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Posts Tagged ‘networking’
Sunday, January 4th, 2009
Networking isn`t necessarily something that comes naturally to everyone, but it is certainly something you can learn. One way to ensure that you take full advantage of all the opportunities that come up is to have a networking plan.
Basically, a networking plan is to ensure that you know what to do when faced with a networking opportunity. First, you`ll need to identify possible chances to speak about your business. For example, non-formal situations like the doctor`s office and formal situations like a business meeting.
Each of these chances will present you with different opportunities. You`ll want to develop an “elevator speech” or a speech which you could deliver in 60 seconds that explains exactly what your business is about. This can be your first response when someone asks what you do.
What will you do next to network? That`s up to you. It could include giving your business card to the person, sending them your URL or just about anything else that will promote further contact.
Tags: business, contact, networking
Posted in Networking for Small Business | No Comments »
Monday, December 15th, 2008
Most people could be better at networking, but aren`t sure how to improve their skills. Since this is a very important skill to have for any business owner, you will probably want to brush up on networking.
There are several ways to go about this. One is with my Webinars that are live and offer a chance for you to have questions answered about your particular business. This is certainly a good method for anyone who is interested in learning more about networking from a real person.
Other options include ebooks and reading blogs like this one. The learning curve might be longer, but you`ll end up picking up quite a bit of information. Practice is also vital, so get out there and start making networking contacts now and then start working them . . . stay in touch and be sure to offer as much as you get.
Networking doesn`t have to be a big complicated issue. Once you realize that it really can help boost your business, you`ll be more than willing to learn as much as you can.
Tags: networking, webinars
Posted in Networking for Small Business | No Comments »
Sunday, December 14th, 2008
Social media is something that not enough people leverage correctly. Most of those who realize the amazing power of social media sites don`t actually use it the right way . . . they take advantage of the system and neglect to become part of the community that is intended.
There`s nothing wrong with using social media sites to boost your business, but that doesn`t mean that it should be the only thing you do with it. Part of the advantage of sites like Linked In is that you can create a network of people who aren`t just out for themselves. Everyone can help each other and the end result is way more than anyone can accomplish on their own with spammy techniques.
Anyone who thinks that doing things ethically means falling behind doesn`t realize the power of having other people on your team. If there are ten other small business owners who want to link together to form a stronger promotion team, then just imagine how much extra publicity this could net everyone. And the bigger the network, the bigger the results.
If you haven`t tried social media yet or aren`t really doing much with it, now is the time to start building online networks. You can and will benefit from it.
Tags: networking, small business, Social Media
Posted in Social Media | No Comments »
Tuesday, November 11th, 2008
Not everyone is a natural born networker. It can be difficult, if you tend to be on the shy side, to connect with other business marketers. It doesn`t have to be that way, though. Not if you use your natural talents to build networking skills!
Just because you don`t enjoy talking on the phone doesn`t mean you can`t network. Instead, why not try email or social networking sites? These allow you to connect without having to be face to face or even on the phone.
For more personal connections, you`ll just need to step out of your comfort zone and start talking to people. This is probably easiest at networking groups or conventions where people naturally begin to discuss what they do anyway. Having a small speech or points to discuss can be helpful in this case.
Networking isn`t all about being a chatterbox and talking to everyone all the time, though it is helpful. If your personality is a little more timid, then go with it, but don`t forget to push yourself once in a while.
Tags: connect, networking, small business
Posted in Networking for Small Business | No Comments »
Thursday, October 16th, 2008
Social media is a great way to boost your online visibility and it`s something that only requires a little time, as opposed to spending a large chunk of your budget on marketing.
I`ve put together a very simple five step method to make social media work for you and your business. All you have to do is follow these steps and you`ll find that you have more traffic and publicity.
- Pick one social media network. To begin with, don`t try to build up a huge following on twenty different social media sites. You`ll end up spreading yourself too thin, so start with just one . . . you can add more later. Some of my top picks include StumbleUpon and Digg.
- Fill out your full profile. Take the time to fill in all the blanks. This will help like-minded people find you. Don`t leave the “about me” section blank. Add a photo of some sort, whether of you or something representative. Keep in mind that using a more personal nickname as opposed to a business name will help you seem like a real person.
- Bookmark some sites. Depending on where you have chosen to start your social media career, you`ll want to either rank or bookmark a few websites that you like. Make sure you write a review that works . . . don`t just copy and paste bits from the page, give your real opinion on the sites.
- Start making friends. Don`t befriend just anyone. It`s in your best interest to create a network of people who are interested in the same things as yourself. If you start sending out friend requests to everyone and anyone, your messages will be seen as spam.
