Yes we are work at home moms (WAHM) but that doesn’t mean that we can’t work our businesses locally. Here are 7 great tips for jumping out of your comfort zone and really furthering your business.
7 Ways to Build Strong Networking Relationships
By Kim Isley
1) Go out of your way to welcome new members and visitors
We all know how difficult it can be to walk into a room full of people we don’t know, and we all know how comforting it can be to have a friendly person welcome us right away and put us at ease. Remember that as a member of a networking group you are not only representing yourself, but you are also representing the group. It benefits all of us to promote the group in a positive way and attract new members. If you make an extra effort to welcome new members and visitors you will be encouraging new membership, creating goodwill, and making a special connection with a person who will probably remember you for being so kind when they joined.
2) Come early and stay late
When you plan some time before and after a meeting to mingle and visit, you open space up for good things to happen and deep conversations to take place. Conversely, when you feel rushed people will sense your stress and will be less likely to approach you. The 20 minutes before and after a meeting is the perfect time to further build relationships with people you already know, and make new connections with people you don’t.
3) Support other members’ events and workshops
A lot of time and energy goes into planning an event or workshop, and supporting other members by attending one is sure to build your relationship with them. Many events like open houses and seasonal parties are free, and some members are willing to trade for the admission to their workshops that have a fee. When you go out of your way to attend the events and workshops of other members, it gives you a better understanding of what that member offers, gives you an opportunity to meet new people, and the member giving the event or workshop will be more likely to support you in the same way in the future.
4) Make coffee dates
Inviting a group member to coffee is the perfect opportunity to build a new relationship. Approach the date with the goal of finding out a lot about them rather than just promoting yourself and your business. You never know what you will discover about someone, and chances are you will find some way you can help each other in your business or personal lives.
5) Refer, refer, refer
Each of us has an extensive network of friends, family, co-workers, business associates, and community members we know and talk with on a regular basis. Chances are, during any given day one of those people in your network needs something a group member offers. When you are talking to people, always carry your mental rolodex of members with you, and think of that list first when you sense the opportunity to make a referral.
6) When in doubt, ask questions
Networking with strangers often feels difficult and awkward for many people. When you feel weird about approaching someone new at a networking meeting, a really great way to build a relationship almost instantly is to ask questions about the person you are approaching. People generally like to talk about themselves, and they will think of you in a positive light because you expressed interest in them first. And, often you will find out something interesting that can help you continue the conversation.
7)Volunteer
Networking groups are sometimes member supported and member run, creating a need for many jobs to be filled by volunteers. Volunteering for a board position or greeter at a meeting not only supports the group as a whole and makes you more visible to other members, it also creates a bond between you and the other members who donate their time.
Kim Isley is the founder and director of Trees for a Change an organization that plants trees as gifts in U.S. National Forests that have been destroyed by wildfire. Find out more about Kim by clicking here.
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