Networking With A Twist

If you’re an active networker, you know the drill. At meetings each member gets their turn in the spotlight for 30 or 60 seconds, time to mingle and exchange business cards with others, an opportunity to display marketing materials, provide a door prize and have a space on the website to advertise their business. Networking in the traditional sense usually involves both membership and meeting fees. Often the commitments required of members are quite demanding such as attendance at early morning meetings every single week and referral quotas to meet.

Business owners are getting tired of the traditional networking events and some savvy business owners have come up with a few twists to spice up the experience. These innovative new groups are generally more flexible, less formal and either have no meeting fees or are affordably priced (under $20).

Here are 3 networking events with a twist that I have attended. They are a little less intimidating for those who don’t enjoy being in the spotlight and who prefer one-on-one communication to get their message across. They also tend to be more fun!

1. Crazy Networking: The main idea is that you promote each other’s businesses letting other people do your marketing for you. Attendees are assembled into small groups and each person in the group has their opportunity to be the Star. The Star explains their business to the others and relays a specific request. The group in turn speaks to as many of the other attendees as possible to find people to fulfill the Star’s request in a specified amount of time. It’s a great concept but for this one to work you have to be an effective communicator and listener as the Star only has about 2 minutes to convey their information. At $20/meeting I found it a little pricey.

2. Kitchen Table Networking: It has that homey feel for those intimidated by speaking in front of large groups and in that it usually takes place in the home of the organizer of the group. And often, yes, around a kitchen table. In this very relaxed environment of about 6 or 8 business owners, each attendee gets 10 minutes to present their business to the others in any format they prefer with an additional 5 minutes of Q and A. This is much more effective than a 30 or 60 second elevator pitch. I have developed solid long term business relationships through the events I have attended. There is no fee to join.

3. Speed Networking: In this setting you get to have one-on-one time with each guest which is rare for a networking event. It works well with about 20 attendees. Each networking session is 2-3 minutes in which the pair share information about their business. Participants alternate their seating until everyone has interacted with each other. There isn’t a lot of time to convey your message but when attendees don’t adhere to the time limits, it interrupts the flow of the meeting and doesn’t look good on the business owner. It is speed networking after all. These meetings are free to attend.

Do any of these unique events appeal to you? I find the more non-traditional types of networking groups are a better fit for me and you might want to consider one too. Check your local Meetup groups, ask around amongst your fellow business owners or better yet organize your own.

The traditional type of networking events can still be effective but there are other options out there that you might find suit you better and give you good or even better results.

It Pays To Invest Your Time Wisely

As business owners we need to ensure that we accomplish at least one revenue generating activity on a daily basis. Generally, when operating a small service-based business there are multiple revenue streams: active (one on one client work); leveraged (working with a group as in leading a training program) and passive (creating and selling a product).

For me, keeping on top of tasks for clients is a priority. They are my bread and butter and I am highly committed to helping their businesses grow and prosper. I’m sure this is the case for most business owners. Amongst these and all the other demands on our time, it can be a challenge to fit in other activities that generate revenue in a more indirect way. So how can we be active in building our businesses while continuing to serve our clients?

I received a great tip at a networking event that I’d like to share with you and that is to do one revenue generating (business building) task at the start of each day. This way it will get done before you get caught up in your usual daily routine.

What should you do in this time? Here are a number of suggestions that will directly or indirectly help to increase your revenue and build your business:

• Write an article or blog post geared to your target market that solves a problem for them

• Submit the article to the directories and generate more traffic to your site

• Read a chapter in a business book – learn and apply new marketing techniques

• Attend an online or onsite workshop, seminar or training session – you’ll have more to offer with ongoing education

• Create a free offer (your ‘pink spoon’) – people love getting something of value for nothing and are more likely to buy from you when they like your sample

• Attend a business networking event and learn the secrets of other successful business owners

• Network online – encourage followers to sign up for your free offer and grow your mailing list

• Follow up with a client and increase your value to existing customers

• Phone a prospect and discuss how you can work together

• Affiliate marketing – recommend a product or service you believe in and earn commissions on resulting sales while helping others

What can you add to this list? Plan to spend a half an hour to an hour first thing each day completing at least one of the above or similar tasks. Think of this time as an investment in yourself and watch your business grow.