- Network. Send some messages to your new friends, bookmark their websites, ask what you can do for them. They will likely be very pleased to reciprocate and you will gradually build up a following.
Social media can be an excellent method of getting some free publicity. If you keep working away at it, a little each day, your business will definitely benefit.
Tags: networking, publicity, Social Media
Posted in Social Media | 2 Comments »
Thursday, October 9th, 2008
LinkedIn is one of the newer social networking sites online. You can really benefit from all types of networking, but when you combine the right techniques and online networking, it can be a very powerful thing.
The latest opportunity for networking with your small business can be found at The Laptop Lounge. There are three levels of networking groups to join, The Rookie, The Pro and The Elite. Each one is specifically aimed at a level of LinkedIn usage. For example, if you have never used the networking service or signed up without doing anything with it, then you`ll be in The Rookie Group. Those with over 500 connections can join The Elite for free.
Not only is this a great chance to learn about networking online, it also allows you to get troubleshooting help right there in the Laptop Lounge, a very handy offer. If you`re interested in joining the group and learning to be your best in online networking, you can sign up here.
Tags: LinkedIn, networking, online networking
Posted in Networking for Small Business | No Comments »
Thursday, September 25th, 2008
You already know that I advocate having a blog to help promote your business, but it`s not good enough to just have a blog. Networking is vital if you want to actually grow your traffic and bring in new potential clients. Without the proper connections and activity, you`ll find that your website just sits there unread.
3 Blog Networking Techniques
- Linking. You`d be amazed at what happens when you start to link out to other blogs. There`s no need to copy them, just let your readers know when you find a good resource. The links will catch other bloggers` attention and they`ll check your site out and may even link to you.
- Commenting. This is the most common technique used, but it`s still a good one. When you comment on someone else`s blog, always consider what you can add to the conversation. It`s also important to respond to comments on your own blog.
- Emailing. While comments and links can be a good way to catch a blogger`s attention, there`s something to be said for a direct email sometimes. Just connect with the other blogger or ask a question. Start building a relationship and later on you can set up JVs and other deals.
Blog networking is a great way to ensure that people are noticing and reading your blog. These aren`t the only methods, of course, you can also join blog communities, carnivals and group writing projects that allow you to network with other bloggers in your topic.
Tags: blogging, business, networking
Posted in Blogging for Small Business, Networking for Small Business | No Comments »
Saturday, September 13th, 2008
It’s only 12 days away and I’m giddy with excitement. I’ll be speaking at the Adventures in Brainstorming (For Women in Business) event by Marketing on the Playground.
Of course, I’ll be in good company. I’ll be delivering some comments on how you can make your website stand out in the crowd. In fact, the title of it is, “How to Make YOUR Website Stand-Out
from the Online Crowd.”
The first thing I’m going to do is split you off into group of three. Then I’ll give you a worksheet and walk you through the steps to finding your keywords to help you optimize your website. Even if you don’t have a website, this will be a useful exercise as you can do the groundwork before you do the groundwork.
The event takes place September 25, 2008, from 12:30 p.m. – 2 p.m. If you bring your own lunch it’s only $15 to attend or you can pay $25 and get lunch.
And, of course, there is always the networking opportunity. You’ll get to meet a lot of wonderful people. Be sure to bring a 15-second business highlight – a time that has been a real positive for you in business. For more information, and to register, visit the Marketing on the Playground website.
Tags: marketing, networking, playground, website, women
Posted in Networking for Small Business, website development | No Comments »
Friday, August 1st, 2008
Earlier this month I attended the e-Women Network Conference and met a wonderful businesswoman and fellow entrepreneur with a great idea. I just wanted to share some thoughts about Janet Powers, owner of Diva Toolbox.
The Diva Toolbox appears, on the surface, to be an article directory. And it is. But it’s really more than that. It’s a community – a community for women who want to share and travel the professional journey together. Being at Diva Toolbox is like two girlfriends sitting across the kitchen table enjoying a cup of coffee and pleasant conversation. Janet’s motto is, “Within you lies the ability to do anything. Find it.” I like that. It says something meaningful, and Janet lives by that motto, which is why we got along so well so quickly.
I’ve decided that I’m going to add Diva Toolbox to my list of directories to submit articles to. I’ve added my first article already.
I strongly encourage you to check out Janet’s new site, Diva Toolbox, and read some of the great material she has there.
Tags: article directory, diva toolbox, janet powers, networking, women
Posted in Networking for Small Business | 1 Comment »
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