Lately, I?ve been attending a whole new flavor of networking events that seem to be the up and-coming-trend ? ?targeted networking?. I?ll admit, they offer a refreshing break from your typical evening of weak drinks, crappy appetizers, and a roomful of glossy entrepreneurs all jammed together trying to look casual and not look like they are scoping for their next big client. I have found myself connecting more effectively with cooler, more like-minded entrepreneurs.
If you can get to one of these more specialized events, that is an awesome start?get inside that door.
But, it?s back outside that you?re losing steam. Profitable networking has much more to do with what happens following an event. How do you make sure you will connect with your contacts and build the relationships your business depends on?
I leave every event with a pocketful of business cards and the best of intentions. Left to my own devices, I?d never build relationships with anyone. I am horrible at the follow-up! Does this sound familiar? That is why I need a system that works and is simple to follow.
So that?s what I?ve developed, and now I am going to share it with you.
Ready?
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Step 1: Add each new contact to your CRM
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Your CRM is your Contact Relationship Management system. Adding your contacts immediately will help you track communications, and you will then receive gentle reminders to connect.
Tracking your communication with your contacts is key to relationship building. ?If you?re in business, then you are constantly networking and meeting new people. ?Soon you are going to get overwhelmed and confused on what your next action item is for each contact.
I currently use Contactually in my business and have recommended it to many of my clients. ?It offers great features for Profitable Networking.
?Action Plan:
- Create a database to store all your contacts (clients, partners, vendors, etc.)
- Create a task listing the next action you are going to take with this contact.
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Step 2: Follow-up within 48-72 hours
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THIS IS WHERE YOU USUALLY LOSE IT! Do whatever it takes to make this happen. Get that first batch of emails/phone calls out! Here?s a super-secret tip: Get this onto your calendar in advance of the event. Right in the same moment you put ?Networking Event? in your calendar for Thursday night, put ?Email new contacts? into your calendar for Monday.
You?re not reconnecting with your contact to sell them your most popular program or service. ?It?s not about selling. ?It?s about building relationships that your business will profit from in time!
Action Plan:
- Send an email re-introducing yourself
- Connect on social media
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Step 3: Connections ? offer partnerships & referrals
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Offering partnerships is the fastest way to build relationships with contact. ?You never know you people know. ?This contact might not be your ideal or next client, but they could be your connect to your next 5 clients.
Action Plan:
- Create a list of 2 people you can connect to your new contact.
- Create a list of upcoming events you?re attending and invite your new contact to join you.
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Now here is the super-secret:
Step 4? I always, always follow these steps.
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How? I make them non-negotiable. Like brushing your teeth, or making sure your kids go to school, or not smoking. Take these steps, make them your own, and make them non-negotiable!
And of course, Time 2 Profit is available to work with you on setting up your CRM? schedule a free 30 minute Automate Your Empire session here and let?s figure out how we can streamline your business so you can do what you do best and make money doing it.
Source: http://time2profitinc.com/3-simple-steps-to-make-money-connecting/
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