Erika's Blog - Northern Connections

The best way to begin networking is to ask questions of the other person and their company. Learn what you can about them and their interests. When asking for their business card, ask who would be their best client so you can help them get referrals. Develop a data base of all the contacts you make with notations that remind you of your meeting. Cultivate a business relationship over a period of time. Keep in touch by sending them something of interest or value so they know you are thinking of them. Developing a business relationship will lead to opportunities for both parties. Wouldn't you refer someone that you know and have dealt with in the past? The same will happen to your business. Guess what? By fostering a strategic business friendship, you will be "top of the mind" when the opportunity for that referral comes up. Peter Drucker said 30 years ago, the purpose of business is "to create and keep a customer". That is still true today. Eventually your networking efforts will pay off.

Labels: business, networking