Business Networking Tips for the Self-employed

In the world we live in today, we are all “self-employed”. There is absolutely no job security. We are living in an age of corporate downsizing, freelance consultants.  Self-employed workers are increasing by the day. Networking is one skill you need to practice to get ahead and survive these uncertain times.

So what is “Business Networking”?  It is defined as the process of establishing a beneficial relationship with other business people and potential clients and/or customers.

          Fast FACTS…

• Effective networking is 12 times more effective than answering advertisements.
• Advertising is becoming ineffective except on a large scale.
• Public relations is becoming more effective, if done correctly.
• Networking helps you find hidden opportunities and can set you apart from the

competition.

• An indirect approach is better than a direct one. Use someone you know to introduce you

to your target contact. Never go straight to your target without a go-between who will put in

a good word for you.

Feel it’s time to go out and start Networking?  Here are some tips to doing it right the first time.

Get Details about the Networking Event in Advance

Before you attend a business networking event make sure you know the agenda in advance. Inquire ahead of time if the host issues a list of attendees and if they do be sure to request one. Read through and study it so that you have an idea of who you want to connect with while you are there.

Dress Appropriately and Arrive a Few Minutes Early

At most business networking events the attire is business casual unless they state otherwise. Your appearance should be as polished as when you go to work or better because good first impressions make a positive impact.  First impressions are usually formed on you within the first 5 seconds so it is important this is spot on. 

Bring your Business Cards and Something to Write With

Business cards are a must at a business networking event. Also, don’t forget to bring a pen to write anything you need to.  Some people prefer their Blackberry’s and that is ok also.

Have your Opening line ready

Remember, the skill you want to develop here is to focus only on connecting with people and making new business relationships and not to try and sell anything. 

Just relax and aim to meet about 5 people

You can stress yourself out at business networking events if you try to do too much. You really can only comfortably meet about five people in the time you have at most events, sometimes a few less and sometimes a few more. If you rush from person to person then you will have lost the idea that you are there to develop new relationships and this is done at a slower pace because relationships are built on trust and this takes time.

Remember you are also a resource to others

When you are a resource to others, it means that you are in some ways viewed as an expert. You could be an expert at sharing other contacts with people who are experts. When you are a resource of information to people you increase your value to them and they will want to know you better. Be careful not to be a know-it-all or be too pushy with what or who you know; always have the intent to be helpful and it will be greatly remembered and appreciated.

Be Pleasant, Relaxed and Polite

At a business networking event always be respectful and mannerly. Never interrupt while someone else is talking.

Ask Questions that are of Genuine Interest to You

At a business networking event, there will be a lot of exchange of light conversation because most are meeting people for the first time. Once you are past this, ask more inquisitive questions such as: how long have they been in business, how many locations do they have, how many years have they been in the industry, or what got them started in that path or direction. These types of questions will draw someone out to talk a bit more so that you can get to know them. Be yourself and be genuine. Never try to promote yourself at a networking event!

Ask for Their Business Card

With each person that you meet and have some conversation with, politely ask them for one of their business cards. The exchange of business cards is a very common activity at business networking events but often you can come away with too many cards so try to be selective of who you ask. Make notes on the back of the card of things you talked about to jog your memory later on when you want to follow-up with them.

Follow Up with Hand Written Notes

If you really want to make an impact on your new contacts, write them a hand written note instead of following up with a phone call. It does not have to be long, and if you made good notes of what you talked about, then you can make reference to it. This is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Always make sure that after each event that you add your new contacts to your contacts list. Stay in touch with them often and include them in when you are looking to refer someone to.

The intent of business networking is to stay on the track to building a business relationship that will hopefully be mutually beneficial and you will soon have hundreds of people who will no longer be called "contacts" or "leads" but they will be called friends