Every Event is a Networking Event!

The Fine Art of Relationship Marketing

 "Effective networking requires participation, Getting involved and sometimes money. Done correctly, networking will reap more rewards than you may imagine.” – Heidi Richards

You don’t have to look far to find opportunities to meet people. Ask yourself this question: “where are my customers and prospects likely to hang out?” Business socials, political events, cocktail parties, schools, charitable or civic fundraisers; these are some of the more common places you could start.

When I first started in business, I never went anywhere except to work and home, day after day. That’s okay if you don’t want your business to grow, but then you wouldn’t be reading this book either, would you? It quickly became apparent to me that in order for my business to grow, I had to get out and network. Over the past several years, I have joined dozens of organizations and make it a point to regularly attend three to five networking events every week. Not only has this proven to be very rewarding for my business, I have met the people I cherish most in life, my friends.

Think of some uncommon places to meet people. One of my former favorites was a place called “Fuddruckers” in Fort Lauderdale on a Friday evening. In 1997, I learned how to ride a motorcycle. Friday night at “Fuddruckers” was and still is, an event. Bikers of all shapes and sizes ride their motorcycles there and check out all the other “bikes.” The bikers who go there are not what some people might imagine them to be. They are professionals, CEO’s, and business people who own their own companies or work in upper management. The common interest is the fact that most of the people who go there ride motorcycles. Customers and acquaintances alike hang out at “Fuddruckers.” I have met many customers and acquaintances there.

You can develop professional relationships anywhere. Below are some other places I have found and cultivated customers, contacts and, yes, friends.

• Schools (college, universities, certification courses, continuing education classes)

• Churches, and Synagogues

• Seminars, workshops, and educational events

• Grocery, hardware, book stores, beauty salons

• Elevators

• The Gym, sporting events, dance classes

• The beach, on the golf course, tennis court

Think of some unlikely places to meet people, and check them out. You never know where you may run into people with potential to become customers, not to mention the friendships you can develop.

Haven't We Met Before?  

What do you say when people ask you what you do? Do you know how to “play your commercial?” Tell them two or three sentences about your company, something intriguing to get their attention and spark their interest. Then when they ask you what you mean about being “ a problem solver,” you can elaborate. Be sure to reciprocate, by asking them what they do early in the conversation.

Starting a conversation with a stranger can be difficult not to mention intimidating. What’s the first thing you do when you walk into a room filled with strangers? Most people try to find someone they know and then latch onto them. Latching on to people you know is only good for a few moments. They may be able to introduce you to some contacts but attaching yourself to them will not increase your chances that you will meet any prospects. You could find yourself stuck in a conversation and not have the best chance to “work the room.” Why not look at a room full of strangers differently, think of them as prospects and potential customers.

Making the Most of Networking Opportunities 

Joining one organization and showing up at an occasional meeting will not help you build those lasting, rewarding relationships. Effective networking requires participation, getting involved and sometimes money. Done right, networking will reap more rewards than you may imagine. A few things to remember to make the most of those opportunities to build your network are:

• Have a quick personal introduction ready and appropriate to the event.

• To initiate a conversation, create two or three questions or statements ready to use at the appropriate time.

• Attend meetings on a regular basis. Making lasting relationships requires more than simply being listed in a membership directory or showing up once a year for a big event. Building rapport requires repetitive contact with the people in the organization.

• Become an active member of the organizations in which you belong. Participate in their activities, serve on their committees, and assume responsibility in the form of leadership roles. When you get involved and have a common goal with others in the group you can build relationships.

• Meet new people who attend the organization’s events. Meeting more people will help build business relationships quicker.

• Arrive early to the group activities and meetings. Attend the social hour when there is one. The most valuable networking begins then.

• Put your name tag to work for you. In clear, large writing, print your full name including the name for your company. Always wear it on the right side for maximum effectiveness. When they shake your hand, it is easier to read your name and greet you properly.  

• After the event, evaluate any networking opportunities. Did they meet your goals? Did you connect with the people you set out to meet?

Next issue: The Business Card, Don't Leave the Office Without It!

© 2005 - Excerpted from Rose Marketing on a Daisy Budget – How to Grow Your Business Without Spending a Fortune.  Heidi Richards is the author of Rose Marketing on a Daisy Budget – How to Grow Your Business Without Spending a Fortune and 8 other books. She can be reached at www.HeidiRichards.com.  You have permission to publish this article electronically or in print, free of charge, as long as the bylines are included. A courtesy copy of your publication would be appreciated.

January is Book blitz, Coffee Gourmet, Int'l Creativity, International Life Balance, National Cancer Prevention, Clean up your Computer, Mail Order, Hot Tea, Mentoring and High Tech, National Eye Care, Hobby, Soup, and Volunteer Blood Donor Month. MONTH!!!

