Are You Leveraging Your Business Network?
by Denise O'Berry
Published on this site: July 21st, 2005 - See
more articles from this month...
Just yesterday I received an email from a colleague telling
me her husband had been laid off from yet another corporate
job. Will the downsizing ever stop? I doubt it. Most large
corporations focus purely on the bottom line and employees
are the biggest expense.
And sadly, many workers become lax at maintaining their professional
network when they've worked with a company a while. With mass
layoff announcements screaming at us every day in the news,
having a dead or outdated business network can extend the
time it takes to find a new position. And what about new grads?
Without a business network, what is their hope of finding
that prized position?
It's common knowledge that many jobs are filled through word
of mouth networking, yet most job seekers begin their hunt
without a strong business network. Having a dead, outdated
or non-existent business network can extend the time it takes
to find a job. And if you're in business for yourself, your
business network is your key to success.
Whether you're shy or outgoing, business networking must
be part of your marketing arsenal. You'll be successful if
you are prepared. Here are a few keys to success.
- Before you go to a networking meeting, be prepared with
a goal. Who do you want to meet? Why are you there? Have
a conversation icebreaker ready to get to know the right
people.
- At a networking lunch, don't reserve every seat and act
like a grump if someone unfamiliar wants to sit at your
table. Welcome the opportunity that a stranger presents.
They may be your next customer.
- Treat referrals like gold. Contact the referral within
a day, if possible. Let the referrer know how things went.
- Online, your email creates the first impression just
like your physical presence does at face-to-face meetings.
Be the business professional that you are.
Connections are crucial for business success, but it's not
so much who you know as who knows you. How did you find your
last business connection? You probably asked a few friends
who they used. That's how business networking
works. Make sure your network is alive and well.
Denise O'Berry is a small business expert and author
of 101 Nuggets to Power Up Your Schmooze-Ability. Find out
more at http://www.deniseoberry.com/101tips/
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