Successful networking benefits all business owners, whether they’re just getting started or trying to grow their business. These face-to-face meetings with other entrepreneurs, however, can be awkward and difficult for some people. Interfacing with industry leaders, experts, and like-minded CEOs doesn’t have to be anxiety-inducing, even if you’re naturally shy. Here are some tips to help you network more effectively at your next industry seminar or small- business conference. 1. Prepare Beforehand There are a few great ways to get yourself into the networking mindset before an event. You should have a few talking points ready. It shouldn’t sound like a formal presentation with bullet points. A few words about who you are, what you do, and why you do it will suffice. And you don’t want every word drilled down. Remember, networking is not the
a conversation about business to become a platform for building a relationship. Odds are everyone at your conference is trying to network just as much as you are. 3. Have a Card, Seriously Imagine this scenario: You’re at a conference and you just finish up a fruitful, engaging conversation. The person you’re talking to hands over their business card, and you realize you don’t have one to provide in return. Nobody wants to end up scribbling their contact information on a napkin. 4. Network From Home LinkedIn isn’t just for finding a job or screening employees. It can be a powerful networking tool for business owners. Because you can see the connections of your connections, it’s not hard to reach out to people in similar roles or industries. 5. Be Yourself Your personality and values should be an integral part of your business, and networking should be an honest conversation, even when the end goal is developing a business relationship. Be confident in who you are, and you’ll find that people will believe in your vision.
for Small- Business Owners Networking T I P S
same thing as a sales pitch. 2. Don’t Forget to Listen
Networking works best when it’s a two-way street. You can’t expect somebody to listen to you for five minutes, only for you to head to the snack table as soon as they start telling you about their company in return. The mutually beneficial nature of networking allows for
THE MOST IMPORTANT PAGE ON YOUR FIRM’S WEBSITE ...Continued from back page
Before you throw away this newsletter in disgust, consider these two law firms (and how potentials perceive them). Attorney A & Associates: One of their past clients recommends them to a friend, who then types their name into Google right away. They see the firm’s website right at the very top of the search results. Good, right? Attorney B & Associates: One of their past clients recommends them to a friend, who also types their name into Google right away. But they do NOT see the firm’s website at the top of the search results.
Instead, they see: (1) a link to an Amazon author-bio page; (2) a sidebar with solid gold stars and glowing reviews; (3) a link to the firm’s FindLaw profile (which has five solid gold stars); and (4) finally, at the third position, a link to the firm’s website.
the Google result page — created a stellar first impression.
That’s why the first page of Google is the most important page of your firm’s website. Because it’s where a potential’s first impression is made. Can you change how Google presents your firm? Yes! Absolutely, you can. It’s one of the (many) things I take you through in the latest 2017 edition of my “Secrets of Attorney Marketing” book.
Which of these firms has the most street cred?
The second one, obviously.
Now, even if both these firms had an identical website, the second firm has double, maybe even triple, the credibility. Why? Because the real “landing page” —
Request a complimentary copy here: speakeasy.marketing/comp-book.
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