You MUST have a focused communication strategy and a targeted network for your networking efforts to be effective - especially in the beginning.
Serendipitous Networking: Meeting someone by chance and having the opportunity to introduce yourself and learn about one another. In this type of situation you might exchange business cards and helpful information.
Strategic Networking: Having a laid out plan to go to the right places, say the right things, meet the right people, and follow up accordingly to achieve a specific goal.
Networking is a process, not an event. It should be continuous and cyclical. It takes time to develop relationships and establish enough trust for others to feel comfortable referring you. The goal is to learn and create a mutual attraction where you will ultimately be introduced to prospects and referral sources that are interested in learning more about you and your services.
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Regarding “targeted networks,” I recently joined a weekly morning coffee group that is “sphere-focused” on health, wellness and holistic medicine. The group formed into a perfect 12 in two months time, and everyone is committed. The energy at the table is so amazing. Lots of laughing, lots of synergy and collaboration, lots of education, and lots of inspiration. But then, what else would you expect from a bunch of holistics. Every networking group should have this much energy.
Each meeting the leader poses a question or prompt (no advance warning - you have to think on your seat and go with the flow), and we each take five minutes to answer. Prompts are as simple as “Describe your ideal customer and tell us about one in particular.” OR “What unique thing do you bring to this group?” Every meeting we learn SO MUCH MORE about one another’s businesses. And we can’t wait to try out one another’s services, which is the start of a really good referral network. I’ve already gotten two unsolicited requests within the group for assistance with health insurance.
My goal is to get my networking buddies into corporations to give lunchtime seminars on various wellness topics - nutrition, fitness, lowering anxiety, energy healing, the power of positive thought - with the objective of attracting new clientele for their classes and services. Ultimately, a strong wellness program will make me stand out as a unique benefits provider who truly cares about better health. Its all about high touch, empathy, synergy, and creativity. This is where the world is heading, folks! Network yourselves out of the box!