Power Networking: How to Network Effectively to Generate Sales and Make Relevant Connections

This post is sponsored by The UPS Store. For more information, please see the end of this article.

  Networking, in-person and one-on-one, is one of the most important and fundamental aspects of marketing and growing your business. A successful networker is able to quickly share who they are, while being able to listen to and learn about those around them. Networking is a great way to build your in-person peer group, find your next hire, connect with your next client or engage a future partner. This importance of networking is borne out by a recent nationwide survey of small business owners conducted by The UPS Store.   

Benefits of Networking

There are several benefits of networking, such as: 

Human-to-human connection

A change to get out from behind your "screen" to educate and expand your sphere of knowledge

The opportunity to build, build, build new relationships

A way to stretch yourself to get out of your comfort zone

 You never know who you will meet at any given moment. Be patient, but be diligent. Networking takes time. It should not be seen as something that takes away from your business, but rather something that contributes to the important messaging and branding behind your business. To maximize your efforts, network with a purpose; go into a networking session with a road map/plan of action, every single time. A plan helps ensure that you will not waste valuable time.   

Quality vs. Quantity

Network quickly to connect with more people, but make sure to network smartly to connect with the right people. 

Balance

Give & Take: Have a Discussion1. LISTEN, share and speak with the other person.2. Genuinely take interest in the conversation.3. Consider how can you contribute to their success.4. Save substantive discussion for follow-up; don't throw everything at them at once.5. Politely and purposefully move the conversation.   

Plan in Advance

Arrive early. In some circles, being on time is considered late. Interesting things happen when you arrive early – you have the chance to receive more advanced knowledge and have a look around before things begin to get hectic. You can also: 

Get to know the host.

Know who is coming and/or key players at the event.

Pick a great seat (front, center).

Network with the Event's App.

Research people's bios/profiles ahead of time.

Participate in app gamification.

Schedule meetings ahead of time.

Use hashtag with event; make connections after the event with people you weren't able to meet with in the allotted time.

What to Bring to a Networking Event

Dress well and bring your winning personality. You should also have these things on hand: 

Business Cards

Business cards are still one of the simplest, most effective marketing methods available. While technology has made sharing information more state-of-the-art, the business card still holds an important place in person-to-person marketing efforts. Planting a card into a new contact's hand is faster and less intrusive than apps or online tools, plus it has that personal touch. The physical card gets people talking. The moment a phone is entered into the situation to pull up an app, the personal connection begins to fade, as attention is pulled to the device and away from the person right in front of you. If you absolutely must have an app for your contacts, InfusionSoft Snap, and Nimble can help you organize your contacts using the information gleaned off the cards you receive.  

Print Collateral

Banners, posters, brochures, business cards, catalogs, envelopes, flyers, forms, greeting cards, are all ideas of print marketing materials that you should keep readily available when traveling to networking events. You always want to use whatever means are necessary to get yourself in front of the right people, the right way. Don't just stick to traditional methods. Being diverse and being prepared will help set you apart from the others. The more options you have, the better the chance that you'll make an unforgettable first impression.   

Words To The Wise

A few tips to keep in mind as you set off on your networking adventure: 

Bring multiple copies and backup copies, but don't just hand them out to everyone.

Hold onto your giveaways until you can tell someone is genuinely interested and wants them.

Do not add people to your email list without permission (or you risk being violating FTC rules.)

The UPS Store can help provide you with creating your print items.

Have An Elevator Pitch

This short blurb is a "must-have" communications tool in any small business owners' arsenal. Coming up with one is easier than you might think. Practice a brief, persuasive speech designed to spark interest in your small business. It should be creative, articulate, and simple. Ideally, you'll want to keep it to 3 minutes or less.  

Follow-Up

Follow up is important in any business, and the sooner, the better. Reach out while you're still fresh in their minds to ensure the best results.  To learn more about networking, tune into the free SCORE / The UPS Store Webinar, "Power Networking to Generate Sales & Make Relevant Connections". It's packed with fantastic networking information from some of the most savvy professionals around. Join speakers Ramon Ray, 4x entrepreneur, bestselling author, and amazing pancake maker, along with The UPS Store and SCORE's Steve Jarriel as they discuss how every business owner can use networking to expertly grow their business.You won't want to miss it. The SCORE LIVE Webinar ended on August 4, 2016 at 2:00pm EDT. Production of the on-demand recording is now underway. Check it out, HERE.   


I am blogging on behalf of The UPS Store and received compensation for my time from The UPS Store for sharing my views in this post. The views expressed here are solely mine. With The UPS Store, Print Never Looked Better.Whether your need is business cards, postcards, envelopes, or all of these, The UPS Store has your small business needs covered. Choose from hundreds of exciting designed templates to find a style that sets you and your business apart. Visit our All Products page to see the many possibilities that The UPS Store has created for you. Have your own designs? No problem! Use our website to simply upload your own designs, and create beautiful and unique custom print products that fit your branding needs. Learn more: http://www.upsstoreprint.com.