In this episode we have put together a formula to follow step-by-step that WILL get you more customers through the power of networking. This formula combines working hard, being personable and a little touch of psychology to give you that extra edge.

Here are the steps to making money with networking:

Attend Social Events

• Meetup.com
• Local Business & Commerce Groups
• Events for kids where parents socialize (Kids B-day parties)
• Church events

Go with intent to meet people (not to sell)

• In discussion ask what someone else does first
• Show interest in them. The more likely they are a prospect, the more
  
  you talk about them. You can pitch your ideas or business later.
• Mention what you do, and see how they react. (they may ask you to
  
  talk about it)

Having cards is important, GETTING cards is more important.

• You have control of making contact, rather than waiting.
• You can archive people into your contacts
• Write notes on cards whenever possible
• No card is even a great excuse to contact people (actually I don’t
  
  have any cards with me, but I’ll email you and you can add me to your contacts… I can even mail you a few with more info about my company)

Contact them ASAP.

• If they discussed business or a referral, you are in. Contact them
  

  and discuss the business or proposal
• Otherwise next steps are…..
• Drop a quick email or social media contention
• Let them know it was a pleasure to meet them
• Be POSITIVE about something
• View their website, store or social account and genuinely compliment
  

  something
• “I just went to your Instagram feed and love your pictures, so
  

  creative”
• “I ended up checking out your website, wow love the design”
• “I googled your company and saw 100 5 star reviews on google WOW”
  

  or….Compliment something about your conversation
• I love your idea about…..
• It was really interesting discussing…
• I didn’t know ….. could be so interesting.

Follow up with a “by the way” email

• Wait a handful of days and follow up again. This time ask for
  
  something
• “Hi…. I was thinking about our convo at…… have you considered getting
  
  custom apparel for your business.
• “Hi….. you mentioned you know a lot of small business owners… is
  
  there anyone you can introduce me to that might need my services”
• “Hey, I was wondering. I am trying to grow my business. could I make
  
  you a custom shirt for your business and you tell me what you think?
  
  If you love them… you could buy more…. or refer me to some other
  
  people”
• ” I am trying to meet more business owners to help grow my business,
  
  (since I make t-shirts) are there any other groups or people you can
  
  intro me to. I am trying to build my network”

Keep engaged with them

• Don’t let your relationship end there. Keep on the edge of their
  
  minds so when they need apparel or can refer someone you know them.

TIPS:

• Follow them on social… like, comment, share
• Refer them business. If you know someone who needs their product or
  
  service…… send them their way and make sure they know who sent them.
• Leave them a review online.. “just met ……. these are the type of
  
  people you want to do business with 5 stars”
• Return to those social events and be sure to say hi to them. Even if
  
  you are mingling with others.

Using the above formula will help you build a large network of people who are business associates. Never forget to keep in contact, even if just every few months. Always remember to refer business whenever possible.

TIP: If you are looking to build a network of associates, be sure to have a good way to keep track of them. Using a CRM is a good idea, can add notes, and access mobile.