“Four Steps to Building Your Business”

#1 Become known as the referral source.

Wouldn’t it be great if your friends, family and business Associates came to you every time they needed a referral? It’s not that unusual. Think about last time you need a product or service that you had not needed in the past. Did you go to the yellow pages or did you ask a friend? For me, the phone book is the last resort, I would much rather work with someone that some I know, knows.

So, how do you become known as the Referral Source? It’s easy!

1. Make a list of all of the people you know who provide you and your family, friends and office with products and services.
2. Ask those people if they would mind if you stated referring them to people you know and meet.
3. Ask them for a supply of their business cards, promotional materials or a link to their website.

How do you work a mixer? When attending a business mixer or networking event, there are a few "must dos" to make the event successful for your business.

Set a goal for the event

What do you want to gain from attending this event? Is it to meet a certain type of business professional? Do you have an event you are promoting? Are you looking for a strategic partner?

Business Cards

It seems silly to remind you that having business cards at a networking event are very important. I was at an event last week and asked for a card only to be told the business owner didn’t have any cards. You might want to consider keeping an extra supply of your cards in your car.

Small Pen

This is for making notes on the back of the business card you just received. You might note commonalities you share, a word or two about your conversation…something you can use to reference their business when you send out your hand written note.

Two Business Card Carriers

One for your cards and one for the cards you collect. Try to keep your cards in your left pocket, so when you introduce yourself you can easily pull your card out with your left hand while shaking with your right hand.

Name Badge

All business owners should invest in a name badge for their business. They are easy enough to find and are very helpful for networking. Also, make sure to wear your name tag on your right side. That way when you shake hands with another business owner, their eyes will be looking directly at your name tag.

What tips do you have for working a networking event? Please feel free to share by commenting on this post, and check our Leads Club Mixer page for a mixer near you.

To your business success….

Lisa

Even though Greyhound Rescue may not seem like an appropriate topic for a Networking tip, it is!  I have had the privledge of living with Faye, a retired racing Greyhound from Tuscon Race track. for the last five years.   She is the best friend you could ever have and in my opinon, one of the best breeds.  But, we’re here for business aren’t we. 

When Faye first came into my life I needed to educate myself about living with a Greyhound and participated in numerous Greyhound events in Southern California.  This opened the doors for me to meet a bunch of new people.  And, we had a common bond/love, our dogs.  As I got to know the "Greyhound People", I learned about them and their lives and they learned about me. 

So, Networking is about meeting new people and building business freindships.  A recent example is when our Leads Club, Arizona,  Regional Consultant Johnna Fox came on board she had recently moved to Tucson.  We are both single and I was telling her about how much I love Faye.  Fast forward, Johnna got a beautiful Greyhound named Kabalah.  Now we have a special bond and never run out of things to say. 

I know this commonality has strengthened our relationship and when the time comes that one of us is no longer involved in Leads Club, we will most likely stay friends.

Has their been a time when tyou had a social situation that unexpectedly turned into a business connection?  Please share your expereince by commenting below.