NETWORKING WAHM

Archive for the ‘Networking’ Category

Online Networking – Streamline the Process to Save Time

By DeAnna Troupe

Online networking is an awesome way to get new clients. However, it can be difficult to handle all of the invitations and manage all of the connections. Here are some steps to help you streamline the online networking process.

1. Use templates whenever possible.
There are many tasks that you do over and over again. You send invitations, thank you notes, and updates. You can save yourself time if you create a template letter in word or notepad. This way instead of having to think of what you want to write, you can just copy and paste the letter.

2. Outsource the tasks.
You can also save yourself time in your online networking by outsourcing your online networking tasks. There are virtual assistants that specialize in contact management. Since you have created templates, you can just email these files to your virtual assistant and have her send those emails out.

3. Designate a certain amount of time to spend on online networking.
Another way to save time networking is to only allot a certain amount of time per day to network. Only do your networking tasks once or twice per day.

4. Set up a separate email account that you use just for online networking.
If you belong to a lot of online networks the amount of email messages that you get can get overwhelming. I have a different email account set up that I only use for networking. This way my invitations don’t get lost among other email messages.

Online networking is a great free way to get new clients. Use the steps I mentioned above to streamline your online networking efforts.

DeAnna Troupe is a virtual assistant. Claim your free ecourse on traffic generation today by going to http://www.deannaspencer.com/list.html

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.

Networking on My WAHM Space: The Basics

“My WAHM Space” is a great new way for women who have businesses to network with each other! Each week, registered members (registration is free) of this fantastic community get together on the web forums, live chats and other fun events designed to help women showcase their businesses and talk about the challenges of owning a business. Each member gets their very own profile page where they may include information about their business including links to their personal blogs and business website(s). Then at different times throughout the week, members can hold online chats to sell their products and they offer some great deals!

Of course, there are web discussion forums and chats where Mom’s can ask questions, talk with each other, vent if needed and find a social outlet that encourages and educates all. My WAHM Space is better than other social networking sites out there because here you can find other Mom’s who can relate to and understand the unique challenges of being both a Mom and a busy business-person. Where else can you find true friends who share the same experiences, trials and successes as you?

Not only can you share ideas with other Mom’s, but you can build a blog and use the power of the Internet to write about your life, your business and any other interests you may have. Use this tool to post pictures about yourself, the products or services you offer and how other Mom’s can benefit from learning more about you. You can add a group of favorite members and get to know them through the weekly activities available, plus save time and money in your advertising efforts. Send email reminders out to your friends and family and other members to come check out what’s new. My WAHM Space is full of opportunities to use social networking to build your business and make friends at the same time, so I encourage you to check it out today.

Top Ten Tips for Networking

I firmly believe in the power of networking as I have seen first hand how this has helped me grow professionally and personally. You need to be consistent with your networking efforts and this holds true for both online and offline networking.

There are a few basic tips you should remember when it comes to networking and they are as follows:

1. Networking is not about selling your business or products to everyone you meet.

2. Don’t come on too strong the first time you meet new people.

3. Share about yourself, not just your business. “People do business with people they trust and people they have gotten to know.”

4. Ask people what they do and invite them to share about themselves and their business.

5. Listen more than you talk and ask questions that will get people talking — not just a yes or no answer.

6. Make notes on things people have that might be useful to yourself or others.
*tip* I keep index cards on business contacts in a file box. I will write down information about this business contact on the index cards.

7. Find common ground with the person you’re getting to know. “People do business with people just like them.”

8. If asked what you do don’t give someone a long sales pitch. Keep it short and informative. If they want to know more they will ask.

9. Always tell the person you were talking with it was a pleasure meeting them and ask if it is ok if you add them to your contact
list.

10. Ask for their business card — that way you can be sure that there will be follow up. You can exchange cards if you wish but always get their card or if online, their email or IM name. Ask permission to contact them again.

Shelly Hill ~ Tupperware Manager
Contact Shelly at Ravish30@my.tupperware.com
Web: http://my.tupperware.com/Ravish30
Recipe Blog: http://wahmshelly.blogspot.com