Are You Playing Hide And Go Seek In Your Business?
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Are You Playing Hide And Go Seek In Your Business?
I've met thousands of people while networking and have discovered something very interesting. Most people network to get exposure for their business but fail to remain visible.
By: Darlene Willman
I've met thousands of people while networking and have discovered something very interesting. Most people network to get exposure for their business but fail to remain visible.
By: Darlene Willman
They attend every few months or maybe once every six months and don't get the real benefit from networking. Not only do I not see them but I don't hear from them either.
Making the first connection is only the beginning of the networking process. From that point forward it's crucial to maintain that connection. A friend of mine once gave a great analogy and that was to picture the first time meeting someone you create a thread that connects you. Think of how delicate a thread is and how easily it can be broken. The next few times it becomes more like a piece of string, a little stronger but still breakable. Every time you see them or stay in touch with them, you strengthen that connection until it become like a cable that is completely unbreakable!
Maintaining your presence will encourage others to want to get to know you better. It will open doors that would otherwise be closed.
When you hide, it gives the illusion that you don't exist. It can be perceived as untrustworthy and unreliable. I always wonder about the people online that don't put a face with a name, leave their profile blank or avoid having their contact info available. If the main reason you are doing social networking is to meet people, what makes you think this strategy will produce more customers?
If you assume that people will seek you out to do business, you're leaving a lot to chance. It's a proven fact that if you meet someone for the first time, the odds of them doing business with you are slim to none. In fact, statistically only 3% will do business instantly which means 97% won't. Each time you reconnect, it strengthens your bond between them and increases that percentage. Eventually, you'll increase your sales because people will see you more and know how to find you!
Making the first connection is only the beginning of the networking process. From that point forward it's crucial to maintain that connection. A friend of mine once gave a great analogy and that was to picture the first time meeting someone you create a thread that connects you. Think of how delicate a thread is and how easily it can be broken. The next few times it becomes more like a piece of string, a little stronger but still breakable. Every time you see them or stay in touch with them, you strengthen that connection until it become like a cable that is completely unbreakable!
Maintaining your presence will encourage others to want to get to know you better. It will open doors that would otherwise be closed.
When you hide, it gives the illusion that you don't exist. It can be perceived as untrustworthy and unreliable. I always wonder about the people online that don't put a face with a name, leave their profile blank or avoid having their contact info available. If the main reason you are doing social networking is to meet people, what makes you think this strategy will produce more customers?
If you assume that people will seek you out to do business, you're leaving a lot to chance. It's a proven fact that if you meet someone for the first time, the odds of them doing business with you are slim to none. In fact, statistically only 3% will do business instantly which means 97% won't. Each time you reconnect, it strengthens your bond between them and increases that percentage. Eventually, you'll increase your sales because people will see you more and know how to find you!
Darlene Willman, aka The Sassy Networker, is a keynote speaker author and coach, specializing in small business networking and referrals. She provides resources, connections and support to entrepreneurs, small business owners and other professionals that have a strong desire to promote their companies through relationship marketing. She will show you how to build an incredible network of people who refer business to each other plus so much more. You can start receiving her eZine, The Networking Focus by visiting www.SassyNetworker.com
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