How to Business/Career Networking ROI - do it right and get your return on your investment

This article will give you guidance on how to Network to get the best ROI (Return on Investment)

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Business Cards
• Create an E-mail Follow-up note
• 30 - 60 Second Commercial about what you and your business does

1. Networking is very, very powerful. It's unbelievable how many colleagues and friends I've met, strategic alliances have been made, and clients and accounts I've been able to close on, strictly through networking. But there is an art to networking. Some people are naturals at it, and some people need a little bit of coaching. But all in all, you can learn to be good at Networking.
   
   Here are just a few tips on getting a good return on the time and energy that you invest into Networking.
2. Don't join too many organizations and associations
   
   Even I have to balance this one. Since I'm a people person, I really have to be careful with how many organizations I join. So do lot's of people who are in business for themselves. If you don't balance how many organizations you join, it makes it difficult to measure your return on investment. So don't join more than 2 or 3 at a time. Make sure a trade association and a chamber of commerce are included in the organizations that you join.
3. Know what your return on Investment is
   
   Make sure before you attend an event or even join an organization, you know what you need to get out of it. Are you trying to meet more people in the same industry for support, get more accounts and clients, or find employees? Make sure your goals are clear. Set time limits and realistic goals. If you're going to a 2 hour event, there is the possibility that even though you might meet 10 - 20 people, only 2 of those people might be viable leads for your business.
4. Have your soundbyte or commercial ready
   
   I had the pleasure of meeting and interviewing, Networking Guru, George Fraser (make sure you listen to our 3 part Podcast-series on Networking, look for the link in this e-magazine).
   Mr. Fraser explained the 5 key elements of the soundbyte. They are: Who you are, where you are from, what you do, how you add value, and a quantifiable evaluation of your value.
5. Be a Good Listener and look for what you can give
   
   When you Network, listen to what the other person is saying to you carefully. Look for ways that you or your business can assist that person. Or perhaps you can even refer them to someone else who can offer them the product or service they are looking for.
6. Cultivate Relationships, Don't just network
   
   This is really important not just in business, but in our personal lives as well. Look for and try negotiation a win-win in every situation. It's not enough to just network. It's important to form relationships. And it's relationships that really can enhance and improve both your life and your business.
   
   Here's to walking in your greatness!
   
   Debra Dixon
   Light of Gold PR and Marketing
   http://www.lightofgoldpr.com
   e-mail: [e-mail]