strategic networking: developing relationships that work

Strategic Networking

[email protected]

Developing Relationships that WORK

RESCUE DESK VIRTUAL ASSISTANT SERVICES provides executive, administrative and marketing support “virtually.”

We take time-consuming tasks off our clients’ to-do lists.

Team of three in our downtown Madison offi ce (along with 3 freelancers and partnerships with local service providers.)

WHO WE ARE

www.RescueDeskVA.com

Typical Clientele include:• Small-business owners• Independent service providers (accountants)• Solo entrepreneurs (coaches, consultants, etc.)• Associations and non-profits• Authors and writers• Executives and department managers

WHO WE WORK WITH


About 98% of our business comes from referrals, word-of-mouth and

relationships we’ve developed.

All created through NETWORKING!

WHO WE WORK WITH


OVERVIEW


Networking as a skill – it can be learned

Who would you like to meet? Why? It’s not about taking What to do with that growing contact list

Measure the success of your efforts

7 DEADLY MISTAKES


1. Go to “Networking Events”“Networking events” are full of people looking for sales leads. By default, they’re not looking to buy. Or help.

Excerpt from “7 Deadly Entrepreneurial Networking Mistakes” – Peter Shallard (www.petershallard.com)

7 DEADLY MISTAKES


2. Network for Direct SalesUnless you’re networking with extremely wealthy people, strictly networking for direct sales does not result in a scalable business model.


7 DEADLY MISTAKES


3. Network without a clear outcome in mindHaving a clear idea about what you’re after (staff, partnerships, capital, mentors, etc.) is key to finding it.


7 DEADLY MISTAKES


4. Cling to your goal like a needy loserHaving clarity about your goals is important, but once you engage in conversation, relax. Go with the flow and focus on the other person.


7 DEADLY MISTAKES


5. Treat networking as anything other than making friends.Real networking, with the truly successful people, is just hanging out. It’s not some kind of speed dating “what-can-you-do-for-me?” game.


7 DEADLY MISTAKES


6. Be boring.Successful entrepreneurs don’t spend all day talking about marketing tactics and staff management. They’re passionate people, and that passion bleeds into other spheres of life.


7 DEADLY MISTAKES


7. Be uninterested in your own workDo not engage in networking when you’re not interested in your own work. Always be working on an interesting project. It gives you a reason to talk, ask questions and pick the brains of smart people (which they love).


NETWORKING IS A SKILL


One of the single most important skill sets you can develop!

A mixture of science, intuition and self-awareness

Getting over your fears Understand how and where to meet people

Practice, practice, practice

IT’S ALL ABOUT GIVING


Networking isn’t about taking …

it’s 100% about giving. Relationship Development vs Sales Openness to learn about other people

Be genuinely interested Follow up and FOLLOW THROUGH!


WHO ARE YOU MEETING

Who would you like to meet? And more importantly … why?

Prospective Clients Strategic Partners Potential vendors or service providers

Mentors and your “support team”


A GROWING CONTACT LIST

You’re growing your contact list.

Now what? Incorporating people into your marketing lifecycle


Marketing Lifecycle





Referral “star”


Client

Book-keeper

Biz Coach

Banker

Marketing Firm

Assoc. or Orgs

Printers

Referral “star”1. _______________2. _______________3. _______________

1. _______________2. _______________3. _______________

1. _______________2. _______________3. _______________

1. _______________2. _______________3. _______________

1. _______________2. _______________3. _______________

1. _______________2. _______________3. _______________





Referral “star” Tools to track and organize

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) System



MEASURING SUCCESS

Are you boosting your business or wasting your time?

Be strategic about where you spend time

Be Strategic…

Who attends this event?Have I met people with “relationship

potential”Is it related to my business?How much does it cost?How did I learn about it?What kind of time commitment is required?What’s your conversion rate?

MEASURING SUCCESS


MEASURING SUCCESS



Budget for networking (time/cost/effort)

Budgeting

Cost of membership/attendanceTime away from offi ceTime for follow-up and follow-throughConvenience/locationAlignment with my marketing plan/budgetHas involvement resulted in sales,

partnerships or relationships?

MEASURING SUCCESS


MEASURING SUCCESS



Budget for networking (time/cost/effort)

Test and measure your network


Roger (banke

r)

Sue

Michael Phil Kari Janet

Jennifer

Jim Mark

Mike

Dave

Nicki

Joe

MEASURING SUCCESSExample: Test and measure


Women’s Biz

Group

Angie Charity Andy Ruth

Amy Sam

Jenna

MEASURING SUCCESSExample: Test and measure


CONCLUSION

Networking is a skill that can be learnedPractice and self-awareness

Know your goalsWho do you want to partner with?

It’s all about givingAnd building LASTING relationships!

Keep track of your growing contact list And take care of them!

Measure your networkingBe strategic


CONCLUSION

Thank you!Questions?

THANK YOU!

RESCUE DESK VIRTUAL ASSISTANT SERVICES

849 E. Washington, Suite 101Madison, WI 53703

[email protected]

strategic networking: developing relationships that work

Business

deadly mistakesexcerpt

growing contact list

contact list measure

real networking

overview networking

networking isnt

extremelywealthy people

marketing support