For a calendar of daily observances click here.

Please visit www.EdenFlorist.com for your holiday gift-giving needs! We ship Around the World or Around the Corner!

Jan 26, 2005 - If you live in South Florida and are interested in writing a book, you can attend a meeting of the American Business Women’s Association. The meeting of The South Broward Chapter is on Wednesday January 26th and starts at 6:30 (networking) Dinner and program from 7-9 pm. Roasted Pepper is located at 9893 Pines Blvd which is on the North side of Pines Blvd. about a half block east of Palm Avenue (located in a strip mall). The phone # to the restaurant is 954-450-8800. To learn about The South Broward Chapter of ABWA, you can visit www.abwasobroward.org. The phone # for reservations (in case any friends would like to attend) is 954-450-8442. The cost is $25.00 if reservation is made by Friday, January 21st and $30.00 after that date or at the door.

The program lineup includes Heidi Richards, Author of 9 books including The PMS Principles – Powerful Marketing Strategies to Grow Your Business and her soon-to-be released book The Expectant Author – Is There a Book Inside You Ready to Be Born? Shelley Lieber, Author, Publicist and Regional Director of National Association of Women Writers, Suzanne Barnett, President & CEO of Abbott Sterling Publishing and Lisa Delman, author of the book “Dear Mom, I've Always Wanted You to Know” (Release Date April 2005 - Penguin Press)

 MarketTalk

“Thanks so much for the great ezine! Each issue has at least two ideas I can use immediately to improve my gift business. I look forward to receiving your ideas each month. Keep ‘em coming!”  Charles O’Brien, Corporate Gifts 2 Go. 

Rose Marketing on a Daisy Budget – How to Grow Your Business Without Spending a Fortune by Heidi Richards ($19.95 – ISBN- 0-9745959-2-6) is “jam-packed full of easy-to-do marketing programs, valuable insights, real-life success stories and resources. In this book you will learn how to advertise for free, create win-win partnerships, become a magnet for referrals, and hit your target market with direct mail and grow your business without spending a fortune!  Now available at www.WUNPublications.com. 
According to Phil Kleweno, President and CEO of Teleflora, “Rose Marketing is simple, useful and practical. Heidi Richards provides innovative tips small business owners can implement today.”  

Heidi Richards, CPPM, CLL, Author/co-author of 9 books including "Rose Marketing On A Daisy Budget," “The PMS Principles” "South Florida Network Directory of Women's Business & Civic Organizations," "What's Your OccuPLAYtion™? 149 Ideas to Increase Job Satisfaction, Reduce Stress, and Get More Out of Your Work and Your Life," "Yes Is Only The Beginning," and her latest, “Romance on a Budget;” plus the Ezines "Self-Marketing News E-zine," "Creating A Legacy Nonprofit E-zine" "PetalsNCents Marketing E-zine, WECommerce News" and "Ramblin' Rose by Eden Florist & Gift Baskets.

Heidi Richards specializes in “Helping Small Businesses Bloom™,” by sharing her insights and experiences in Leadership Development, Marketing and Strategic Planning not to mention, having FUN! Her experiences in "growing" successful businesses and community organizations give her a greater perspective on challenges that companies and organizations face today. She succinctly offers her expertise through her seminars, retreats and books.

Heidi is a celebrated Elan'trepreneur™ (elan'trepreneur - a creative visionary, a successful business person to whom others look and emulate; person who mentors others in business). She is also a facilitator for retreats, Mistress of Ceremonies for organizations of all sizes, a mentor to several small business owners and a contributing writer to dozens of publications. To learn more about Heidi, visit www.HeidiRichards.com.

Suzannah Richards has been the General Manager for Eden Florist & Gift Baskets for more than three years. Her duties include editing five newsletters produced by Heidi, maintaining four websites (www.EdenFlorist.com, www.HeidiRichards.com, www.WECAI.org and www.WunPublications.com), training Eden Florist’s staff, inventory control and sales, along with a myriad of other management responsibilities. In addition, Suzannah is the Vice President, Treasurer, and Webgoddess for the Women's ECommerce Association International, Inc (www.WECAI.org) and a full-time student at Florida Atlantic University. She has been studying business and e-commerce for the past three years and works closely with several web developers in various capacities, learning and perfecting her craft.

Are You Enjoying This Issue? If so, please pass it on to all of your friends and colleagues. Even better, send them to www.PetalsNCents.com to sign up and they will receive a FREE Report: 10 Red Hot Marketing Tips To Grow Your Business.

Our goal for 2005 is to double our readership. With your help we will reach our goals!

Keep those comments coming! I personally read and answer EVERY e-mail I receive. Just e-mail me at Heidi@PetalsNCents.com or reply to this e-mail. I'll get back to you right away.

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