Networking Best Practices

Diana Zanzonico

V2K Window Décor & MoreWindow Fashion Professional, Owner

Introduction…Diana Zanzonico

• Owner of V2K Window Décor franchise serving OC.

• ‘Corporate drop out’: 20 years sales and management experience.

• Built business from zero to being the Number ONE V2K location in 2005!

• 95% of business is from referrals and networking!

Introductions around the room!

• Name• Business• How long have you been in business? • What are your expectations from

tonight?

Agenda

• Introduction• What is networking?• Word of mouth

networking/marketing• Finding the ‘right’

networking groups• Preparing for a

networking meeting

• Preparing a great 60 second intro

• What to do AT a networking meeting

• Follow up• Maximizing Networking• Social Networking• Power Partners• Wrap up!

What is ‘networking’?

• Getting the word out about you and your business!

• Meeting new people and educating them about your business so they can help you sell!

• The most cost efficient and one of the best ways to grow your business!

‘Word of Mouth Networking/Marketing’

• Getting the word out about you and your business

• Make sure EVERYBODY knows what your business is!

• How would you feel if a friend/acquaintance bought from one of your competitors because they didn’t know you were in the XYZ business?

‘Word of Mouth’ Role Play

• Friend: Hi Diana, how are you? What’s new?• DZ: I’m great, I have been really busy!• Friend: Oh really? What have you been up to?• DZ: Well, I started my own business/or am working

on…• Friend: Wow! I know someone that could use your

services/or you could possibly work with.• DZ: That’s great! How can I get in touch with them?

Or here is my card, please let them know I can help!

Let others help you!

• Follow up on offers to introduce you to friends that could help you.

• It never hurts to give out your card to someone else. It’s the least expensive form of advertising (usually 5-10 cents apiece).

Finding the ‘RIGHT’ Networking Group for YOU!• Not all networking groups are created

equal…• Know your target audience and find a

group that fits that.• Some groups are more formal and

that is great for some…Others are more relaxed and that is great for someone else…

• Business groups vs. Social groups

Business Networking Groups :• NAWBO!• BNI, Business

Network Int’l• Le Tip• Leads Club• eWomen Network• Team Women

• RBN• Kiwanis• Rotary Club• Chamber of

Commerce• SCORE• For You Network

Online resource: www.meetingsandmixers.com

Tips on finding the right group for you…

• Check it out and see what’s the best fit for you and your business.

• If it’s under $30 and near you, try it at least once.

• Don’t try to do too much. • After trying out several groups, pick 2

to 3 at the most to join and put your best focused effort into those groups!

Preparing for a networking event…

• Practice your 60 second intro in advance.

• Dress for success• Bring lots of business cards!• Have a pen for making notes• Arrive early: some of the best

networking is before the event starts.

Breakdown of a good 60 second intro:• My name is…• My business is…• I work with clients who…• I recently helped a client that…• A great referral for me is…• Memory hook, restate name and

business…• Thank You!

60 second intro examples…

• Any Volunteers?

What to do AT the networking meeting…

• Smile!• Have fun!• Act like a host instead of a visitor…

Networking Tips: Handout

• Wear your badge on the RIGHT side for easy viewing

• Stand with open arms for an inviting look

• Introduce yourself!Ask what their business isExchange business cardsExplain your business

Networking Tips continued…

• Make applicable notes on their card after you walk away

• Don’t stay in one place too long• Approach groups where you don’t

know anybody• Don’t sit down until the actual meeting

starts!

Follow up…

• Email or send thank you notes as appropriate.• Send targeted letters that are short and simple.• Utilize systems to track and manage your follow up

such as: ACT

• Tracks notes and also has reminders Outlook

• Calendar reminders Sales Source

• Automated system that allows for regular mailings to go out at pre-determined intervals.

Maximizing Networking!

• Have one on one meetings to get to know select members better.

• Look for power partners within the group.

• If there are multiple chapters and your profession is unique: VISIT other chapters.

• Take a leadership role to raise your profile.

Social Networking Group

• Church• BUNCO• Mom’s Club• Charity Groups• School Board

Think about who your target customer is and where do they spend their time and money already?

What other social networking groups can you think of?

• ??• ??• ??• ??

Other types of ‘networking/marketing’

• Teach a class• Volunteer as a guest speaker• Write an article• Other ideas??

Power Partners…

Who is your target customer already doing business with?

Find them and form an alliance You help me and I will help you Look for those that are already spending

money on big ads. Think about who you may already be a

customer of and leverage that Don’t be afraid to cold call Business owners WANT to help other

business owners…

Contact Spheres

Business Services:• Attorney• CPA• Financial Consultant• Banking• Credit Card Services• Business Coach

Contractor/Trades Window Coverings Interior Designer Painter/Faux Painter Cabinet Maker General Contractor Handyman Floor Coverings Furniture Store Electrician

More Contact Spheres

Business Services Printer Graphic Design Direct Mail

Advertising Sign Company Mail Boxes Sales Trainer Marketing

Consultant

Health and Wellness Chiropractor Massage

Therapist Dentist Nutritionist Health Insurance Optometrist Personal Trainer

Who is in your Contact Sphere?

Networking Best Practices…Wrap Up!• Positive Attitude is key!• Know your target customer• Find the right group for YOU!• Have a great 60 sec intro (more than

one is even better)• Follow up• Power Partners• Be creative and have FUN!