Leaving the wrong impression

A recent post, 'Are business cards a necessity for business networking?' received replies here and also on links to the post on my profile on Twitter, Facebook, and Linkedin. A great example of the need to keep up with your conversations online.

The consensus of the replies about business cards was that they were a necessity in business networking. I agree with that view and they should support the professional brand image you are looking to build through your networking. A strong visual identity is a very important outward manifestation of your brand and the quality of your business cards needs to be aligned with that.

A word of warning though about using free business cards with 'Business Cards are FREE at...' on the reverse side. I have seen a couple of people using these recently and the recipients all said they raised serious doubts about the credibility of the presenter.

Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
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Is the idea of a sales funnel now outdated?

In 'McKinsey: Shooting holes in the Sales Funnel' Bob Apollo writes about an article in a recent McKinsey Quarterly review on the consumer decision journey.

Bob writes how the conclusions can equally be applied to the B2B buying process. As Bob says "the increasing importance of word of mouth, recommendation and reputation in the B2B buying process has transferred information power into the hands of the prospect".

I have reported similar findings on the increasing importance of word of mouth previously. So if you are in the the B2B or B2C space make sure that you have a strategy for influencing the people your prospects turn to for this word of mouth.

Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
Get 7 networking secrets for business success

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Linkedin for Small Business

Until recently many people I met thought of Linkedin as a network for Corporate users and recruiters. Over the last couple of years more owners of small businesses & partners in niche professional firms have started to put their profile on Linkedin, but many still say to me "I am on Linkedin, but I don't know what to do with it."

Linkedin provides a great platform for finding business opportunities and now has many more features for raising your profile. I have recently used applications in my Linkedin profile to share my blog, NRG networking events, slide presentations and polls. I have also started the NRG-networks group on Linkedin where members can post articles, take part in relevant discussions, make connections and strengthen relationships.

It's worth spending some time, say 10 minutes a day, to connect with people you already know, join relevant groups, answer questions in your area of expertise and build a better profile. It all helps build your reputation and strengthen your networking relationships.

If you are on Linkedin connect with me at http://www.linkedin.com/in/daveclarke
You can also join the NRG-networks group at http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=133989

Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
Get 7 networking secrets for business success

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Sharing your expertise with your network in 10 minutes

Many networking groups give you the opportunity to speak for 10 minutes to the group to let them know more about you and what you do. I know the prospect terrifies some people, but a well delivered 10 minutes is a great way of building your profile.

If you are nervous about it then why not get the Group Host to interview you. I saw this done recently and it worked really well. The speaker was in financial services and the host asked beforehand for the 3 biggest issues that his clients were currently facing?

The host then introduced the 10 minute speaker and asked for his advice on these 3 things with a question and answer approach. It worked really well and the speaker came over as knowledgeable, credible and helpful. All great for building his reputation.

Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
Get 7 networking secrets for business success

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Are you an expert?

At a seminar this week before the NRG-networks Lunch in the City of London the speaker, Sue Richardson, was presenting 'Be seen as the expert, publish a book'.

She opened by asking if everyone considered themselves to be an expert. The dictionary definition of an expert is 'a person who has special skill or knowledge in some particular field'.

The learning that came out of the session for many people was that we actually know far more than we think we do. We have a tendency to assume that everyone else knows what we do. This can mean that we undervalue our knowledge and insights. These have great value to our respective networks. As we share them in conversations and by presenting we build our reputation as experts.

The help we give to those others motivates them to help and advocate us. So it is vital to communicate how they can do that whilst continuing to give generously.

Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
Get 7 networking secrets for business success

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business networking | business networking events | business networking podcast

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