June 20th, 2008
You got along great, you met the next day and you signed the contract.
Then they stop contacting you and don’t return calls.
WTF? Everything was great and you signed the contract….where is the check?
It’s bad networking because you’re going to end up running into them again and they’re either going to act like nothing happened or they’re going to avoid you like the plague.
Either way it will be a weird experience for you!
This post is part of the b5media Business Channel Great Blog Off! Find out more about the Blog Off here.
The Business Channel is supporting Accion International for the Great Blog Off. You can make a donation directly to Accion (http://www.accion.org/b5media). Donations are tax deductible.
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By Jennifer Gniadecki -- 0 comments
June 20th, 2008
Network To Build Your Business!
I used to be scared to death when I heard the words “you have to network to build your business”. That is, until I joined some great forums and started “networking” with some of the greats. I didn’t even realize I was networking…I was just chatting and getting to know people.
It took a while for it to sink in…that’s what networking is. It’s just making connections and getting to know people. One of the nicest experiences (well… other than signing a new client) was when I’ve been able to refer business to an acquaintance– a person in my network.
OK – now comes the hard part – actually leaving your house and meeting people face to face. I still have a tough time with that because I’m basically shy until I get to know someone. I find that if I search the room for someone who looks as uncomfortable as I feel, and start chatting with them, we both become much more energetic and we lose that “deer in the headlights” look. That look could scare away anyone!
You have to be careful not to stay in the conversation too long, though, or you will wind up only networking with another person that doesn’t talk to anyone – so, who is that person going to tell about “Pat, the greatest VA that ever lived”? You need to move on – hopefully, just feeling like you “know” one person in the room will give you confidence to approach others.
Now, when I sign up for a networking event, I actually look forward to it. I get out of my house (which doesn’t happen often as a Virtual Assistant), I get a meal, I meet interesting people, I learn about other businesses and I get to educate people about what I do.
Now I just need a Virtual Assistant of my own to keep track of my social calendar….
Pat Zappavigna - Instant Office Assistant
Has your dream business turned into an Administrative nightmare?
Visit us at InstantOfficeAssistant.com to see how we can help you sleep better!
This post is part of the b5media Business Channel Great Blog Off! Find out more about the Blog Off here.
The Business Channel is supporting Accion International for the Great Blog Off. You can make a donation directly to Accion (http://www.accion.org/b5media). Donations are tax deductible.
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By Jennifer Gniadecki -- 0 comments
June 20th, 2008
The Warm Call
There are so many forms of networking, both in-person and electronically. Between attending conferences and networking events and participating in the professional/social networks of LinkedIn, FaceBook or industry-specific/niche social networks we often forget about that little device called the telephone. Many of us are tethered to our computers and use our phones for other things (like making Twitter updates or “tweets”) that our instinct when it comes to communicating with another human being is to do it electronically. But sometimes, an e-mail just won’t do. This is especially so if the person you’re e-mailing has no idea who you are and has their spam filters set to catch unknown addresses. And many people get so many e-mails in a given day that yours just might get lost in the crowd, even if it makes it to the in-box. Unfortunately, we have all been annoyed by telemarketers too many times, that having a root canal would be more fun than making a “cold call.” Don’t cold call. Instead, warm call.
Building relationships
Cold calls automatically make the person on the other end of the line defensive. They are often ready to say “no,” or might be abrupt with you when they hear what immediately sounds like a pitch for some product or service. Remember that you are not just “selling” your product or service you’re “selling” who you are. Changing your mindset from “I’m making a cold call” to “I’m making a warm call” means that you’re not selling, but networking. Networking is about building relationships and if you’re doing it non-toxically, establishing and maintaining good ones. The phone can be a good way to start. Unlike electronic communications, using the phone allows you to hear and give the vocal cues that cannot be communicated online, and that sometimes go awry. Start off on the right foot by stating who you are and asking if they have time.
I have some time
If they do have time, be friendly and brief. Talk about them and what it is that they do that is the reason for your call. You don’t want to launch into talking about your great product or service. Next make the connection with what it is that you are offering or suggesting, in other words how you arrived at why they are the person to be calling. Be sure that while you are speaking, you are smiling genuinely—smiles show even over the phone, and (this is especially important) listen to their responses. Are they distracted? Are they giving you courtesy “uh huhs”? Are they warming up to you? Are they as excited as you are? Gauge your responses to their cues and wrap the call with a call-to-action and find out the best way to contact them and if they will welcome hearing from you again. If they suggest e-mail is best, be sure to let them know which address you will be using to contact them. Don’t forget to thank the person for their time along with some other friendly close that is natural for you. (Don’t get too chummy though, unless you and the person you’ve called have really “hit it off” — remember it’s still business.)
