Oleksiy Nesterenko - Keys to Business Networking

startupfinance
Aug 19, 2016
3 min read

The ability to meet and greet sales prospects is a critical skill for any entrepreneur. But getting a hold of those business cards is just the first step in an effective networking process. Building your customer base the right way requires work before, during, and after every networking event.

Here are five things by Oleksiy Nesterenko to keep in mind for developing your networking program:

Check the inventory: Whatever collateral you use to network, be sure you have more than enough and keep it handy at all times. If you use logo items like pens to promote your business they will require some lead time to replenish, so be sure to plan ahead. A decent inventory of business cards is critical...and the rush charges you have to pay when you realize too late that you have run out can really add up.

Keep the website updated: One of the first things new contacts will do is check out your website. Be sure it is always up-to-date and is consistent with what you say about your company. Also, be sure there is an easy way for interested visitors to sign up for your mailing list.That way, those contacts who didn't have a business card to give you (aaack!) can sign up from your site.

Use your contact database: ACT! is one of the best options for keeping track of your contacts. It has tools to record all kinds of data about each customer, vendor, and other contacts, and makes it easy to build and send email blasts that target specific segments of your list. The trick is to constantly update the information. Enter new contacts as soon as you meet them (within 24 hours) so you don't forget any important details. Add new data as you go - if you friend someone on Facebook, you can usually discover their birthdate, where they went to school, and other useful marketing information.

Be active on social networking sites: The advent of the popular social networks has been a boon for those focused on building business relationships. Be sure your business is represented on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and any other social site where your target market might spend time. Friend or follow all the contacts you can and provide several updates per week, about one direct marketing message for every four or five interesting, non-sales-pitch posts. If you have photos from a networking event, post them and tag whoever is in them (be sure they are tasteful, non-lampshade photos).

Set aside time to follow up: For every networking event or opportunity, schedule some time within the next 24 hours to take care of everything that happened there. If you promised to call or email anyone with specific information, do so right away. Talking with others has a tendency to elicit a number of ideas about the business's operations, a marketing technique, even article topics. Take time to jot down those ideas as soon as possible after each networking event (or during, if you can do so discreetly). Follow up with every new contact by sending even just a simple "nice to meet you" email within a day of the introduction.

Mr. Oleksiy Nesterenko believes that the networking skills of a new entrepreneur can make or break a business. Make a point of prioritizing the effort. Remember that networking just requires a little charm and a little time, but can pay off in ways you would never expect.