You are here: Home » Articles » Become Memorable and Remarkable Through Business Networking

Become Memorable and Remarkable Through Business Networking

Posted on Sunday, March 8th, 2009

Generating business can be costly. Advertising can cost hundreds if not thousands of dollars a year. A cost effective way of advertising is through networking.

Networking is a professional term which can strike fear for those who are quiet and prefer to wait for customers to come to them through their business doors. Lets look at networking in a more appealing way; IT GENERATES MONEY! I don’t know if that caught your attention or not but anyone who is networking knows that it is a cost effective way to generate business; not only are you saving money by advertising through word of mouth but you have the potential to cultivate new customers which is making money. Simply put, developing business relationships generates new business and referrals, it can be the most effective and cheapest marketing tool in today’s economy.

The size and type of business will depend on the scale of networking you wish to do, a small retail business may want to network within a 50 kilometer radius. Another company whose business depends on international sales can effectively build their business relationships through internet networking. Face to face networking is a more effective way of creating memorable relationships by connecting images to information: a duel association. First impressions are not only generated through conversation but visually as well. If you go to a professional networking event dressed in a t-shirt, ripped jeans, unshaven and with garlic breath that first impression is going to be memorable all right, and it won’t be a positive association. A bright purple tie or a distinctive hat may be a better way to distinguish you from a crowd, look for subtle ways to stand out. Being dressed for an event is just as important as what you can bring to a conversation.

In conversation it is important to find a connection, a common interest whether professionally or personally. Once you have sparked someone’s interest, you have their full attention. Usually this means you have found something that they know a lot about and they are itching to talk about it. People like to discuss what they know, to tell their story, basically they like to brag. A great way to generate conversation is through your inquisitiveness, conduct an interview, “What do you do?” “How did you get started in your business?” “What do you enjoy about running your own business?” “What other networking events do you attend?” By asking thought-provoking questions you are showing a genuine interest but be careful, if you are not fully listening you will lose their interest in you. It’s important to insert, where appropriate, your point of view or ask follow-up questions on the information you are receiving, this shows that you are fully present and engaged in the conversation.

Be ready to talk about yourself and your business. Tell interesting stories about your business to build those unforgettable and remarkable associations. Your intention is to get your business and your name out there for others to discuss and remember you by. Make sure you engage others in the conversation also, if you hog the dialogue you will begin to sound like Charlie Browns teacher, “Waa wa wwa whaa”. A sure fire way to destroy a relationship. You want the interaction to be a positive experience for both. If you hold their attention then you are successful in creating a memorable relationship.

Turn that memorable relationship into a remarkable experience for the both of you by getting involved, giving your time, energy and expertise to assist others be a success. It’s an opportunity to showcase your skills and abilities, to be a leader and really stand out from the crowd. Volunteering your time and expertise will cultivate admiration and higher status amongst the business community. You will be considered a valuable contact and source of information. You must have integrity in everything you do to become credible and a success in the community. By giving back, you will make your mark, you are now Remarkable.

Tracey De Frane
Mr. Popper’s Sweet Shoppe
#1 – 32 High Street
Downtown Ladysmith, B.C.

A member of the Ladysmith Downtown Business Association

Ways to give back to the business community

Volunteer to be a guest speaker: This is an opportunity to discuss your knowledge and experience in your industry
Become a member in the business associations in your community
Get involved in community events