Red Box Virtual Office Newsletter - November 2007
Secrets to Networking Success
Networking is a life skill as much as it is a business skill. If you are successful at networking you can create opportunities to build relationships and identify potential business or career opportunities, for yourself or others within your network. Research tells us that 1 in 3 people found their current job through their network, rather than through formal recruitment processes. Networking can take the hard work out of managing your career - and it can be very enjoyable if you know how to do it well.
Successful networkers know that the true nature of networking is developing and maintaining genuinely helpful relationships with others, with a focus on helping them not you. Many people confuse or associate networking with selling. It is important to recognise that when you are networking you should not be pitching or selling your services. Your focus is on developing relationships.
Networking is a skill which can be learned and it forms an important part of the successful business person's tool kit. Networking can be easy and enjoyable if you know how.
So how can you do it? There are eight important techniques for effective networking:
1.Creating a networking plan. You need to ensure that you are networking with the right people, in the right places and in the right way. Creating a networking plan can help you to be more focused in your approach. Set realistic objectives when you are networking, and accept that networking is a long term proposition.
2.Preparing to Network. Mindset is one of the most important aspects of preparation. What you say to yourself will create your destiny. Preparing also includes arming yourself with information (for example, who will be there, what do you know about them and their companies), and preparing yourself (for example, do you look the part?).
3.Creating the right impression. People form impressions very quickly, and the impression you make will impact significantly on your chances of success. Consider the impressions you want to create and then how you can create them.
4. Developing the relationship. Start by building rapport, finding a connection with the other person, and displaying a genuine interest in others and in helping them. You may need to adapt your approach and style to suit the person you are speaking to.
5. Managing conversations. The ability to ask good questions and to listen makes you a good conversationalist. Be prepared to offer your own insights, experiences, and ideas to make it interesting. Focus on looking for opportunities to help the other person - remember this is not about you but about them.
6.Observing networking etiquette. Introductions are important, as is the ability to move gracefully and politely between people. Making other people feel comfortable helps you to also feel more comfortable.
7. Keeping in touch. Look for the opportunity to keep in touch with the people you meet, and follow up if you say you will. Identify ways to help others to make follow up easier.
8.
Managing your network. Access in-house tools or create your own, to record the details about the people in your network. Create systems to help you to maintain regular contact with people and to ensure you do this in a relevant and appropriate manner.
About the Author
Lisa Butler specialises in providing customised corporate training and coaching in communication and teaching others how to network. Lisa is one of two Directors of Paragon Associates publishing house based in Melbourne, Australia and author of Networking Exposed: Discover the Secrets of Business Networking
10 ways to be More Productive When Running Your Business From Home
By putting into place a few simple ideas, you can reap more of the rewards of staying home-bound. Based on my experiences and those of my clients, here are 10 simple ways to help you stay on track.
1. Separate Your Space.
Keep a separate, distinct work area in your home. Very important. If you don't have a separate room, at least define an area, and know that when you're in it, you're in "work mode."
2. Structure Your Time.
As your business and personal time mesh, it's more important than ever to structure your day. For example, if you regularly take a walk or go to the gym, try to do it every day at the same time. Value that personal appointment with yourself -- even when you're very busy. It will actually help you keep your business on track!
3. Outsource All You Can.
When I began my business, I made the mistake of doing all my own administrative work. Whenever you start thinking, "Well I can just do that myself," STOP. Streamline your business, making everything as automatic as possible. Use outside services to stay focused on your *real work*. Get accounts with an overnight delivery service, messenger service, errand service, bookkeeper, etc. Save your time and energy for your brilliant ideas!
4. Use Technology to Your Advantage.
In-person meetings are very valuable when appropriate, but schedule them sparingly. Try to do most of your business via phone, fax, and e-mail using the best equipment you can afford. For most of us, when we're out of the office, we're not bringing in the bacon! Get separate lines for home and business, or ask your phone company about getting "distinctive ring". Also, voicemail is better than an answering machine, because if you're on an important call and don't want to be disturbed, other callers can still leave you a message.
5. Group Your Errands.
Try to group your meetings and errands together to minimize your out-of-office time. Make a list in the morning of all the outside tasks you need done for the day, and attempt to complete them in one fell swoop.
6. Stay Focused.
Make your workspace off-limits to other roommates or family members when you're working. For you animal lovers, this may go for pets as well. (My cat Francine gets extremely jealous when I'm not giving her complete attention!) Keep all personal paperwork such as bills, magazines, and to-do lists out of sight, so they won't distract you from your work projects.
7. Beware of Yappers.
Many of your friends and family will be immediately delighted when they learn that you're now home-officing. They picture you lounging on the couch, eating potato chips, and waiting for their calls. When they call you simply to chat, politely remind them that you're working, and ask them if you can call them back after your day is over. It may take them a while, but they'll eventually get the idea.
8. Work With Your Moods.
Keep track of your moods and productivity compared with the time of day. For example, if you find you're more alert in the morning, use this time to make important calls and do your creative work. Take advantage of your natural cycles. If you feel better after an afternoon nap, go for it! (I'm a BIG proponent of the catnap. In fact, I may start a support group.)
9. Suit Yourself.
To bring out your best work, make your environment perfect for YOU. How do you work best? With plenty of breaks, or with no interruptions? In silence, or with some light music in the background? On a cushy couch and coffee table, or at a business desk in an ergonomic chair? Also, find some places you can do work when you need a change of scenery. How about the library, the park, or your neighborhood coffee shop? When I need to do serious reading, thinking, or editing, I take my work outside to the beach. The sea air, sunshine, and soothing waves help me think much more clearly.
10. Break for People.
Feeling sluggish, lonely, or moody? Arrange for at least one social break during the week. Schedule breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even just coffee with a client, vendor, or friend. Join a business networking group, or sign-up for social activities such as dance class or recreational sports league. Don't go into hermit mode -- it can be self-destructive!
About the Author
Online entrepreneur Alexandria K. Brown, "The E-zine Queen," publishes the award-winning 'Straight Shooter Marketing' weekly ezine with 22,000+ subscribers. If you're ready to jump-start your marketing, make more money, and have more fun in your small business, get your FREE tips now at www.EzineQueen.com
