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| Getting Ready for that Business Networking | The Secrets of Savvy Networking | A View from the Top |
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| GETTING READY FOR THAT BUSINESS Networking |
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Get ready to have your business noticed. |
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- Make reservation.
- On application give COMPANY NAME; your future customer must remember your name, not your employee’s name.
- Read information about your responsibilities.
- Plan your exhibit area.
- Prepare literature and/or kits to hand out to consumers. Do early. Do not procrastinate with anything.
- Consider giving a promotional item so your name is before the consumers eyes.
- Select your best people to represent you at the EXPO.
- Set up a “Lead” system for visitors’ requests.
- Have enough order forms or contracts on hand even if not needed. Do not let the consumer see you unprepared.
- Offer your business card for the consumers’ home file.
- Keep your appointment book handy to set up appointments with potential customers.
- Be sure to get across the following three points:
• Who you are
• What you do.
• What the benefits of your products/services are.
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| Remember that when planning your exhibit color can create many different involuntary physiological and psychological messages. |
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- Blue has a calm effect.
- Red is emotionally charged and hard for the eye to process. Don’t over use it. Women react well to blue - based reds and men prefer yellow - based reds.
- Yellow is the best attention getter.
- Green is positive and calming.
- Orange conveys “cheap.”
- Gold, silver and platinum symbolizes premium.
- Black represents power.
- White denotes honesty and purity.
- Pastels have a welcoming effect.
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| THE SECRETS TO SAVVY NETWORKING |
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| By Susan RoAne |
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| For most people, the thought of going to a meeting, luncheon or conference full of strangers is loathsome. But no matter what profession you are pursuing, the ability to mingle gives you the competitive edge. Here are some strategies you can use to make the most of your next opportunity. |
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- Realize we are all in this together! 95% of us are uncomfortable in a room full of strangers and sometimes even with people we know. We are taught not to talk to strangers. To redefine strangers, look at what you have in common with new people you meet.
- Read nametags! As you extend your hand and introduce yourself, use the person’s name. Nametags provide material for conversation. Ask questions about an individuals company, its location, her position, and so on. Pass out and collect business cards freely.
- Attend events with a buddy! Choose someone in a non-competitive field and cross-promote each other. Be sure to choose a companion who will introduce you with the same level of enthusiasm you are displaying.
- Circulate! According to Miss Manners, one must learn to end conversations. Extricating oneself from a boring - or worst - annoying conversation is a must. Try: “Well it was lovely (or interesting) talking to you.”
- Have fun or just appear that you are. Be attracted to others that are enjoying themselves. Shared laughter will make you memorable after the event. Devise a system to initiate the follow-up process or all will be lost.
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| A VIEW FROM THE TOP |
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| By John Burney, Tarpon Springs, Fl. |
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Most chamber members have two things in common. We own or manage our own business and we have a better chance to reach our business goals if we have a high profile within the chamber. You do not have to be a member of the Board of Directors to be seen. These and other members realize that the best way to receive the great benefits is to participate.
I know, you do not have time. None of us do but we seem to make the time. I know, you do not want to hear it. There is an old saying “If you really want something done, look for the busiest person. They will make sure it is done.”
Let’s say there is a little time you could give the golf committee and at one of those meetings you talk to someone that just might need your services. It would become a good meeting for you and that other person. Or it could happen at a fishing tournament committee meeting or at one of our “after hours mixers.” There is usually someone saying “Oh yeah, I’ve been wondering where I could get one of those….”
Networking is just one idea to become involved in your chamber. Meeting people who have in common the everyday ups and downs of business is another. We can share experiences. Each of us has paid dues and we would like to see a return. It’s easy. Call your President and tell him you want to become more involved and it will happen. Maybe not at the first networking or the first committee meeting but it will happen. Do not be a downer. Laugh and smile. Be happy and your fellow committee people will be receptive and happy too. Many committees are looking for good people like you. Look over your chambers committee list and see which one you can contribute in. I believe you’ll be glad you did. |
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