It is said that the best kind of advertising you can have is word-of-mouth and that referrals from persons who know you well are the best way to obtain new business. Also, we know that staying in touch with current customers is the way to maintain those good relationships and to keep their business. Being an active networker gives you the opportunities to both stay in touch with current clients and to meet new persons and develop new business relationships.
People like to do business with persons they know and trust. Meeting persons on a one-to-one basis at networking events is a good way to meet these new persons and to get to know them on a personal basis. This is all a lot of FUN, but also leads to new business relationships with a certain percentage of those we meet.
I myself used to be extremely shy and had difficulty attending events and introducing myself to new persons. When you attend events where you don’t know persons already, follow the advice: Be a “host”; not a “guest.” In other words, take an active part in finding others who may look lost or aren’t in the midst of a conversation with anyone else, introduce yourself, ask questions, and play the role of a “host” in making the other person feel welcome. Be proactive and initiate conversations with those you don’t know. Like everything else, the more you practice the better you become until it all feels more natural and easy and fun.
At your next networking event, look for a new person to meet–or look for ME–I just might be there myself!
Dana Naas, Owner
Golden Printing & Promotional Products
303-274-9040 fax: 303-233-8453
See 1000’s of products w/pricing at:
www.goldenprinting.com