This goal for 2023 is to double our property portfolio.
Quite a task you may think!
Our number 1 goal is to keep growing the portfolio of income generating assets.
And how are we going to do this? How will we double our portfolio in such a short amount of time?
Simple – by NETWORKING
Networking is an essential part of growing your business, whether you’re a start up or an established business but it's not just about making connections and having a nice chat over lunch.
Let’s face it, who really likes networking?
Who likes entering a room full of people that you don’t know and striking up conversation?
To be confident and comfortable networking, you need to approach it strategically and tactfully.
In this blog, we will go over the do's and don'ts of networking and explore how collaboration is key to growing your business.
Read on for a few helpful hints and tips to working that room like a pro at your next networking event.
DO's of Networking:
Be prepared: Before you attend a networking event, make sure you are well prepared. Research the attendees and the event itself to get a better understanding of what to expect.
Many networking events will send out an attendee list prior to the day, scan the list, if there is anyone of interest, find them on social media and agree to meet them there. You’re now not entering a cold room and you have your 1st contact.
Have your tools ready in the forms of an elevator pitch (sum up what you/your business does in a few short sentences), as well as business cards and any other materials that you might need.
Be authentic: While it's important to have an elevator pitch, you also need to be authentic. Don't try to be someone you're not or pretend to be more successful than you are. People can sense when someone is being someone they’re not, and it can spoil your chances of any future relationship.
Follow up: After attending a networking event, be sure to follow up with the people you met. Send a quick email or LinkedIn message thanking them for their time and expressing your interest in staying in touch. It doesn’t need to be lengthy, just 3 lines; ‘It was great to meet you’, ‘I’d love to find out more about your business and how we could help you’, ‘When are you free for a coffee’. This will help build a relationship and keep the lines of communication open.
Listen more than you speak: You have 2 ears and one mouth! Networking is not just about talking about yourself and your business. It's also about listening to other people's needs and finding ways to help them. When you actively listen to others, you can gain valuable insights into their needs and potentially offer a solution.
Give before you ask: When networking, it's important to give before you ask for anything. This means offering help or resources before asking for a favour. This will help build trust and establish a genuine relationship.
DON'Ts of Networking:
Don't be pushy: Networking is about building relationships, not making a quick sale. Don't be pushy or aggressive when meeting new people. Take the time to get to know them and establish a connection before talking about business.
Don't ignore follow-up: If someone follows up with you after a networking event, be sure to respond. Ignoring follow-up messages can damage relationships and hurt your reputation.
Don't be late: Showing up late to a networking event can make a bad first impression. Make sure to arrive early and be ready to make the most of your time.
Don't be negative: While it's okay to share challenges you're facing in your business, don't be negative. Focus on the positive and what you're doing to overcome any obstacles.
Don't forget to follow through: If you offer to help someone, make sure to follow through. Not following through can damage relationships and make you seem unreliable.
Networking is just one part of growing your business. Collaboration with other businesses can also help you expand your reach and find new opportunities.
When collaborating, it's important to:
Find complementary businesses: Look for businesses that offer complementary products or services to your own. This will help you create a partnership that is beneficial for both parties.
Define expectations: Make sure to define expectations and goals from the outset. This will help ensure that everyone is on the same page and working towards a common goal.
Communicate openly: Communication is key to any successful partnership. Be sure to communicate openly and honestly with your collaborators to ensure that everyone is informed and working together.
Celebrate success: When you achieve success with your collaborators, make sure to celebrate it. This will help build a strong relationship and encourage future collaboration.
In conclusion, networking is an essential part of growing your business. By following the do's and don'ts of networking, you can build genuine relationships and find new opportunities.
Neil and I host our own networking event, Property Connections Colchester, held every last Wednesday of the month.
Tickets can be purchased from Eventbrite - click the link below to secure your spot
Happy networking!
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