No one likes
their inbox to be flooded with cold calls from people they don’t even know.
Most inquiries are generated, not even real people, from other countries. Others
are from real people who are just looking for the smash and grab business. Unfortunately,
we will never change this rude phenomenon. I wonder about the percentage of
growth they are really getting from this stuff! It seems like a “I’ll throw it
out there and see where it lands” type of haphazard way of doing business.
I hope
the tips below will be of some help to those who are genuinely looking to build
relationships.
I prefer the
words “Community Building” as opposed to the word “Networking.”
When we meet a new business
contact through referrals or at a social function and we take the time to
briefly introduce ourselves and what we do, we are on our way to being able to schedule
an official meeting with each other.
This first meeting
will allow both parties to learn about each other, their businesses, and discover
how they can support each other. Once you understand what they do, you can
refer business to them or find ways to partner together. It’s called building
RELATIONSHIPS!
In building relationships
like this you have a chance to acquire a solid foundation of fans and
supporters which will in turn sprout growth for all parties involved!
No one likes to be
sold to! Any businessperson can do a “hit and run” and sell their product or
service to their captive audience. The
likelihood that purchasers will become fans or loyal supporters is very minimal
and the efforts will be a waste of time if you are trying to build a solid
business.
Yes, you’ll bring in
some quick money, but most likely, you will not have any repeat business from
those types of sales or exposures when you haven’t taken the time to build
relationships before you’ve sold to them.
The goal is to work
smarter, not harder! By building a
loyal following from the investments you make in other people’s lives, you
will have consistent referrals and cash flow.
What does your first
meet up look like? (These same rules apply when you are
meeting with a business professional or a potential client.)
You’ve scheduled your
meet up, it’s on your calendar, what do you do next?
Your approach will
define the success of your meeting! And as a rule, you are only going to get
one chance with a person if they don’t find you compelling or serious about
helping.
1. First, you want to be very well prepared before your meeting. Look up
their website, find out what they do, check out their social media platforms. Learn
all you can about them.
2. Try to understand the goals of the person you are meeting with and jot
down some notes on how you think that you will be able to help them achieve the
goals that they are seeking to accomplish.
3. Visualize what you think you would need if you were that person.
4. What problems can you help them solve? Then bring some fresh ideas to the
table that could make their business money.
5. Explore together how you can partner together with your businesses.
6. Discuss how you can support each other in business.
7. During your meeting, write down 5 goals that they want to achieve.
8. Find out what their motivators are.
9. Identify their target market and/or audience so that you know how to
refer business to them.
Asking the right
questions by being prepared will make all the difference. Being genuine will
also guarantee the next meeting to be scheduled with them.
Make sure you are building
your reputation in your community with the right approach. Make sure you come
across as “This is what I can do for you” rather than “This is what I want from
you.”
People who ‘want’ all
the time, don’t become successful people. They might become rich, but they will
never be successful. People who earn viable skills through hard work, passion
and dedication are the ones that everyone bends over backwards to build
community with. They’ve earned their place at the table with respect.
Being in business is
not easy. It’s a lot of hard work and it’s a lot of hours. It takes consistency and a genuine concern
for others. It takes skill.
Anything worth having
is worth the effort. Do the work, hold stellar meet ups, and never walk away
disappointed, kicking yourself, because you didn’t prepare well.
Be blessed in all of your endeavors!
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Debra Lee | Author | Keynote Speaker | Biz Coach | Life Coach | Blogger
