Jason Howell Company

Networking is only one component of bringing in more business. The following is a response I gave to some friends of mine yesterday when they asked how they could improve.

Have you ever thought about how many ways there are to network both direct and indirect? Here are a few:

• Join a network of peers (same profession) and exchange best practices
• Take a leadership role in a professional development network and meet people from various professions
• Become a member of a direct referral network like a Chamber or (www.BNI.com).
• Socially network (Blog, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedInNewsletter, Podcast, etc.)

Don’t underestimate the meaning of #4 by the way. It’s more than just setting up some accounts and checking in once in a while. Unlike your personal profiles on say, Facebook, these professional accounts will require regular participation; as regular as follow up phone calls to potential customers always are. #1 and #3 are likely more familiar but people have varying success with these kind of networking opportunities for the same reasons that success may elude you in non-professional relationships. For you, these meetings must be more than just a handshake and exchange of business cards. Getting to know people you meet on a “text your cell phone” level is key to gaining their trust…and their referrals.

I didn’t save #2 for last on purpose but it’s a good one to end on. Taking a leadership role in a professional development group (like www.Toastmasters.org) gives you many benefits that will increase your business:

1. You’ll learn or improve a professional skill; i.e. speaking publically (which helps to generate customers)
2. You will find people open to new things (like your business)
3. People will look up to you in your leadership role (and people buy from leaders)
4. You will practice serving a group and that practice of service will help you better serve your customers

If you’d like more details on any of this let me know. Some of this used to be just conceptual to me but now that I am literally running my own business it’s become proven reality.
 

Jason Howell is the author of AMERICA: Still the Land of Opportunity, Always a Home for the Brave.\” For more insights on success in business and in life, pick up your copy today.