Are You Making it Personal?
Are you listening to the other person during your conversations? Are you asking “how can I help you?” Remember, networking is all about being personal – listening is an “acquired” skill – most people “hear” during a conversation, but few actually “listen!” So begin by asking relevant questions and then pay attention and listen to the responses! Be personal! Be friendly! Be helpful!
A personal touch goes a long way, a very long way, in developing a long-lasting relationship. Are you listening to what the other person is saying? Are you sharing relevant information with them?
You’ll be surprised how many people you can actually help (and maybe get some help for yourself as well) just by listening to exactly what that other person is saying. For example, during a friendly, non-business type discussion, one party may say “I’m so sick of all my office clutter. I don’t know where to begin.” Wow, that’s a great opportunity for you to begin telling them about this fabulous professional organizer you’ve been working with lately. Offer to make an introduction or have the person being referred give them a call!
People want to buy from and deal with, people, not a company; particularly people they know, like and trust. They need do know who to go to if they have a problem. How your relationship has developed will make all the difference and keep them from heading over to your competitor.
If you have a repeat business, learn more about your customers; such as when their birthday (send a card) is, their anniversary, favorite vacation spot, number of children, likes/dislikes, etc. Do anything you can do to enhance your relationship with them and be consistent in your interactions with them.
If you don’t have repeat business, why not follow the steps in the previous paragraph to make sure you get repeat business?
I’d love to hear your thoughts and comments, so please take a few minutes and post them below! What’s happening in your “neck of the woods” lately and how can I be of help to you?
To Your Netweaving Success!
Carol
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