No time for networking?

I was telling someone about the business networking lunch that I am going to be chairing starting on October 3rd and their reaction was "I do not have time to network". Wow! I was impressed - too many clients to network - well actually no they do not have too many clients. They are too busy looking for clients to network.

I put on my trainer/teaching hat and decided to explain why I network --- here is how it went...

How often do your clients purchase your product or service based on your initial interaction? Never. Ok then, do your clients need to trust you and know you a little bit before buying from you? Definitely!

When you attend a networking event regularly you get the chance to safely develop a relationship with many other business owners. As their trust in you develops, they may consider buying from you. The best part about the repetitive nature of networking comes when the person trusts you enough to put their own name on the line and give you a referral.

To take full advantage of networking - tell people who your target market is and what types of things they should listen for. If you hear someone say - I have no plan then I want you to have them call me at Fit For Business.

Even though it takes awhile to start generating leads, connections and/or referrals; it is totally worth the effort. If you need any help in setting up your networking plan, call me and we will sit down and talk about it over coffee.

The group that I will be chairing on Wednesdays at lunch is Business Connection Exchange - Toronto Downtown. We meet on the 1st & 3rd Wednesdays at 12 - 1:30pm; Town & Country Restaurant, 190 Queen's Quay at Sherbourne, $15 / buffet and free parking.

If you are available on Wed. Oct 3rd and/or Wed. Oct 17th, then please let me know and get it in your schedule. Make time for networking and in the long run you will save time searching for clients.

Cheryl Rankin
Fit For Business
647-287-0320
fitforbusiness@rogers.com
www.fitforbusiness.ca
www.fitforbusiness.blogspot.com