Transform your potential to performance thru networking


Networking is a social activity that professionals and business people take part in to increase their visibility and grow their businesses.
Knowing how to leverage your network is essential for success so here are a few ideas to consider:

-Present yourself in the most professional manner that you are capable of achieving. Your appearance the first opportunity you have to communicate the quality of your brand.

-Adopt a positive and enthusiastic demeanor. People will be attracted to that energy and will associate your attitude with your product or service.

- Choose the right networking clubs for you by finding out whether your target market attends; if the times and dates of meetings suit your schedule; if the membership and participation fees fit your budget; if the locations of the meetings are accessible to you; whether you be required to speak in front of the group; if you will be obligated to attend every event; how much direct competition is already there and does that matter to you?

-Raise your profile at the clubs of your choice by: contributing to draws and raffles, volunteer for a position within your network, organize an event for your network,
volunteer to speak at your network or write article for the club’s newsletter.

-If you have a small business your network will be a great place to find people who can compliment your service and make up a virtual team. With a virtual team you may be eligible for bigger pieces of business than you would have access to on your own.

-Don’t worry about ‘the competition’. Meeting up with people who do what you do can work in the favour of both of you. You can refer business to the other when a certain client is clearly not right for you and vise versa, plus you can team up to pitch on contracts that are too big for your organization on its own.

Here are a few more tips:

-Try not letting shyness hold you back because everyone is there to meet people and they want to meet you too!
-Avoid long chats. If you and the other person want to talk in detail, then make an appointment for another time.
-Follow up with the people you meet with an e-mail or a phone call.
-Get in the habit of asking for referrals.
-Get in the habit of asking what kind of referrals others are looking for.

Networking is a long term investment of your time and energy so don’t be discouraged if things don’t happen right away. Stick to it and your efforts will pay off.

Here are some of the networks that you could try:
Business Network International: www.bni.com
Le Reseau des Femmes D’affaires du Quebec: www.rfaq.ca
The Women’s Entrepreneurial Networking System: www.wenscentral.com
The Potential to Performance Business Network: 450-458-2592
The Pharmaceutical Marketing Association of Quebec: www.pmcq.qc.ca
For a list of network club sites see: www.businesspartnerships.ca
You could also try:
Your community’s business association or chamber of commerce
Your professional association
Your university alumni association

Corry Robertson is a professional business and personal coach. www.potentialtoperformance.com