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Networking
“I Don’t Want To” Doesn’t Cut It…Network Anyway
By justBurbank.com | March,2008
- I’m not good at talking in front of people.
- People look at me funny.
- I will say something really stupid.
- I can’t explain what I sell.
If you’ve answered yes to any of the above, then here are some good reasons why you’ve got to grin and bear it and get out there anyway.
Information
You will meet other business owners and gain a lot of valuable information about marketing and promoting your business. Why spend your time and money doing market research when you can network, get the information you need, AND make business connections at the same time?
Resources
You will develop important relationships with people who offer valuable services to enhance both your business and personal life. Remember that networking is not only about looking for customers; if you’re smart you will also be on the hunt for good business alliances that can exchange referrals with you. Strong business alliances can ignite a word-of-mouth marketing machine that is not only free, but also often chalk full of qualified leads.
Referrals
Maybe you stumble with words, and hate “face time”, but if you offer a good product or service and people feel they can trust you, you will get new business and referrals. The key is not to expect the magic to happen overnight. It takes time to build relationships, but once you establish a connection, and prove that you are reliable, the referrals come naturally and often.
Competition
If you’re not networking and promoting your products, you’re only making your competition’s job easier. Your competition is networking. It won’t be hard forever It will get easier and easier the more you do it, we promise. In many networking venues, you have a chance to stand up and give your 30 seconds or elevator pitch. Think about what to say, try out a few different approaches, and see how the crowd responds. It is unlikely that anyone will remember if you mess up, but if they do remember your blunder, then at least they’ll have you in the forefront of their mind when a friend of theirs asks, “Do you know a good... “You just have to go to the meetings consistently. Eventually, the jitters will fade, and sales will rise.
Practice makes perfect (and sales)
You will get practice explaining your product and service and eventually, you get a good patter down that will intrigue customers and help them understand what you have to offer. This is very valuable. Knowing what phrases are likely to attract your customers and how to explain your services/products quickly, will help you to schmooze in line at the grocery store, at birthday parties, and even when your buying products or services from others.
Inspiration
Getting out of the office and meeting people brings up opportunities you would never have expected. It can be very exhilarating and refreshing. When you network, you get a chance to see someone’s face light up as you describe your business. You might even be called a “God-Send” or “Hero” or “Treasure”. Watching others get excited about your business is contagious. You will inevitably go back to the office inspired and ready to get down to business.
Start with your Burbank Chamber of Commerce. This is an excellent business resource and a good venue to start networking. There are many other local networking groups like Leads Clubs, BNI, Rotary and more. Find a format and schedule that works for you. If you want to see marketing expenses go down and income go up, then get out there and start schmoozing with the rest of us.
The team at www.justBurbank.com collaborates on our articles. Each employee, contributes, then Kate edits for business-appropriateness, and Libby edits to make sure the article is funny and juicy. Our aim is to write helpful & entertaining articles.
