September 2006

In my mind, September is the beginning of the “rest of the year”. Summer is over, the slower pace is gone, the air is a little crisper in the morning, and the end of the calendar year is in sight. Now is the time to get things in gear to close the year on a high-note and to set-up for a strong start to 2007. It is important that a strong plan to network is part of this process.

We have all heard it millions of times – people do business with people they like. Well, in order to get to know people you first have to meet them. This is where networking comes in. It is important to go to a manageable number of different events – where the buyers of your services will be – so that you can meet new people and begin the relationship-building process.

Here are five considerations for successful networking –

1. Set realistic goals – when you go to a networking event, don’t expect to meet 20 or 30 people whom you may be able to do business with. Move around the room, meet a good number of people, and look to meet 2 to 3 with whom you may be able to do business.
   
   
2. Be a good listener – learn as much as you can about the people you meet. Let them do most of the talking. Show a sincere interest in them and what they are saying. Focus on the person you are speaking with, don’t let your eyes wander about the room while you are in the conversation. Nothing communicates your disinterest in your partner’s conversation as much as your eyes roving across the room.
   
   
3. Offer a connection whenever you can – if you know a potential prospect for the person you are speaking with, or if you know someone who may be helpful in another way, give out his/her name and number. Be a “referrer” whenever you can. The people in your network will appreciate what you have done for them and you will be foremost in their mind as they do their networking.
   
   
4. Follow-up – if you tell someone that you are going to do something for them, e.g. make a call to a possible connection, get some information, etc. by all means keep your word and do it…and do it quickly. You will show that you are reliable, you will show that your interest in helping is sincere, and you will show that you are professional.
   
   
5. Keep your new contacts in mind as you meet new people – always look for ways to help them. Whether it is referring a new contact to someone you meet the following week, or sending him/her an interesting magazine article, keep him/her in mind and periodically communicate with him/her in one way or another.

Network hard, network smart and get the second part of the year off to a strong start.

Business Profile – Each month we will highlight an Intelligent Office client to illustrate how they are leveraging our services for their own benefit.

ExecuLeaders

ExecuLeaders is the Island’s preeminent association dedicated to educating the business community in the methods and techniques of sales, marketing, and networking.

ExecuLeaders is a full-time organization that does not need a full-time staff to administer its day-to-day business activities. So, in comes the Intelligent Office. IO serves as ExecuLeaders’ full-time reception staff, answering calls, screening them, and then connecting the callers to the intended recipients wherever they may be – in their offices, on their cellphones, etc. Likewise, IO personnel assist with registration for ExecuLeaders’ events, fielding calls, responding to basic questions, and taking the reservations.

With the Intelligent Office, ExecuLeaders can devote more of its financial resources to programs and events for its members while still providing the high-level of service that its members expect.

Call the Intelligent Office at 866-505-1225 for more information.

"Never miss a call...never miss a beat!"

More to follow in future newsletters!!

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