How To Beat The February Blues

If you live in a climate with long, cold winters, then you know all about the February Blues or ‘Blahs’. It’s the time of year when we’ve had enough of hibernating inside away from the cold and often dreary outdoors, short days and lack of sunshine. As solopreneurs we spend a lot of time on our own as it is and we still have a ways to go before spring arrives.

Here are some things you can do to combat the blues:

• If a tropical trip away this season isn’t in the budget, how about a weekend retreat at a local B & B? Or book your summer holidays now. Grab your calendar and block off a week long getaway. It’s not too early to book. In fact now is a good time to get your preferred week booked before others grab your spot. It helps to have something to look forward to. And as a small business owner, it’s a good idea to plan vacation time well in advance and arrange for backup if needed.
• Sign up for a fitness class. The new schedules are all out for the upcoming programs. Whether you practice yoga or prefer a cardio workout, physical activity is a proven way to lift your mood. If it’s good for your mind, it’s good for your business. I’m a big fan of yoga. It’s all about slowing down, calming the mind and body, and restoring balance. With a clear mind you’re more focused to carry out your plans.
• Rather than hibernating this winter, experience some of what the season has to offer. February is the month of winter festivals and every weekend seems to be full of activities.
• Start your office spring cleaning early. Take a few minutes at the start of every day to go thru one drawer, one shelf or several file folders. If you’re consistent, you’ll have a fresh desk just in time for spring. Potted tulips and hyacinth are starting to appear in the stores. A pot on your organized desk is sure to inspire some creativity.
• Learn something new. The spring course books are teeming with special interest and business courses. If you have always wanted to try out a new hobby or learn a new skill to expand your business offerings, now is a good time before the good weather arrives. Classes get you out amongst others with similar interests and as a side benefit, offers up new networking opportunities.

Make the most of the tail end of winter. It is a prime time to take the initiative and do things you otherwise don’t get an opportunity to do! When spring has sprung you’ll be ready to enjoy it.

3 Simple Ways to Consistently Grow Your Business

Business owners can get stuck in the area of Revenue Generating activities. This initially seems like a good thing, however, it’s important to devote time to other aspects of running a business to enable you and your business to grow and prosper and the cycle of Revenue Generating activities to continue. Business Development is one of those areas.

Here is a guide to help you know where to focus your attention during the time you make for Business Development. I have broken it down into 3 main areas with a definition, suggested activities and time frame for each:

1) Marketing – selling of products or services: the business activity of presenting products or services in such a way as to make them desirable*

Suggested activities: Spend time working on your website and marketing materials. They are your ’store front’ so to speak and a reflection of you and your business. Check that all your information is current including contact details and upcoming events. Ensure website links work. Keep content fresh and regularly post new articles to your blog. Ensure your business cards and logo match your website. They may be in need of a fresh new look. Have an email marketing plan in place or send out a newsletter on a regular basis. These materials leave a lasting impression about your company.

Time Frame: Marketing activities can either be scheduled in amongst Revenue Generating tasks throughout the week (for example, 1 hour twice per week). Or you may prefer to include these in a day entirely devoted to Business Development.

2) Networking – practice of gathering of contacts: the process or practice of building up or maintaining informal relationships, especially with people whose friendship could bring advantages such as job or business opportunities*

Suggested activities: Network regularly in person, via Social Media and Forums. Build relationships with fellow business owners in your industry and those in your target market. Meet regularly both online and in your community. Attend trade shows. Become actively involved in Social Media and Forums providing useful information to your contacts and group members.

Time Frame: Schedule in 30 minutes or less each morning to spend on Social Media sites and in Forums. This doesn’t seem like a lot of time but by being consistent you maintain an ongoing presence and build relationships. The same goes for networking events that you attend in person on a regular basis.

