Networking: Your Means of Expanding Your Business Contacts
There is an old adage that says a man cannot survive on its own. This is especially true when it comes to starting a business. Business owners cannot make it on their own as they also need to work with other companies so they’d survive in the industry they thrive in. Through networking, entrepreneurs are able to meet like-minded individuals who can potentially become business partners to success.
Business owners can work on expanding their contacts in different venues where networking is possible. Business meetings, conferences and similar functions are ideal venues where connections can be created. It is important for entrepreneurs to always come prepared to share their business information to other businessmen. This can easily be done by handing out business cards to potential contacts.
Business experts continue to highlight the importance of having these business cards always handy. These cards don’t have to be fancy and there is no need to rush to a professional design company just to have a stash of business cards. There are a number of business card maker that are available online and these software programs are capable of creating professional looking business cards. When creating these cards, it is always important to create in big batches so you will never run out of cards to give out.
While business card makers will do the trick, keep in mind that the card is a means for other people to get in touch with you. The next thing to do is to prepare yourself to interact with other people and to make yourself presentable, while making others feel great. It is important that you treat your potential contacts with respect as they will likely remember you based on how you made them feel. Be positive and open to the possibility that although the person might not be helpful to you now it doesn’t mean they should be treated with less importance.
A listening ear is an important instrument to always bring with you in these networking gatherings. You will learn a lot when you participate in listening rather than doing all the talking. By listening to what others have to say, you will know a lot of things about them and how they became successful in their trade. The 30%/70% principle is very effective where you do the talking less and do more listening while you ask questions so you can fish out tips and advice from others.
There will be a large number of people you’d get to meet along the way. To ensure that you stay in touch with these potential contacts is to always make a follow-up. Doing a follow-up is one way to cement the fact that you are now business contacts and that you can call each other anytime you need something that is business-related. Sending out this message in a simple email will leave a good impression to your potential business partners.