Business networks are meant for business to business collaboration.
Businessmen, normally coming from the same industry get together and
share ideas, views and interact with each other. Main motive behind this
networking can be generating leads or establishing you as an authority.
Because participating in these networks doesn’t cost much, business
network is considered as a very cost effective marketing method, an
ideal one for new businesses or professionals to introduce themselves to
the business community. Since the advent of internet, business
networking has acquired a whole new meaning, thanks to all of those
social networking websites out there. Social networking websites provide
an even better alternative as you can be a part of the network and
actively participate from your office or even home, without having the
need to go anywhere or attending some event. What is more? You can get
in touch with the businesses from other countries where the market is a
lot more mature and advanced, providing you a wonderful window to
expand.
Getting yourself recognized at some business networks (whether online or
real world) requires good networking skills. You need to be active at
these networks; you cannot just register and then wait for others to
contact you. You must reach out with your business details and get into
some sort of conversation. Do not give the impression that you are
there, only to make sales, share your opinion and knowledge freely.
However, before getting too generous, make sure that the network in
question consists of equally munificent professionals.
If you are going to be a part of some event, dress formally. When
introducing yourself, give a brief account of your products and
services. Get yourself some well designed business cards and keep some
of them in pockets. However do not just roam around handing over your
business cards to every one you come across. You must get into
conversation with them, it’s better to have a detailed conversation with
a couple of prospects than giving away your business card to a dozen.
When in conversation, just act natural, do not try to turn the talk into
your sales pitch. Just try to be helpful in any possible way and the
business will come automatically. Do not keep moving from one person to
another person all the time, remember that you are there to make
business relations and not sales.
Using business networking for your small business
