To Network Be a Information Gatherer

It's easy to find a comfort zone in networking. You show up, tell a few people about your business and call it a day. That kind of comfort zone probably does not give you the results you are looking for. Before attending a networking event, determine what you want to accomplish and who you want to meet that can help you grow your business. Networking works best when you find others who work with the same type of clients you do but is not a competitor. By working through the crowd and asking good questions you will discover those people who can help you and you can help them. Your referrals grow by 40 to 60%. A trusted referral is a warm market contact. The new relationship grows faster because someone they trust recommended you. Visit http://www.openlinestraining.com/ for training information.

Give Good Synergy

Effective networking is a learned skill. Often a networking event is dominated by people running around to see how many individuals they can dump information on. Talking fast is not the best way to network. Listening makes sense. Asking questions makes sense. Adding value as you work to build relationships makes sense. Connecting and gathering information is a good way to network. Organizing the information and staying in touch with the people you meet will add customers and referrals to your business. Evaluate your actions at the next networking event you attend. Spend time being interested in others. Make notes on the back of the their business card so you remember the highlights of the conversation. Schedule follow up calls to learn more about them and see if there is a fit for you to work together or refer others. Be on the look out for ways you can help others build their business. It always comes back to you and will build solid relationships along the way. Good luck as you add quality and information gathering to your next networking event.

Building Relationships in a Tough Economy
Attracting and keeping customers is an art. It requires us to get out of our own head and think more about the people who we want to attract to our business. If we use a networking event as an example, you start up a conversation with someone you just met. Did you find out about their hobbies, their families and something about their business before you started sharing information about you and your business? When our thoughts are dwelling on our own agenda of business, rarely do we leave a positive impression. To find out if a new contact is a qualified prospect for you, it is important that you learn as much as you can about them. Win-win situations are created when two people meet and find they have a service or product to share. Not everyone is a customer but everyone can be a referral source when you work to build relationships first. Leaving good first impressions starts with tonality and body language. Pay attention by raising your awareness in how you may be perceived. Ask friends to critique your tone if you come across to abrupt. Most people are not aware of how they sound. Next ask interesting questions that draw in a prospective client. Questions that help you learn more about them. Business today is based on the long term relationships we build. Make it a point to network everyday and give more than you receive. Go through your files and evaluate who would be a good referral for someone in your network. Your business will grow even in a tough economy when we work together to help each other.

Happy New Year and may it prove to be more prosperous than you expect. When our business or jobs are in question, we often panic and lose our way. Don't let that happen to you. Instead remind yourself of the goals you set and how much you have already accomplished. Learn to adjust to the changing times, watch expenses, run leaner than usual and don't give up. Have a brainstorming session on ways to grow business. Go find where your customers are hanging out. Now is the time to be proactive, efficient and productive. Be careful how much news you watch or read and make your own agenda to keep moving forward. There are many ways to market your business that are cost effective. Grow referrals, find industry partners and work your plan. Remember the reasons you do what you do. Don't allow outside influences to take away the things you have worked hard for. We often help companies to gain a more positive prospective and find ways to grow their markets. If we can be of assistance please call us at Open Lines Training 208-850-6526 or e-mail openlinesinc@msn.com.

November 20th - Growing Your Business with In-Depth Customer Service Workshop!
Drive your business to a new level with the kind of energy that is contagious and breathes new life into your business. Open Lines Inc is teaming up with the Meridian Chamber of Commerce to offer you a dynamic workshop to strengthen the bottom line by using a consistent customer service program. Create customer loyalty, offer your employees the tools to be exceptional. Seating is limited so call 208-888-2817 to reserve seats today!
December 4th - Line up Your Ducks Business Clinic!
Learn ways to stabilize your business finances and how to use a floating CFO to keep your business on track from the experts at Source Capital and Consulting. Learn tips to find new customers, get referrals and create customer loyalty with tools from Open Lines Inc. Keeping a close eye on revenue and expenses is mandatory, can you simplify the process? Build on your organization with the keys that will drive your business to the next level. You can e-mail your request for more information or a registration form to openlinesinc@msn.com.

Network to a Better Economy

If you are following the news, the gloom continues. Do you have a choice but to be swept along with the tide of recession? In business, we do have some options that we can control. Here are three areas you can focus on to prevent losing momentum. First, incorporate on-going training for your staff. Teach them how to be more effective when attending networking events and how to be interesting to others. Sharpening customer service skills is another business booster. Come up with creative ways to make customers feel special. Practice effective greetings that leave an impression. Now, set your intention, know the direction you are heading when building your business. Many business owners struggle to get focused and end up bouncing all over the place sending mixed messages to the company as a whole. Check your business plan and established goals to stay on track. Don't give up on good ideas before they have had a chance to take hold. These suggestions can be powerful tools to grow business even in a slow economy. Contact Open Lines Inc for more information at openlinesinc@msn.com