When the Going Gets Tough, The Tough Get Networking
This has become my new mantra and quite honestly, I wish I would have seen the light a little earlier. However, as a small business owner swamped with trying to make sales, market the business, oversee the day-to-day operations, and oh yeah- create the product, I just never saw where “having lunch” had a worthy place in my hectic day. How could mingling be a priority when I still had bills to pay? This year I finally became a little more open-minded. With sales slowed and a little free time, I finally decided to join in on a couple happy hours and group dinners. After my first happy hour with a couple of other entrepreneurs, I had found a new CPA, brainstormed with an ex-Neiman Marcus buyer on ideas for fine tuning my line, and found a new favorite wine. Not bad, plus I actually had a good time! Letting off some steam with fellow entrepreneurs who understood my situation was exactly what I needed to help me re-focus and re-energize. Needless to say, I got the “networking” bug and have tried to incorporate some type of business mingling at least twice a month ever since. With the likelihood of continued tough times ahead of us, we all need a little help. Instead of spending money on a business coach or consultant, why not try to reach out to a couple colleagues first? Here are some ideas and tips to get you started networking like a pro:
Get social…
- Volunteer to help with organizations you believe in
- Join local trade groups, the chamber of commerce, or even Toastmasters
- Host a brunch/happy hour for parents in your child’s class
- Coordinate a block party for your neighborhood or business park
Know the etiquette…
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Listen twice as much as you talk… you’re not there to convert followers, you’re there to connect with others…
- Leave the “hard sell” at home… the possibility of making a sale is an added bonus- not a necessity…
- Have a plan… do you want advice on hiring a lawyer, feedback on your new tagline, or tips on negotiating a commercial lease? You’re more likely to accomplish your goals if you define them from the start
- Remember the golden rule… help others make introductions when you see a good fit and they will happily do the same for you
- Follow-up with referrals quickly and send thank you notes to the person who made the referral
- Be consistent… showing up once every six months is not going to help you become the “go to” guy/gal
Does anyone else have tips or suggestions for getting started networking? I’d love to hear them! Email me at heather@glamajama.com or leave a comment below…
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November 18th, 2008 at 10:51 am
Heather, really like your article about the “getting out there” and the approach to networking. Too many people go at it uptight, afraid or “desperate”. The first step in sales is building a relationship and, when things are slow, this a great time to plant good seeds.
I believe you make a mistake in telling people to go to colleagues “instead of” having a business coach. They are often caught in the same paradigms or not able to be as objective. I have a business coaching firm and we have coached HUNDREDS of businesses in good times and bad. In fact, many of our clients are still have more profitable years despite the economic turmoil.
Best advise to give: get all you can get and the best you can get. Talk to an ActionCOACH and find out why.
If I can be a help to your business please give me a call - 717-413-5075
November 18th, 2008 at 11:28 am
Hi Tim,
Thanks so much for your comment. I can agree with your point regarding business coaching. I have worked with a “coach” in the past and found the experience quite helpful. However, in today’s economic climate where small businesses are struggling to make payroll I’m just not sure coaching fees are in the budget? Instead, I think many businesses are taking the “bootstrap” approach of reaching out to colleagues FIRST for advice…I know I am.
November 18th, 2008 at 4:04 pm
I am a CPA with 3 years in public accounting and have recently immersed myself in the realm of networking and it is amazing how getting together with other professionals and entrepreneurs fosters growth and innovation. Remember, none of us works in a vacuum and there really are plenty of win-win situations that you can take advantage of by getting out there and connecting with others.
November 18th, 2008 at 6:55 pm
I totally agree with Heather. In today’s economic climate small businesses are more apt to cut out coaching all together as times get tough. One of my good friends owns a business coaching firm. She works with major corporations and has not felt the heat yet but as more and more major firms are cutting back, trying to survive, I am very worried about the her business over the next year.
November 19th, 2008 at 4:25 pm
I also agree that it is increasingly important to network with those who you know and trust in this economy. I’ve recently been using a new site called Referral Key to help me manage my most trusted network relationships and exchange valuable referrals. The basic membership is free, so it is helpful in times like these, where referrals are a very cost effective way to keep growing your business.