HOW TO ADD VALUE TO YOUR NETWORK

HOW TO ADD VALUE TO YOUR NETWORK
Like many things in life, what you get out of a networking group depends on what you give to it.    Offer your local business network care and attention, and watch your referral stream grow.  Treat it like one more thing on your to-do list, and you’ll end up disappointed.  There is lots of advantages of networking if you add value.
Get started on giving by committing to do the following for your network:
Be on time for meetings. Arriving late for meetings means you miss hearing what other members are looking for, but they get to her what you’re seeking.  Seems a little lopsided, doesn’t it?

• Attend regularly.  Don’t be that phantom member who pops into meetings once in a blue moon, leaving members scratching their heads about who you are.  Give people a chance to get to know you if you want to earn their referrals.
• Do your homework.   Preparing for meetings mean everyone’s time is spent more productively.  You should be able to concisely share who your target market is, your goals, and who is at the top of your connection wish list.  The more specific you are, the easier it is for members to help you.
• Be an information source.  Bring information that is relevant to another member’s business, such as a newspaper article or newsletter.  Sharing information and tips can be just as valuable as referrals.
• Be active, not passive.  Speak up!  There is a wealth of knowledge available through networking—tap into it by sharing your challenges, suggestions, and solutions.
• Always be professional. Trust is a must when it comes to referrals.  Whenever a member refers you to someone, that member’s reputation is at stake.  Build trust by always maintaining a high level of professionalism, from handling the smallest of details to executing big picture strategies.
• Follow-up promptly.  Speaking of referrals, don’t let a referral languish unattended.  Members need to know they can trust you to follow through when your services are needed.
• Be the best you can be.  A business to business network is only as good as its members, so be the best you can be.  Knowledge of your industry, demonstrated competence, thoroughness, and pride in your work all help your network keep the quality factor high.
• Make time for buddy-ups.  Get to know your members better with some one-on-one time.
• Show genuine interest in other members.  Be an active listener and ask questions to deepen your understanding of what your fellow members need.  “How can I help this person build their business?” is the question you need to answer.
• Give customized referrals.  Anyone can pass along a name and number.  Set the stage for relationship building by giving background information about what makes a referral a good match, and let your fellow member know what to focus on when they follow-up.  Use personal introductions when possible to help forge a connection.
• Help build the network.  Keep an eye out for potential new members who would complement another member, or who fit the profile of what the network needs.

Donna Willon
President Focused Networking Ltd.
I help You Generate More Business Through Networking Relationships, LinkedIn Training and Business Coaching
604-328-2290
donna@focusednetworking.com
www.focusednetworking.com