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| | The first thing to realize about social networking is that people will do business with, and refer business to, those people they know, like, and trust. To achieve this, people in a position to send you business need to meet you. Attending networking events is one way for new people to meet. | | |
| | Just because you asked for a referral doesn't mean people know who to refer. You need to educate and train your network on how to recognize good prospects for your business. Teach them to listen for key words such as "I need", "I can't" or "I wish" that will let them know when someone they meet is in the market for what you do. Clearly articulate who your clients are, what problems they face, and what solutions you provide so that when someone in your network meets a potential client for you they respond with "Hey, I know someone who does that!" | | |
| | Networking is not a contest where the player who attends the most events and collects the most cards wins. It's about building relationships. You do it to meet people who get to know you - and your service or product - so they can help you grow your business and you can help them grow their business. This takes time! For networking to really work you need to stick with it. | | |
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