Franchise 101 - Typical Mistakes In Business Networking

It takes skill, spunk, pizzazz and a lot of other adjectives to make a business function, together with the right education and application of experience. In spite of all the gusto and everything else that business owners have, it is amazing how a lot of lack proficiency in business networking. It's a surprisingly unpolished and underdeveloped skill. The problem is that many business owners and executives see networking as a self-promotion tool full of politics and back scratching. The fact is, business networking is really an useful tool that supports and sustains you throughout the good times and keeps food on your table and also the lights on within the bad times.

Here are some of the most typical errors and misconceptions in business networking:

1. Business Owners Believe They Don't Know People - It's not uncommon for a business owner to think that he or she doesn't know anybody relevant, or they may feel they do not know anyone at all. The truth is, we're all very much connected to a vast, living network of potential contacts among people we already know. Take the time to begin writing down the names of work colleagues, business contacts, buddies, family, etc. and you would be surprised just how many people you actually know. Think about your social networks or weblog - there are connections to be made there also.

2. Failing the Introduction - Far too many business owners fail at making the proper introduction. Generally, people open with their name and profession or the name of their company and what they offer. This immediately focuses the conversation on you. Instead offer your name, get theirs and then start talking about comparable interests. Additionally, include stories that help draw in extra interest and develop on credibility.

3. Do not Promote - It's extremely difficult not to enter into a sales mode when you're promoting your business however it occurs all too frequently. It's typical to attempt and sell your self or talk about the benefits of your business model, but you'll need to focus first on building the relationship. Establish that trust that the contact is more than just a lead generation tool for you and that you are genuinely thinking about a relationship or friendship.

4. Failing to Work the Room - You'd that at networking events, individuals would be bent on generating as many contacts as possible. Unfortunately a lot of business owners and executives are so turned off by the concept of networking that they bail and lock into a small group of people for the entire evening. That won't get you anyplace, and it defeats the purpose. You do absolutely nothing more than waste your time. Take appropriate time with people and excuse your self, then move along.

5. Forgetting to Say Thank You - Good manners shouldn't be lost on you. While many people do not truly anticipate to hear thank you for everyday issues like socializing and networking, it can go a long way toward putting you within the long term memory of the individuals you mean. Just remember to thank them for their conversation, their advice, their time, their humor - whatever is appropriate. People appreciate respectful business networking.
Berry D. Duso