No, now’s not a good time
Again, be friendly and brief. In one or two short sentences explain the reason for your call, and ask if there is a better time to reach them or if you can send them an e-mail. Even if they engage you in further conversation, remember that they initially said “now’s not a good time,” so keep that in mind. After giving your reason for calling (or elaborating if they ask for more information) say something like “I realize that you’re pressed for time, may I contact you again?” (or whatever sincere phrase works for you). Find out the best method and time to contact them, and again, if they suggest that e-mail is best, be sure to let them know which address you will be using. Close the call with a friendly “goodbye” and thank them for their time.
With both situations, don’t forget to follow up with the person in the manner they suggest or prefer. Another good reason for calling, and is part of the networking aspect, is that if the person you’re speaking with feels that they aren’t the right person, but is still interested in who you are and what you are offering, they may suggest an alternate person. If that happens, thank the person to whom you are speaking and find out the best way that new relationship can be initiated. (Don’t however, just leave person A in the dust. It might seem as if you were just using them.)
To leave or not to leave a message
Many grapple with whether to leave a message when they get voice mail. Stop grappling and leave a short, clear, friendly-but-professional message. (Nobody likes hang-ups or silence.) State your name, where you are calling from, a brief reason for the call and your contact information. Don’t babble on and on. (Apologies to Shakespeare for paraphrasing his words.)
Conclusion
Remember that the phone can be an important networking tool. Use it wisely and remember to be polite, friendly, brief and above all, to listen well to the person that you are calling. The phone can be a good way to initiate a connection with the very same people who might otherwise delete your unsolicited e-mail.
Beautifully written by Erika-Marie S. Geiss
Editor-in-Chief - theWAHMmagazine
This post is part of the b5media Business Channel Great Blog Off! Find out more about the Blog Off here.
The Business Channel is supporting Accion International for the Great Blog Off. You can make a donation directly to Accion (http://www.accion.org/b5media). Donations are tax deductible.
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By Jennifer Gniadecki -- 3 comments
June 20th, 2008
Meredith Lepelt wrote a great guest post on Shannon Cherry’s Startup Spark blog (Shannon is also participating in the Great Blog Off!)
Of course, when I see the word networking I perk my ears up all Scooby-Doo style and take note. This post is no exception.
My favorite line from the post is:
Think of networking as “connecting” instead of “networking.”
I agree 100% Meridith! But, then, I’d say you could call it elephant trunk underwater basket weaving…whatever gets you thorough the night!
Now go check out the rest of the advice over at Startup Spark. The Great Blog Off…blog readers have never had it so good….*grin*
This post is part of the b5media Business Channel Great Blog Off! Find out more about the Blog Off here.
The Business Channel is supporting Accion International for the Great Blog Off. You can make a donation directly to Accion (http://www.accion.org/b5media). Donations are tax deductible.
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By Jennifer Gniadecki -- 0 comments
June 20th, 2008
The person you’re talking to seems really nice, and then they talk about a company they had a bad experience with. You’re listening intently because you want to make sure the same thing doesn’t happen to you. The person you’re talking to sees your interest and begins to get really detailed.
An hour later you’re on the sixth company they fired and you’re wondering if anyone can make this person happy.
They’ll probably ask you to sign the contract and work with them within 48 hours.
Now you have to decide if you are going to end up on that list with, you know, everyone else!
This post is part of the b5media Business Channel Great Blog Off! Find out more about the Blog Off here.
The Business Channel is supporting Accion International for the Great Blog Off. You can make a donation directly to Accion (http://www.accion.org/b5media). Donations are tax deductible.
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By Jennifer Gniadecki -- 0 comments
June 20th, 2008
You get along really well, you talk on the phone after the event multiple times. You think you’re becoming friends…
…and then they’re just gone.
They no longer work for the company you talked to them at, they are no longer answering the phone, they are no longer receiving email at the address you have for them. They just disappeared.
Hopefully they didn’t give you any referrals…because they’ll probably disappear too.
This post is part of the b5media Business Channel Great Blog Off! Find out more about the Blog Off here.
The Business Channel is supporting Accion International for the Great Blog Off. You can make a donation directly to Accion (http://www.accion.org/b5media). Donations are tax deductible.
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By Jennifer Gniadecki -- 0 comments
June 20th, 2008
Where Everybody Knows Your Name?
If you ever watched the tv show “Cheers” then instantly you’ll remember Norm – the fellow that was greeted as he walked through the pub’s door with a hearty cheer of his name. “Norm!” With a smile and a wave Norm took his favorite stool at the end of the counter and then did what he did best. Sip, talk, nod and become memorable in the minds of so many viewers.
