More Tips for networking from Charmaine Hammond

November 7, 2011 - Carol McBee

 

1) Avoiding awkward silences in conversations.... One strategy is to become more comfortable with silence. Often our conversations are so rushed that it is difficult to remember half of what was said. Slowing down the conversation and practicing short silences will help you become more comfortable if those awkward pauses pop up during a dialogue. Another strategy to deal with silence are those open ended questions we talked about....who, what, where, when and why and how.  And if you are really at a loss for words, try this.... "tell me more about....".  My blog (see link from www.hammondgroup.biz) also has free communication tools on there that you are welcome to access.

2) The elevator pitch... a few short sentences that answer who you are, what problem you solve and your business.  Sometimes people work so hard on coming up with something so exciting and catchy that the listener has absolutely no idea what you do, and if they don't ask for clarification, you are left meeting someone who has no clue what you do. I have heard hundreds, if not thousands, of elevator pitches, and the ones that resonate for me are the ones I can remember the persons' name and what they do/business/problem they solve. Also, it is important to be passionate about what you do.  this is another great opportunity to practice with friends and colleagues, and in front of the mirror.

3) How to get invited to be a public speaker.... first it is critical to have your presentations developed, practiced and of high quality, and of course to have your marketing materials ready.  You can connect with groups like: Rotary, business associations, your target audience (e.g. think about the meetings/events they attend, who could connect you, etc), associations, community leagues and groups.  Often speakers provide no fee presentations as a way of building their platform, skill level, referral base, and move to larger audiences as their skill and comfort grows. You can google "conferences" and "conventions" and apply to be a speaker. Make sure you have a great website, ensure you are active on social media (these help build your platform, profile and expert reputation, and can generate leads), have a blog providing free valuable information (not marketing information) so that your target audiences can find you.  Attend conventions and conferences and network with other vendors and speakers, talk to event planners, have a newsletter and offer your speaking services (which means you have to build, build, build your database and be in touch regularly).

4) Mindset and positive thinking...one book I recommend is Success Principles (by Jack Canfield). As well, the book Paving It Forward (Elizabeth Fayt) is fabulous and covers affirmations.  The Vision Board Workshop I am co-hosting on Saturday November 26 (9-1) will cover this in detail (email me to register).  A few other tips: every day begin with gratitude (something you feel thankful for), tell yourself "This is going to be a wonderful day!", when your mind moves to doubt replace it with what you do want (not what you don't want).  Focus on what it is you want, desire, and need (not what you are trying to avoid).  When your thoughts become negative say "cancel that" and replace with something affirming or positive. 

 

Charmaine Hammond, MA, BA, author of best-selling book, On Toby’s Terms (Bettie Youngs Publishers, Sept. 2010), is now in development for a major motion picture, and will soon be coming to theatres near you!  To Contact: www.ontobysterms.com

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