7 BOSS Moves to Expand Your Professional Network by BOSS Founder Cameka Smith
“Networking Challenge”
“Your network determines your net-worth.”
How many times have you heard that saying?
Well, it’s true and the fact of the matter is, in the economic times we live in we can’t afford not to have access to a growing network. A strong professional network is vital to the growth of your business or that next career advancement. For some folks, the art of networking is easy and for others they start to perspire at the thought of entering a room full of people whom they’ve never met; people with better business cards, a more extensive resume, and even a nicer suit.
In the next seven days, I’m challenging you to step outside of your comfort zone and realize that “your attitude really does determine your altitude”. If you start with a positive outlook, weather you are an introvert or extrovert you WILL attract the right people and start building long lasting and mutually beneficial relationships. There are many platforms like The BOSS Network, (an organization for professional women), which you can tap into to get the ball rolling. Building a community of people who support you does takes time but, there are some strategic ways you can get start expanding your professional network TODAY!
1. BOSS Move- Develop a Networking Database
In today’s market, success lies in learning how to maximize your return on investment. Whether you are attending a local networking event or an expensive business conference, managing your network is critical. Keeping track of all your contacts is the start to building a strong network. Contrary to belief, having a shoebox full of business cards is not networking. Take the time to survey your database to make sure that you know who each contact is and in what prompted you to take their business card.
Action Steps: Create a spreadsheet with all of the pertinent information from your business cards (name, business owned, place of work, title, contact number and email). Make sure you are putting key information in your notes section that shows the connection between you and the contact (ie. The school they attended, where you met them, their favorite book, etc.)
2: BOSS Move- Cultivate Current Relationships
Start with what you have. Over our life span we meet hundreds maybe even thousands of people. Many know us very well and can vouch for our character but may not know you’re looking for a job, trying to advance in your career, or that you’ve started a cupcake business. In order for your business relationship to bear fruit you must cultivate and grow the existing relationship. This is a great time to update them on all the things happening in your life, you may find you are the perfect person to fill that position at their office or supply cupcakes for their next church meeting.
Action Steps: Create an email that outlines where you are in your life right now, what amazing things you are doing and how you can be an asset. Remember, the best relationships are cultivated and with time and effort, you may be able to develop the connection and turn the contact into a long-term client or job referral.
3. BOSS Move- Activate Your Social Networks
Do you have 800 friends on Facebook or 600 followers on Twitter? How many of them do you actually know? How many of them know what you do? In 2012 I still hear people say I don’t want to use social media, well be prepared to be left behind. In today’s technology driven society social networks with over 900 million users are the perfect platform to promote what you do to an active audience. If you are an introvert it’s the ideal place to start a conversation and then talk offline later when you feel comfortable.
Action Steps: Using social networks are about reciprocation. Start by following some key people in your industry and RT an article, comment on a post, or feature them on your blog. This gets the communication rolling and you find a shared interest which to base the new relationship.
4. BOSS Move- Create Your 60 Second Elevator Pitch
Have you ever tried to tell someone what you do for a living or about your online business, but when you did they looked at you like you were crazy? The truth is, you have about 60 seconds to gain someone’s attention and with all of the information we are inundated with on a daily basis, our attention span is decreasing. Here is a way to talk about what you do in a commanding yet simple way.
Action Steps: Start by saying, “you know how some people have a problem with _________?”
Fill in the blank with the problem or challenge that you solve.
Then continue with, “well, I offer _________.”
Fill in the blank with how the problem is solved.
Do not describe your business or the process of what your product or service does.
5. BOSS Move- Attend a Networking Event
If this is a networking challenge we would be remise to not discuss how to effectively network. Networking should be fully integrated in every business person’s life. Yes, networking online is important, but I still believe in the traditional face to face networking. Be aware, any event can be a networking opportunity, but you must keep in mind your objectives so you are not wasting your valuable time. It is not where you network but it is more about what you do while networking.
Action Steps:
Be beautiful- when you look good you feel good
Be confident- firm handshake and good eye contact
Be yourself- people can tell when you are not authentic
Be prepared- bring plenty of business cards
Be present- give whomever you are talking to your undivided attention
6. BOSS Move- Follow-Up
The goal of networking is not to have a shallow encounter but to build a lasting relationship that can become reciprocal. What’s the point of going to a networking event if you don’t follow-up with the people you meet? Meeting people is only the first step in networking and by staying in touch you are showing that they matter to you and ensure top of mind awareness. I believe I have had so much success with building my own professional network, because I am a firm believer in staying in touch. The fortune is in the follow-up.
Action Steps:
-Send a thank you card, email or phone call within 24-48 hours
-Invite them out for coffee or lunch in the following weeks and make sure you pick up the tab
- Help them with something they need or introduce them to someone they can benefit from
7. BOSS Move- Rest
Even God rested on the 7th day! Why is rest important? To be healthy a day of renewal is necessary. We must set aside time to renew our spirits, to catch our breath and to become a living being once more. One of my favorite quotes is from the “Master Networker” George C. Fraser, he said “In between the promise and the payoff is the process.” Remember, the process only works when you work it.
Action Steps:
Relax, renew and rest.
Cameka Smith, Founder
What are some ways you can demonstrate that you’re a BOSS right now? Tweet us at @BOSSOnCampus and let us know.