How often do you ask for a referral?

On Wednesday I had to cancel my attendance at an evening event.
Something had come up which meant that I had to be at home.

I spoke to the organiser to apologise. Whilst chatting he asked if I knew someone who may be able to attend instead. He mentioned a couple of names of people going & I immediately thought of someone who would be an excellent fit.

He then spoke about some of the others going & if I might know some good introductions for a couple of specific projects. Again a couple of people came straight to mind.

By the end of the conversation we had generated 6 referrals!

How often do you get the opportunity to discuss referrals with trusted contacts?

More importantly how often do you take that opportunity?

Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
Get 7 networking secrets for business success

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business networking | business networking events | virtual board

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Networking is simple but not easy

I spotted that headline in a recent Ecademy Blog by Ivan Misner. It's a great headline and a worthwhile read.

It got me thinking too. Like many things networking is a simple process, but not easy to do. I am reminded of a quote from Bob Burg:

"All things being equal, people will do business with, and refer business to — those people they know, like and trust."

Business Networking is about finding other business people that operate in similar markets to you and building relationships to earn that trust. One thing that makes it easy is finding those networking groups where those people already are.

Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
Get 7 networking secrets for business success

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business networking | business networking events | virtual board

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Are you prospecting or networking?

At a speednetworking event recently I introduced myself to one of the other attendees. He had three different business cards for himself and gave one of those to me. I asked why that particular one & he said "That's the service most relevant for you to buy"

I asked about one of the other cards & he said "That's a service for Corporates so not for you"

Nothing wrong with representing different businesses in different networks. It may, however, be more effective in the long run to look for others with clients & contacts in similar markets to you. Then build relationships with them as an ongoing route to market rather than look for one off prospects.

At Networking Events are you looking for opportunities to build your network or for prospects?

Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
Get 7 networking secrets for business success

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business networking | business networking events | virtual board

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