Professional business networking embraces the concept of word of mouth, adds structure and actively encourages members to promote each other in this way. Word of mouth referrals are simply the best way to grow business connections and generate business leads.
It will take time so be patient. Once you have gained trust and respect, people find it easier to promote you. When they are constantly speaking highly of you and your business you have hit that vein of gold. Business opportunities will begin to flow without you having to go out looking for them.
So what can you do to encourage fellow networkers to become your biggest fans and rave about you..?
You must always deliver a first class experience to clients. Whether you have a product or service it has to be the best and your customer service second to none. Make sure you stand out from the crowd in all aspects of your business.
Go that extra mile and impress the pants off clients and referrers alike. It is not just your reputation on the line here but the credibility of those who refer you too. Don’t leave them with egg on their faces by under delivering, acting unprofessionally or letting clients down….mediocre is simply not good enough.
If there has been a problem, and we are all human, deal with it efficiently, professionally and above all quickly. Avoid blame culture and accept responsibility. Many a great advocate was gained when a mistake was rectified well.
Don’t be shy about singing your own praises from time to time. Bombarding your contact base with self-praise is not good practise. Try a more subtle sophisticated approach by sharing success stories and testimonials during networking meetings.
Always make the time to thank those who have recommended you; keep them up to date with the progress. A thoughtful thank you gift can turn good relationships into great relationships. Keep introducers in the loop and if there has been little hiccup it is better to be told of it by you.
If you value your referrers and treat them well they will value the relationship too. Where possible refer back to them or at least enquire whether there is anything you could do in return.
Mutually beneficial relationships require trust and respect and some people rush the process and never achieve them. If you do they will escalate your business success and deliver time and time again.
Happy Networking… let me know how you are getting on! I look forward to all you comments, here on the blog as well as on our Facebook Page.
Opendoorz Business Networking
