Networking: Last Quarter Coasting or Scrambling

As we embark on the last quarter of the year, what are your plans for your business? Are you beginning to coast because you’ve already met quota? Or…are you scrambling to network so you can finish the year on top?

If you are coasting, don’t do that.  Your competition is nipping at your heels.  Start working on next year’s plan.

If you are in scrambling mode, take a deep breath, re-group and tweak your plan.  Some of the things you can do to tweak your plan include:

  1. Make sure you have identified everyone in your Connection Circle.  Think about any group that you have become involved in for the first time this year. How well are you connected?  Reach out and connect on a personal level.
  2. Look at your Inactive Client list.  Touch base and ask for a new opportunity to work with them.
  3. Dust off that pile of business cards on your desk from events you have attended and enter them in your contacts.  Drop them a note and your business card in the mail as a reminder of who you are and what you do.  Ask them what you can do for them.
  4. Call existing clients to thank them for their business.  Ask them if they know anyone they can refer to you.  Be bold and ask for a personal introduction.
  5. Above all——Don’t be afraid to ask.

Now go out Make Connections – Seize Opportunities.

Peggy P. Edge (c) 2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Networking: Fear of Networking

How is it that most sales people have no problems cold calling yet many break out in a sweat when they attend networking functions?

For 16 years in the industrial packaging business, I have worked strictly off of a referral basis–never cold calling.  I rely solely upon my networking partners for “warm referrals.”

To be successful at networking, here are a few pointers that will help build confidence:

  1. Create a Plan / a Roadmap–as any good business person will tell you, you must have some sort of plan established so that you know where you are going.
  2. Outline an agenda for each meeting – Decide beforehand 2-3 key things that you want to accomplish at each event.
  3. Craft 3-4 interchangeable commercials – once you have drafted several different commercials, practice, practice, and practice!

To overcome the fear of networking, get prepared, have a plan of attack and then make connections–seize opportunities.

Peggy P. Edge. (c) 2014