Are you memorable? Does everybody remember your name, occupation, or the reason why you’re the person for the job at hand? It’s now the time to make the change. When you meet someone take the time to get to know others and make a good impression? When you’re first meeting someone extend your hand and introduce yourself with both your first and last name. Tell the person a sentence about yourself or your company to associate your name to something. You can even hand them something tangible to remember you by – a visual reminder can’t be beat.
Another way to be memorable is to remember the special moments in other’s lives. When someone mentions an upcoming milestone take a moment to jot it down and send a note of congratulations or acknowledgement. My friend Sue is superb at sending notes and cards. She keeps a special binder filled with everyone’s special dates and probably keeps the postal service in business with all of the stamps she uses.
Develop an identity brand if you don’t have one. I recall a neighbor that always gave shiny pennies away to all that he met. As a child it was such a treat to see ‘Mr. Neighbor’ on the way to the post office. After exchanging pleasantries and before we’d part he would always reach into his pocket and pull out a shiny penny. He’d say, “Here’s a little luck coming your way!”
It doesn’t take something huge to be memorable in the minds of those you meet. Just think about what you can do today to stand out from the rest. What will make you memorable to those you meet?
Ruth Martin at MaplewoodVA
Ruth Martin is a virtual assistant and owner of Maplewood Virtual Assistance with specialty services in administrative office support, data entry, and research
This post is part of the b5media Business Channel Great Blog Off! Find out more about the Blog Off here.
The Business Channel is supporting Accion International for the Great Blog Off. You can make a donation directly to Accion (http://www.accion.org/b5media). Donations are tax deductible.
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By Jennifer Gniadecki -- 1 comment
June 20th, 2008
Virtual Networker
I love to network. Well, I love to talk and meet new people, so I guess you could say I’m a networker! I have joined several great networking groups locally as well as on the Internet while I have been building my Virtual Assistant business. I have met an incredible amount of people within the last year through networking and the best part is that I have more than doubled my business through referrals that I have received from networking.
Because of the sky-rocketing gas prices, I have been trying to stay in the “virtual” office and save on my gas usage. However, by doing that I have been missing out on my local networking opportunities. So one day I starting thing…I’m virtual, why not do a virtual networking session. Well, that’s just what I did. I called my local group, asked them if they would conference me in to the meetings each week and let me have my 1 minute of fame. Of course, they agreed and the rest is history. Every week at3:30 pm on Wednesdays, I settle in my home office, for my Women In Networking meeting over the phone. It’s a great group of women that I have come to know and love and know I can continue to share with them, help them build their businesses and build relationships that will last, I hope, for a long time.
There’s always a creative way to work around problems, all you have to do is look for them. It just might be a “virtual solution.”
Terri Brooks - General Administrative and Internet Marketing Virtual Assistant
Chief Virtual Officer, A Virtual Business Solution
http://avirtualbiz.wordpress.com/
www.avirtualbiz.com
This post is part of the b5media Business Channel Great Blog Off! Find out more about the Blog Off here.
The Business Channel is supporting Accion International for the Great Blog Off. You can make a donation directly to Accion (http://www.accion.org/b5media). Donations are tax deductible.
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By Jennifer Gniadecki -- 0 comments
June 20th, 2008
You’re at an event and your personalities mesh like peanut butter and jelly. You are so happy you met this person, and you think you might be more than just business associates, you might become friends.
When you follow up, you can’t get in touch with the person you talked to and are passed on to someone else that is going to be your direct contact for the project. You do not get along with the new person, and find you have been the victim of a scout! They scouted you, pegged you, and then pushed you off onto someone else.
Usually it’s the good cop that recruits your company and the bad cop you end up working with.
This post is part of the b5media Business Channel Great Blog Off! Find out more about the Blog Off here.
The Business Channel is supporting Accion International for the Great Blog Off. You can make a donation directly to Accion (http://www.accion.org/b5media). Donations are tax deductible.
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By Jennifer Gniadecki -- 0 comments
June 20th, 2008
You’re in a group and suddenly you find someone is standing in the middle of the group facing you. They edge forward, so you step backward. Now you find you’re trapped with one person in a one-on-one conversation instead of talking to the group you were enjoying.
You have been separated from the herd. The person talking to you is going to move in for the kill. The Discovery channel would advise you to run, because once you’re separated from the herd you are easy prey.
This post is part of the b5media Business Channel Great Blog Off! Find out more about the Blog Off here.
The Business Channel is supporting Accion International for the Great Blog Off. You can make a donation directly to Accion (http://www.accion.org/b5media). Donations are tax deductible.
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By Jennifer Gniadecki -- 1 comment
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