Results oriented Networking

What are you doing to ensure results on your networking ventures? I often get the question "what can your group do for me?" when I am promoting our Meet For Biz events. Every time, I clearly state that we provide the resources for you to get results.
It's not the responsibility of a networking group to get your results for you. Organizers work hard to bring like minded people together so you can excel.
What does it take to make your networking ventures worth while? I recently did a presentation at a Meet For Biz Markham event, here are the points I talked about:

1. SET YOUR INTENTION
a. Is there a specific “target” you need to reach?
b. Is there a certain “leverage” you are looking for? Partner? Alliance?
c. Do you have a sales goal for a specific time you need help reaching?

2. DON'T JUST COLLECT BUSINESS CARDS
a. Make a point of learning something about the person you are connecting with and write a personal detail about them
i. Kid’s sick
ii. Sales are down
iii. Beautiful necklace

3. CONNECT WITH THE PEOPLE
a. Make eye contact
b. Use their name
c. LISTEN to them, and use the information given to you within the conversation
d. Don’t sell yourself!!!!!! You WILL lose them!
e. Ask Open ended questions


4. BE TRUE TO YOURSELF - BE GENUINE
a. Don’t fulfill the needs of others by doing what you think “they” want, just be yourself
b. Build relationships with integrity
c. Let people see your value and they will come to you

5. HAVE A CLEAR DEFINITION OF WHO YOU ARE AND WHAT YOU DO!
a. KISS – Keep it simple and short
b. Perfect your elevator pitch and make it work for you!

6. EXPAND YOUR NETWORKING BANDWIDTH TO MORE THAN ONE ORGANIZATION
a. The more you are out there creating relationships, the higher your range of growth!

7. VOLUNTEER
A. Giving back to your community is integral to your personal, spiritual, and professional growth
B. This includes helping out your fellow networker

8. STAY ORGANIZED
a. Create a system for Networking that works for you

9. ASK FOR ADVICE
a. It’s powerful to be vulnerable
b. People like to give you their opinion
c. If you lose your judgment, a good idea is out there just waiting to hit you in the face

10. FOLLOW UP FOLLOW UP FOLLOW UP
a. Follow up with the people you don’t think can help you
b. Follow up with the people you think can help you and ASK for it

Family Day

Just a quick not to say Happy Family Day. I hope everyone who is taking part in some quality family time is having a great day!
I am just about to go out and have a nice walk with my spouse and visit our niece and nephews for a bit.
Enjoy

Getting your point accross!

Have you ever noticed how some people get really passionate about their business, he or she can go on and on about it?
It's a common error in Business Networking. While we may think every little detail is of the most importance when it comes to our work, it can lose a potential client, alliance, or partner within seconds.
Here's a hint:
1. Keep it short (no more than 60 seconds)
2. Focus on the core of what you are promoting, and make it clean and simple
3. Leave them hanging... ( this gives them an opportunity to ask you a questions, therefore giving you permission to give more information, and potentially a higher rate of "buy in" from a client, alliance, or partner.

Her is one I am working on right now:
"First it sleeps, then it creeps, then it leaps! It's all about working with nature to get what you want.
Check us out at EcoScapers.com"