and healthy. It shows you care about doing well. ... |
| www.toastmasters.org |
|
| Welcome to Toastmasters International where we are"Making ... |
| Non-profit organization developing public speaking and leadership skills through practice and feedback in local clubs since 1924. Members learn how to lead ... |
| www.toastmasters.org |
|
| Strategies to Succeed in Public Speaking - School for Champions |
| Contents of online lessons to succeed in public speaking from the School for Champions. |
| www.school-for-champions.com |
|
| Public Speaking Home Page |
| Humor and quotes to help your speech - or just for your own enjoyment. History / Careers The history of public speaking and potential career options for you ... |
| www.mhhe.com |
|
| Public speaking - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia |
| Public speaking is speaking to a group of people in a structured, deliberate manner intended to ... Public speaking is almost as ancient as speech itself. ... |
| en.wikipedia.org |
|
| UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE AT MARTIN COUNSELING AND CAREER SERVICES |
| Public speaking anxiety is very common among both college students and the general ... The most common form of Social Phobia is public speaking anxiety. ... |
| www.utm.edu |
|
| Painless Public Speaking |
| At Painless Public Speaking we keep you up to date with what's new in the world of ... Painless Public Speaking is not about the theory but the "how-to" ... |
| www.publicspeaking.com.au |
|
| Public Speaking from Uncommon Knowledge |
| Public speaking couldn’t be further from your mind and your manager tells you have to do a presentation to fifty colleagues next week. What’s your response? ... |
| www.uncommon-knowledge.co.uk |
|
| Public Speaking Tips by Uncommon Knowledge |
| It’s possible for public speaking to be fun and hugely satisfying. Once you’ve enjoyed a presentation, or even part of it, your self confidence will get a ... |
| www.uncommon-knowledge.co.uk |
|
| Public Speaking Skills from Mind Tools - Speaking Tips & Techniques |
| Learn to speak and present clearly and effectively. Improve your speaking skills with this Mind Tools guide to speaking effectively in public. |
| www.mindtools.com |
|
| Public Speaking Information |
| Advanced Public Speaking Institute- -More than 120 mini articles on professional level ... Click here for additional articles on Public Speaking Information ... |
| www.selfgrowth.com |
|
| Basic Public Speaking, 2nd Edition - The Teachers and Students ... |
| New public speaking text for middle and high school Language Arts, ESL teachers and students. Written by a trained counselor and experienced teacher. |
| www.capital.net |
|
| public speaking tips - presentation skills tips, public speaking tips |
| presentation skills & public speaking monthly tips by Lenny Laskowski, Professional Speaker. |
| www.ljlseminars.com |
|
| Public Speaking - The Art of Speech Making |
| Public Speaking - Hints and tips on Public Speaking Skills, dealing with public speaking nerves and anxiety, public speaking skills and public speaking ... |
| www.impactfactory.com |
|
| Advanced Public Speaking Institute |
| Public speaking articles, seminars, and educational materials. |
| www.public-speaking.org |
|
| Public Speaking Training-Presentation Skills & Public Speaking courses |
| Public speaking training - Overcome your fear of public speaking with our presentation skills classes. We offer presentation skills training seminars, ... |
| www.publicspeakingskills.com |
|
|