Making Networking Count - Developing a Networking Strategy
Making Networking Count - Developing a Networking Strategy
When I think about someone who is exceptional at meeting people, making solid contacts and increasing their sales and profitability the term "effective networker" is how I would choose to describe them.
So what makes them effective? Well a number of things, but the first that comes to mind is they know what they want and whom they want to meet. They have taken the time to create a plan.
If you want to take your networking to a whole new level, than invest your time in developing a networking strategy. Your first step is to define, very clearly exactly who you want to meet. Who is your ideal client? How would you describe them? Male or Female? How old are they? Education level? Income level? What is important to them? What are their hobbies? Why do they buy from you? What do they do for a living? The better you know and can define your target market, the more successful you will be at meeting the right contacts to build your networking and increase your sales.
(This is especially true the higher the cost of your product or service. To be effective you need to meet and network with the decision makers - and often decision makers do not participate in traditional networking events. You have to understand your ideal client in order to know where to meet your ideal client.)
In reality there is only a small group of people that want, desire and need your product or service. You make your job, your life and your stress level so much less complicated if you take the time on the front end to clearly define who is "your ideal client." The better you know that - the more effective you will be at networking.