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I was first introduced to networking around five years ago when I recognised there was a great opportunity to meet like-minded people and get my business known. At first I was apprehensive about giving the sales pitch when I met people and concerned that I didn’t have the full complement of leaflets to accompany my spiel. I was only when I realised that networking wasn’t actually about selling that I began to relax and really enjoy myself. I discovered that networking was about getting to know people, building relationships and really understanding how I could genuinely help them, (and I don’t mean by selling my services!). If you are going to really build lasting relationships you’ve got to be prepared to go out of your way to give information for free, pass on relevant contacts and even give up your time. And you need to be able to do this with the mindset of doing it not necessarily expecting anything in return. As I have followed these basic rules I have built up a genuine network of people know, like and trust. As I listen to others I learn from them and spot opportunities for both myself and others. And as I do all of this that I build up a reputation (I hope) as someone that people want to talk to, refer business to when appropriate or even do business directly with. So how do I actually get business? The complex nature of my business means that it takes more than one sentence of explanation to understand it. So it I spend time understanding others usually they will reciprocate and spend time understanding mine. Because I don’t enter into a sales pitch with those who offer up their time to get to know me, they don’t feel threatened and tend to listen with interest knowing that I am not going to try and close on them. Because I offer a very specialised service (helping individuals and organisations understand their values) this helps me to stand out in the crowd. I am also very clear on my target market so anyone who cares to listen will know precisely my ideal referral. Networking also gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your own personal brand by demonstrating who you are in the flesh. I would like to think that I practice what I preach so when people talk to me they see me living up to what I say I am and the services I provide. It wouldn’t look good for a coach helping people to unlock motivation to be negative and miserable! People know who I am, the values I stand for as this is reinforced by all that I do. Building relationships however is a long term process so don’t expect instant results. It is only when people have really got to know, like and trust you (especially important if you are a coach) that people will be prepared to either buy your services or refer you to others. So, in summary networking is a great way to develop your coaching business and as long as you follow the golden rules of networking, combined with specialising in a particular area and tightly defining your target market, you too can turn your love of coaching into business success.
Article Source: http://www.bharatbhasha.net Article Url: http://www.bharatbhasha.net/marketing.php/232203 Article Added on Sunday, April 18, 2010
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