You were given an in-depth course last week regarding networking
etiquette. While we did not cover what to wear and whether the Donald Trump
comb over (or would that be comb forward?) is a necessity to make an
impressionable entrance for a business maneuver, you should now know the 5-Ups
to networking.
(As I write this, I realize there may just be a rather frivolous number
6 to the Line Up, and that is never to show up to a meeting with a 7-Up can.)
Regardless, the rules are simple:
Stand Up, Follow-up, Keep Up, Show Up, Grow Up.
That may sound harsh when written out, but if you missed the last Project Blog, check it out before you continue
on because today, as promised, we address three hotspots where you can
successfully network.
We are going to approach formal and a few informal styles that will help
give you that edge that keeps everyone talking. It is a venue where business
cards are key and the touch keys on your cell phones, for just a few hours, can
get a break.
Chamber of Commerce: a great place to
get to know your community as a local business owner and to understand its
needs. Become aware of those whom you can help, those who can help you grow and
in turn understand and refine your target audience through insight from small
mom and pop shops to the pros. This is a proactive way to get your voice heard
not just for networking but on behalf of all enterprising dreams across the
nation.
BNI: (Business Networking International) a local
business collaboration with global outreaches. Each chapter has a “one of each”
motto. It is not a competition within your own niche. No two companies within
the same regional chapter can represent the same field, or business. You send
referrals to one another, demonstrate and elaborate upon the kind of clients
for which you are looking. This professional atmosphere encourages
entrepreneurs, helps them build long-term quality relationships and all through
word-of-mouth.
LinkedIn: you will not need your business card here, but
this replicates your online business card, resumé and public profile. This is
where you connect with colleagues and how you get endorsed. Yes, endorsed. It
may not be the way Gatorade endorses star athletes, but it has the same affect
for your job performance. People whom you have or do associate with can
recognize your work and endorse you for those skills. That impact will lead to
promotions, referrals and additional connections. So, maintain your LinkedIn
account with relevant information to your field – for example dress for the job
you want? Post material with that same mindset: This is not Facebook. So don’t
post, How Southern Are You or What Disney Frozen Character Do You Most
Resemble?
There’s over 300 million professionals that are logged in, the way we
can link our name to hundreds if not thousands to them are unimaginable.
We are always on-the-go, and now you are in the know. Networking is an
entrepreneur’s ally. Getting someone to believe in your dream, to see just a
glimpse of what you see, could just happen at or through one of these avenues.
-The Green Couch
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