Thursday, March 28, 2024

Profit Pathways – P.A.S.S.I.O.N – 4

We come to the end of this series with N for Networking. I hope it has added value to you and I look forward to hearing your stories. Networking is an activity dear to my heart because I have learnt that it is one of the most valuable activities on the Profit Pathways. Alone you can go far but with others you can go farther. Every one you need to meet is just 6 steps away from you, said Karinthy Fringes. The good news, we can always learn to network more effectively. No matter our personality type, our fears and misgivings about networking, this is the one activity that you cannot sideline if you are to enjoy profit.

Today I will share on the work of Networking. There are four stages of work, Pre-event, At the Event, After the Event and Beyond the Event.

1. Pre –event.  Have a purpose for networking.  Myles Munroe said that when purpose is not known abuse is inevitable.  The purpose for networking will determine the events you attend. After establishing a purpose, find out which events align to that purpose and who are likely to be at the event so that you prepare the appropriate pitch.  It’s a known fact that at most networking events you will be asked to introduce yourself either publicly or to the people around you.  Yet it amazes me how many people come un prepared and say all sorts of weird things!  Think of your introduction as a 60 seconds informercial on TV or Radio and make it interesting.  For each event you should have at least one aspect of your product that can be of absolute interest to the people you are likely to meet.  Ask the organizer who is the target audience for the event, do not guess. And of course plan to dress appropriately and show up on time.

Passion Profit Boot Camp 2
Passion Profit Boot Camp 2

2. At the event – Someone said, 80% of success is showing up, and I say the other 20% is participating.  Show up on time and keep away your phone and newspaper.  Have you noticed people who read their newspaper or are busy on the phones at an event? I often say, you know the people on the phone, go around and meet new people. Shyness is an excuse, and an old one too come to the SME clinic and we will help you get rid of it.  Determine how many people you will interact with before you settle down. You don’t have to give everyone your business cards.  Give people you strike a rapport with that you can add value to or can add value to you. Of course if someone gives you a card, the polite thing to do is to take it. Remember you are there to network, so don’t focus too much on the food being served or the speaker.  The speaker is only one person, the room is filled with people who you can get to meet and for eating you can go and eat at home later. It is polite to stay till the end so plan to do so.  Some people leave immediately after the speaker finishes, which is a sign they have no need for people in the room/ Big Mistake!

Passion Profit Event
Passion Profit Event

3. After the Event – If you struck a rapport with people at the event, those are the people you should focus your energy on.  Networking is the intentional process of cultivating relationships.  The event is merely a step in the cycle so manage your expectations.  If you expect to walk out with a deal at an event, you might be setting yourself for disappointment.  Someone may say they need to hear more about your products. It doesn’t mean they will buy it tomorrow.  Well, after the event, make it a point to follow up with the people you struck a rapport with within at least 48 hours when the memory is still fresh. Ideally the email should be to meet and explore how to get better acquainted.  Resist sending your profile at the first email unless that is what you agreed.

4. Beyond the Event – Most networking ventures fail because people are only thinking of what they can get out of others and rarely keep track of how they can add value to someone.  Pay attention to the interests of people you want to keep in your network.  What kind of interests do they work beyond their business, do they have family or what are their hobbies.  When you see something of interest to them even if it has nothing to do with your industry, send them a clip, let them know you are thinking of them.  That is how you develop relationships.  Look for avenues to add value and to keep the relationship alive.  People hate it when you look for them only when you need something.

As you continue on your path to profit, never forget that you are not alone.  We are here to serve you.  Whether you need a one on one session to explore, a boot camp to start or scale up your journey, we are here for you.

Check out our website www.passiontoprofit.co and I know you will find something for yourself or call us 0707112002.

Article by Passion Profit

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