it is what you know - marketing map


(4) BE A GIVER, AS WELL AS A TAKER As with any friendship, it’s important to look for ways to help the other person, as well as finding benefits for you. Look through your address book, and find people you know, to refer to the other person, who has a real need for your contacts products or services.


As you get to know your networking friends, you’ll understand more and more about them and the types of products and services they offer. You will find yourself in a unique position of being able to help them identify their own best prospects. Giving back helps solidify your relationship, and you become increasingly loyal to each other.


(5) FOLLOW UP, FOLLOW UP, AND FOLLOW UP The number-one, without a doubt, most important principle of networking is following up. That means calling or e-mailing the people who have given you business cards, and contacting them again, every chance you get. That’s how you develop the relationship. It means creating opportunities to talk with the people you’ve identified as your best prospects and getting to know them - for real.


If, after a number of months, your relationship with one of your best prospects doesn’t seem to be turning into business, you might want to consider reducing your contact with the person, in favor of developing another relationship. However, solid referrals can be made even years into the future.


HAVE FUN NETWORKING! As you might have guessed, building networking relationships can, and should be, a pleasant activity. Take off your serious business owner hat for awhile, and have fun getting to know people.


Kindra Foster Lindbloom is a professional writer and editor who helps retailers, manufacturers and suppliers create crisp, clear, professional company messages that keep them competitive in a tough economy. Call or e-mail for more information: Kindra@fosterwriting.com, 402-601-5483.


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