How To Survive As A Networking Newbie
Keywords: Virtual+Office+Assistant, Virtual+Assistant, VA, Online+Office+Services, Networking
If you’re just starting out in business, you’ve probably already been told by a number of people that Networking is an essential activity to get involved in. It’s a great piece of advice and, even though it might fill you with absolute dread, it will provide a huge number of business contacts. Whilst not all of these will be directly relevant to you and your own business, referrals to third parties happen all the time and this really is the whole point to getting involved in Networking.
Even though I’ve only recently set up my own business as a Virtual Assistant, it had been in the pipeline for a long time, and one of things I knew I had to face up to was the fact that I’d have to put myself out and about on the Networking circuit. I can tell you that, out of all the hurdles associated with setting up a new business, the Networking hurdle was my most feared. I’m not a natural Sales Person but I am a natural talker – and the more events I’ve attended, the more I’ve realised that being able to talk is the only skill you need. Oh yes, and a stack of business cards!
In order to survive as a Networking Newbie, I’d recommend the following tips:
SMILE !!
Even if you’re feeling completely overwhelmed, wear a smile. It will attract other people towards you and instantly boost your confidence.
Approach other people standing on their own.
Remember – you’re not the only one feeling awkward. They’re also more than likely to be as nervous as you are.
Extend a firm handshake.
It gives the impression that you’re confident and comfortable in the situation and you definitely mean business.
Always try and ask about your new contact first.
This will demonstrate that you’re not a selfish Networker because you’re showing that you’re more interested in the other person than in talking about yourself.
Be a good listener.
Even if you’re talking to someone whose business is of no direct relevance to your own, appreciate that you’re all there for the same reason.
Keep your own business statement brief.
Accompany your verbal statement with your business card and direct people to your website for more detailed information. Keeping it brief at the beginning enables others to ask specific questions which you can then answer in as much depth as is required.
Be polite and honest.
You will make a good impression with many new contacts because they remember your friendly personality and honesty, not necessarily what line of business you’re in.
Acknowledge the contacts you’ve made.
Always follow a Networking event by sending a brief two-line email to every contact you’ve made along the following lines: “nice to meet you, added your details to my database, hope to see you at future events”. Nothing more is needed – unless, of course, potential business was discussed at the event with one or more individuals. Then a more personalised message is called for.
So, all in all, it doesn’t have to be that scary. By implementing some – if not all – of the above tips, you can actually look forward to attending future events free from anxieties.
So, what are you waiting for? Go on, give it a go!
Helen Byrne is a UK-based Virtual Office Assistant and Owner of Virtualoso (www.virtualoso.info) To promote the business to a wider audience, Helen also created PA-as-you-go (www.PA-as-you-go.com) as a simple introduction to Virtual Assistance.
Previous Articles Highlighter:
Advertise In Smaller Ezines: The "Think Small" Method Of Getting More Sales (1)
1. Watch your tone Try to match the tone of the ezine. If readers are used to a matter of fact tone from the publisher they may not respond well to your over enthusiastic ad or vise versa.
Ice Fishing For Walleye (2)
Move approximately fifty feet in either direction and make a new hole. Check the water levels in the new hole. Make a note if the levels are getting shorter or longer.
Preparing For Sea Fishing Trips (3)
Another important thing to pack is something to eat and drink. You will likely get worn out and drained while you're fishing, so it's important to stay hydrated and keep your energy up.
Kentucky Lake Crappie Fishing (4)
The sizes of the papermouths regularly pulled from Kentucky Lake and Barkley Lake is amazing as well. Catches of two pounds plus are not uncommon, and tournament fishermen are consistently required to catch two pound fish in order to place well in the local tournaments.
The Importance Of Risk Management (5)
This gives companies the time and space to prepare for it and to put solutions in place if needed. If a business is aware of any risks they have then they can do things to prevent them from occurring so there is less chance of a downfall.
Advantages Of Building Your Own Home (6)
To build your own home is one of the ways to get around this problem as it can work out significantly cheaper as well as having many other benefits. One of the main advantages of choosing to self build your home is regardless of whether you are involved in the building process or not you have complete control over what happens.
Start Now: Make Money On The Internet (7)
You must have a website in order to do business online, without a website, how can you hope to sell anything to anyone online? Therefore, you want a professional looking website, so you can do this yourself or pay someone else to create it for you.
That Was The Worst PowerPoint Presentation I've Ever Seen (8)
How to Train Your Employees Though PowerPoint is such a feature-rich and powerful tool, your team can learn everything there is to know in just two days of Power Point courses.
What Kind Of Credit Card Spender Are You? (9)
If you are not in debt then it is still important to figure out exactly what kind of spender you are to ensure that you remain out of debt and do not become another statistic.
How To Motivate Your Students Using Awards (10)
These awards are one-time only affairs and should only be given to one child in the class. Using awards to motivate your students is not a new idea, but it is one that has not been used enough.
Newer Articles Highlighter:
What You Need To Know About Bass Fishing Tournaments (1)
This series is held coast to coast in all seasons and bass fishing conditions, and is exactly as its name implies - a stage for the best and brightest bass fishermen in the world.
Saltwater Fishing Lures - How To Choose (2)
Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is committed to providing the best saltwater fishing information possible. Go to www.asksaltwaterfishing.com for more information on saltwater fishing lures.
A Saltwater Aquarium - Beginners Guide To The Ideal Marine Stimulation! (3)
How to start and what does one need to know: Remember that sea or ocean marine life is like a free bird that soars without boundaries and constraints. Therefore, maintaining an aquarium with saltwater fish entails much greater understanding and acumen than ordinary fresh water or river and pond fish.
Getting A Mortgage With Bad Credit: Is It Doable? (4)
Mortgages and Bad Credit Twenty years ago those with bad credit would be hard pressed to be approved for a mortgage loan. Unlike in those days, today, this is a common sight as lenders have made their rules and regulations pretty friendly in order to reach out to a wider audience.
Catfish Fishing In Texas - How To Catch Those Trophy Blues (5)
Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is committed to providing the best catfish fishing information possible. Go to www.askcatfishfishing.com for more information on Texas catfish fishing.
World Wide Brands Review (6)
While one's research may guide him or her to World Wide Brands, thus prompting a World Wide Brands review, one should consider what should be expected from any drop ship or wholesale resource.
How To Effectively Dress For Success For A College Scholarship Interview (7)
You will not want to wear grunge type clothes, mini skirts or any trendy clothing when attending your college interview, particularly if you are interviewing for a college scholarship. The better you dress, the better an impression you will make on whoever interviews you.
The Reasoning Behind Getting Car Insurance (8)
In case of major damages, this will ensure that your car repair expenses are taken care of. You would not have to worry at all. The peace of mind that comes with knowing that, should someone damage your car, sorting out the problem is relatively hassle-free is more than enough to warrant the relatively small payments.
Tips For Crappie Fishing Trips (9)
The Little Red River as well as the White River and the Arkansas River are more good crappie fishing locations in the Natural State. Beaver Lake is located in Carroll and Washington counties, and the crappie seem to be fat and hungry in these areas.
Rawhide Lamp Shades And Western Decor (10)
This allows for the most comfortable reading environment. Floor lamp shades also allow for great reading light and rawhide shades are available in just the right diameter for your lighting needs.