3) Training – acquiring of skill: the process of teaching or learning a skill or job*

Suggested activities: Are you keeping up with the latest technologies? Let’s face it, technology is changing on an ongoing basis and it’s not possible to know it all. Listen to your target market in your networking activities and find out what their needs are. Learn something new that provides a solution to their needs. Attend informational teleclasses to discover new trends that will help you serve your clients better. There are many resources to learn just about anything online (live or self-paced) or in a classroom setting. This applies to almost any industry. Even my hairstylist keeps up with new trends in her industry through teleseminars.

Time Frame: I have found it best to focus on training during my weekly Business Development day where I have longer stretches of time to concentrate without interruption.

Remember, when you devote time to Business Development you ensure the constant flow of business to your company. Keep current clients and attract new ones by allocating time in your schedule to maintain a professional image through your marketing efforts, cultivate your business relationships and add to your skill set. These all translate into opportunities to generate more revenue and live the life you love.

*source: Encarta dictionary

How To Make Networking Easy

Do you find networking in person intimidating? I network regularly and have become comfortable with a number of individuals in the groups I normally attend. There are always several familiar faces. However, later today I am participating in a large networking event – a ‘Summer networking bash’ they’re calling it – with an expected turnout of over 500 business owners and professionals. I’ll be a little out of my comfort zone there so I’ve been going over some networking basics in preparation. Here’s what I’ve come up with for tonight’s meeting and as a refresher for your next big networking event.

First ask: Remember, networking is not about you. Take the pressure off by asking questions. “What kind of projects do you work on?” is a good conversation starter after the initial introductions. Redirect your nervous energy to enthusiasm. Listen, be helpful and share information.

For 10 more questions that make networking easy, see Bob Burg’s 10 Feel-Good Questions® taken from the book “Endless Referrals” by Bob Burg

Then tell: Practice your Elevator Pitch. Keep it simple, “I am… I help…” For example, mine would go something like this, “I am a Virtual Assistant. I help business owners with administrative and technical tasks to assist them in generating more revenue and growing their business.” If you’re prepared with what you’re going to say, it will be more natural.

Also note:

• If there are no individuals to approach, find a group of 3 or more where you can connect with one person not highly engaged in the conversation. Avoid groups of 2 in conversation with each other only!

• Have plenty of business cards handy. Exchange cards at the end of a conversation if there is a need to stay in touch.

If you’re still feeling the anxiety, know that you are not alone. Accept the fear and do it anyway. Networking is about establishing, maintaining and building relationships and is a necessity in business. You never know who you might meet. You can almost always find commonalities or come up with a good connection for someone. When you do, everyone benefits.

Happy networking!

A Pocketful of Business Cards

You know how it is. You go to a networking event and everyone is exchanging cards. You come home with a pocketful of business cards. What do you do with them or better yet, how do you avoid collecting so many? Below are some suggestions.

First of all, collect less of them. Only accept cards from those you know you are really interested in doing business with at some level. Otherwise decline cards politely. You both realize the expense of business cards, only to end up in the blue box.

So, now you have fewer cards, but how do you manage those few? Well, as soon as you get home from your event or even at the event itself, jot down the date, place & a word or two to indicate the initial connection made. Something that will trigger your reason for having the card – their product, service or their interest in yours i.e. “discussed project”, “possible alliance” etc. I have found that people are not offended that you write on their cards but rather pleased that you have accepted their card and noted your intentions.

Because you are being selective of what cards you accept, most of them will require immediate action. The other few need to be filed for future reference. A great economical way to file these cards is in an empty business card box. One that you received your last order of cards in. If you still have a large supply of cards on hand you can simply take the lid off the box and use it for the cards you have collected. Or if you have fewer cards on hand you can divide the box to accommodate both your cards and the cards you collect. It’s neat, organized and costs nothing and will usually hold at least 250 cards. File by date, the most recent cards at the front.

Go through your business card file regularly. Once a month should be sufficient. For those cards that don’t automatically ring a bell and it’s been 6 months and nothing has transpired, it likely won’t in the near future. Shred or recycle.

If you deal with business cards in this manner, you’ll find it almost takes care of itself!