Last week, I had the opportunity to be interviewed by Open Forum for a live tweetchat on networking. In my role as the National Spokesperson and Advisor to American Express Open for Women CEO Bootcamp program, we are helping women build their businesses by boosting confidence, competence, and connections. Here are some of my best answers on the best ways to build a network to grow your small business.
1. How can I improve my networking skills?
Melinda Emerson: Networking is like riding a bike, the more you do it, the better you will become — just force yourself to do it. You need a plan before attending a networking event. Figure out who you want to meet in advance. Go with a friend, but split up to meet more people. Your goal should be to meet only 5 people at any networking event. The reason is because you only have time to follow-up with five people well, otherwise you could spread yourself too thin.
2. How do I clearly define what I do so that people will want to connect with me?
Melinda Emerson: Your elevator pitch needs to be tight and invite people to ask you a question. Try the XYZ method. Try starting by stating what you do, who your target customer is and then finish with the results you deliver. Always close with a question, for example I would say: “Do you know anyone who wants to start a small business?”
3. What are some of the best ways to build my professional reputation?
Melinda Emerson: Your good work will always build your business reputation. Ask for recommendations from happy customers. If you can, ask for video testimonials from customers and feature them on your website.
4. How do I find people who share my interests?
Melinda Emerson: You need to define your best keywords and search for those keywords on social media sites. You also need to set up Google alerts on a few keywords so that you can track blogs on your interests. On Twitter, you should use hashtag searches to find people having conversations you want to join.
5. Do you have any networking tips for introverts?
Melinda Emerson: Set goals for your networking. Force yourself to attend three networking events a month. Research the attendee list and see if you can get someone to make key introductions. Figure out something you can compliment people on to spark a conversation. Go for the tie, watch or jewelry.
6. What are some smart networking strategies?
Melinda Emerson: Get to the event early. Being late to a networking event means you could miss your targets. Have plenty of business cards, but only give one if you are asked for one or if someone gives you one. If there’s an opportunity to introduce yourself to the entire group at the event, volunteer quickly and try to go first.
7. How do you expand your professional network?
Melinda Emerson: You should join the professional association for your industry and become active in the organization. Seek out other entrepreneurs online to become your peers. Leverage LinkedIn and Facebook to network. Participate in tweetchats on Twitter such as #Smallbizchat on Wednesday 8-9pm ET to meet other like-minded entrepreneurs. You never know when you will meet someone you might be able to partner with on a deal.
8. Where do you recommend networking?
Melinda Emerson: Never miss an opportunity to network. I have made amazing contacts on airplanes, in cab lines, in hair salons, or at church. Be willing to network with anyone including your competitors and strategic alliance partners. You never know how someone you meet could help you. I once had my hairdresser solve a problem for me because she overheard a business conversation I had at the salon. She offered to connect with her brother-in-law who was college buddies with the person I was struggling with in the business deal.
9. How can I make the right professional connections?
Melinda Emerson: You are the sum of the 5 people you spend the most time around. Choose your networking circle carefully. Make sure you’re not always the smartest person with the largest business in your network. Constantly add new people to your network.
10. What are some networking mistakes you commonly see that should always be avoided?
Melinda Emerson: Don’t be an opportunist! Anyone can add value. Be willing to talk with anyone even if they can’t help, they can give a referral. Don’t do drive-by networking. Have a conversation before you give a business card. Don’t linger too long. Create a reason to walk away. Say you need to grab a drink or head to the restroom. Be present. Nothing is worse than talking to someone who is actively looking over someone’s shoulder for someone else to network with.
11. What if I’m not located in a big city; how can I best go about making connections?
Melinda Emerson: You should invest in attending at least one networking conference a year. Network online with potential customers by using a blog to attract their attention. Seek out people in your industry to build a community of peers.
12. How can I use a social network – like LinkedIn – to effectively network?
Melinda Emerson: LinkedIn is a great way to build a network. You can join up to 50 groups on LinkedIn with a free account. You should join a LinkedIn Group of customers and peers to build a network. Be sure to answer questions to demonstrate expertise to potential contacts.
13. What are some simple tips I can use to promote myself and my business?
Melinda Emerson: Face-to-face networking is a great way to promote a small business. But you need to think about it in terms of give to get. Use the HELP mantra. See to Help others, Engage people directly, Listen first, and Promote yourself with care.
14. What networking groups do you recommend looking into as a resource?
Melinda Emerson: Look into your local chamber of commerce; many have small business and women’s groups. Look for a NAWBO chapter or Rotary Club. Join your trade association or alumni association. I belong to National Speakers Association, International Association of Business Communicators, and various social media organizations.
Disclosure: Melinda F. Emerson is a paid spokesperson and Advisor for American Express Open For Women.
Do you have any good networking tips to share?
“Handshake Handshaking” courtesy of adamr / www.freedigitalphotos.net
Great ideas!! I’ve been working more and more on my networking. I regularly attend a monthly meeting for a local organization. I generally set one or two goals for attending — either to pick up some new tidbit of information or meet 1-2 individuals.
I tend to fall off when it comes to the follow up, though. I’m really good at sending out the initial email. Are there any suggestions on how to stay consistent with following up after the event?
Social networking is an essential tool, for the small business enterprise, in as much as, it attributes to, visibility, traffic, and direct-interaction with customers.
That means, they could rely on social connection, and publicity, to re-awaken their business ties, from time to time.
I often, talk of my business aspirations, in many online circles, profiles, forums, social-media etc, and in my interaction, especially, with those interested, or like minds.
I actually, have much appreciation, for the results, from several networks, and approaches, in my online-writer’ website-
Gboyega_Ogunmola-Writer,
I actually, experienced some changes from my networking.
Thank you, for the topic.