Gilda Bonanno,
Gilda Bonanno LLC
HOW TO NETWORK
Whether you're looking for a client or just looking to make contacts in your field, networking is an essential skill. Here are five tips for how to network successfully:
Before you decide to attend an event, focus on your purpose for attending. Is there anyone in particular that you'd like to meet, or information that you are looking to gather? Will you share with people that you are in the market for a new job, or are looking for new clients? Having a plan will make it easier for you to focus your attention.
Good networkers listen more than they talk. Resist the urge to dominate the conversation. Ask open-ended questions; these questions often begin with "how" or "what" and require more than a "yes/no" answer. And then actually listen to the answers. Demonstrate that you are listening by your non-verbal communications, for example, by making eye contact.
- 3. Everything in Moderation
Whether it's sponsored by your company or the local professional association, a networking cocktail party is not the place to sample all the free booze you can swallow or stuff yourself with the free shrimp. You are there to meet and greet people and you can do that best when you are sober and focused on people, not the bar or buffet table.
If you hate networking and are uncomfortable schmoozing with people, recognize that many others feel just as uncomfortable as you do. Reach out to them and they'll be grateful – and you may just make a great professional connection! You can also "tag team" the event by attending with a colleague – and each of you talks about the other person's accomplishments. For example, I attended an awards event with a colleague who had won an award the previous year. It was far easier for me to introduce her with, "Have you met Lisa? She won last year's award," than for her to introduce herself that way.
If you meet someone interesting, make a decision to follow up within a few days with a quick call or email that references your conversation, such as, "I enjoyed meeting you at the Chamber of Commerce event yesterday and discussing our children's college search process." Unless you schedule time in your calendar for following up, that stack of business cards on your desk will only collect dust. If you follow these five networking tips, you'll be able to communicate effectively and build your professional network. And having a strong network will be useful no matter what the future brings.
Kim Beaumont,
Downunder Kayaking
My business is seasonal so spring is always a spruce up! Every year we do new things. In keeping with the green theme, this year we are monitoring the water quality of the Five Mile River in Rowayton CT, where we are located. This information is invaluable to Harborwatch in tracking the impact we have on the environment, and supporting their efforts to keep our water clean. We all want clean safe water to swim and kayak in. Other new and exciting things we're doing - bikini boot camp - yes kayaking with a personal trainer! New stock includes the Hobie brand of sit on top kayak, as well as a couple of their very popular pedal boats. We also have a couple of Paddleboards - these are the ones you stand up and paddle on. Something for everyone, and it's always good for you.
|
Millie Grenough
Grenough LLC
Member Tip - Chill with Mil
Is your anxiety level going up? Business and stock market news have you rattled?
I just heard on today's CBS News that for the first time ever in the USA, the suicide rate in middle-aged women is going up.
Here's a friendly tip. When you notice yourself getting anxious - whether it is because your stocks dropped, or you got a run in your stocking, or your business got bad news, or your kid did something dopey - whatever it may be - PAUSE. Put yourself in the driver's seat - not anxiety.
EXHALE - deeply.
Consciously let the worry out on the exhale. Feel yourself sending the anxiety out of your body and your mind as you exhale.
PAUSE again. Now take a very conscious deep INHALE.
On the inhale, INVITE IN SOMETHING POSITIVE - it doesn't have to be something monumental - can be as simple as "Gee, I'm lucky that I know how to breathe."
Do this gentle but deep EXHALE - send the anxiety/worry out - and INHALE - invite in something beautiful - THREE TIMES.
In that small amount of time and with this simple conscious action, you:
- take control of your emotions
- diminish the unhealthy consequences of anxiety
- improve the functioning of your heart and immune system
- send good fuel to your brain so that you can think more clearly
- re-wire your own brain towards greater health, effectiveness - and happiness.
The next time you hear bad news - or get stuck in traffic - EASY does it. Remember to Chill with Mil.
Do your simple 3-Breath-Countdown.
Take charge of your emotions - and your life.
(The 3-Breath-Countdown is one of the 60-second Strategies in Millie Grenough's OASIS in the Overwhelm: 60-second Strategies for Balance in a Busy World. For more info on OASIS and on Millie's Performance Enhancement Coaching: www.grenough.com & www.oasisintheoverwhelm.com
Kristina Foreman
MakeupMakeup
This year, eye colors include mossy greens, shimmery bronzes, earthy warm browns and rich gold tones, and soft pastels for those smoky eyes. And there are new shades for your cheeks as well. These customized colors for fall have a classic look that picks up the trends of the season with no worries about matching your skin tones or what looks best on you. That's our specialty!
Pamela Kiernan,
Merrill Lynch - I have many clients and don’t get to speak to them as often as I would like, so I send hand written cards for as many occasions as I can think of, when the opportunity is right: A client sold his company, had a grand kid, read about them in the paper about something great, was married or promoted, or suffered a loss. These little notes, on my personal note cards, make a statement and a difference, and only take a few minutes to prepare. The client usually remembers them in a positive way, and it lets them know I think about them as people rather than just simply a client. This helps to build trust, a key factor in every lasting client relationship. Needless to say, I send every client a big, beautiful card on their birthday…..and I always throw in a chocolate bar. These go over quite well….and the client looks forward to receiving them each year. I've heard comments that it makes them feel like a kid again…..and a client looking forward to it every year to me sounds like a client who is staying for a while!
S.O.S. LLC - Cara Brook. Having trouble getting motivated to clear out the clutter in your closet, attic, basement, etc?? Pretend you’re moving! When you’re unsure about whether or not you should keep an item, as yourself: “Is it really worth it to pack the item, move it, and then unpack it?” With your “moving” mindset, you’ll have an easier time making decisions.
Studio B/Visual Communication - Bernadette Nelson. When selecting printing for your business card, shy away from thermography (raised lettering). It makes small type hard to read and projects a somewhat outdated look.
Share your small business tips with other WBDC members. Send us an Email. |
|
|
Available only to active WBDC Members
|
