"The San Diego Networking Association really works! SDNA has brought me more than $30,000.00 in annual contracts." - Scott Kirkpatrick, Superior Internet Solutions
"I have been very fortunate as the groups mortgage broker and Past President. I have gained friends for life and my business is soaring . . ." - Bob Weller |
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Networking Info |
Call (619) 297-9181 for more info
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How to network smarter. |
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If you invest 15 minutes before you make a call or go to an event, you are lightyears ahead of most everyone else. Most just rush, don't do any research and end up wasting their time.
Take 15 minutes and ask yourself a few questions.
- What is your goal? Be specific and write it down.
- What do you know about the person or place you are contacting?
- How did you connect with them in the first place?
- Do you have 2-3 conversation starters?
- What needs to happen in order for you to feel this was worth your time and effort?
- By asking yourself these few questions, you'll realize whether or not you have thought about your intentions and will be more confident.
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Peope "whether" report." |
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Before you contact someone either by email or phone, review the "whether" conditions. Be sure you are properly prepared.
- What is your reason for contacting them?
- Have you contacted them before?
- Did you follow up and keep them posted?
- Are you ready to have the meeting right now? In some cases, we get someone on the phone and they say, "I can talk to you right now" and we're not prepared.
- Do you have 2-3 specific questions to ask them? For example, a specific question is "I'm seeking a contact at Pfizer so we can present our new research and help them create a drug sooner."
- The more specific you are, the more likely it is someone will be able to help you.
- Who introduced you? How does everyone know each other?
- This preparation will help you be more successful.
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Event "Whether Report." |
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On a day when the mercury is sinking and so is your energy, it takes an effort to go to an event so you really want it to be worth it. Here are a few things to consider:
- Who or what organization is hosting the event?
- Have you researched their website?
- What three questions have you prepared (said outloud) that you can ask anyone in the room?
- Why are you going? What is your short term goal? Long term goal?
- If the event is hosted by an organization, who are the board members and management team?
- What kind of a day have you had? If you are completely frazzled, then maybe you should wait for another event.
- Do you have the logistics covered - you know the directions, dress code, etc.
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Organization "Whether Report." |
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There are many worthwhile organizations we can join that can help you grow and manage your network. It can be overwhelming sometimes trying to decide. I encourage you to participate in several types of groups - such as charity, alumni, professional associations, etc.
- First, do you like the people who attend?
- Will you be able to make a visible contribution - be on the board, be a speaker or on a committee?
- Who are the board members?
- What is the time commitment this organization will take?
- Are the meetings at a time I can attend?
- Who do I know that can give me advice on "whether" or not to attend?
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The Rolling Stones know how to network, do you? |
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The band knew they wanted to take it to the next level. Mick went to the London School of Economics. But how to make the switch from the Rolling Stones to the Rolling Stones, Inc.
Their band manager knew who had the solution - Prince Rupert. But he didn't know the prince. So he found someone who did, asked them to make a call on his behalf, and the rest is history.
Do you know who can help you?
- Would they return your call?
- What exactly would you ask for?
- If you don't know them, who can help you make the connection?
These are a few key networking fundamentals. If you or your company needs some help, contact us.
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Networking with your warm market . . . |
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If you are realizing that you have indeed lost touch with people, take advantage of the coming season - here are a few things to do:
- Make a list of all the people you know and categorize them. For example, work colleagues, neighbors, softball team, beach buddies, etc.
- Step back and look at the list - who would like to meet each other
- Write out what problems you solve - for example a CPA helps people with their financials, a salesperson helps businesses grow, etc.
- Make several introductions
- Do it for them, not you
- When they ask what you are up to, tell them what you do.
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The 3 key networking questions . . . |
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What do you do?
- What do you need next?
- How can I help you?
These 3 questions produce quick and fast results and will surprise your networkee. Most networking organizations focus on what they do - not what you do. The reason this works is because you make a difference in your networking member's business and they see that you care about their business -- which makes them scan their rolodex to recipricate the results for you.
Happy networking -- we look forward to serving you, SDNA.
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