Networking isn’t always turning up at a ‘networking’ meeting.
Every chance you have to make business connections, is a chance to network.
This week I was able to attend an online Q&A session hosted by Daniel Priestley, after I pre-ordered his new book.
During the 90-minute session, attendees were able to raise their hand and ask their questions. These typically started with them sharing a little (or a lot in some cases) about who they are and what they do.
For me it was a real eye-opener, there was very little information on who and how they helped their clients.
These were the questions that Daniel had to then ask them before he could answer some of the questions.
Now, some of those asking questions might have been a little star struck.
Daniel did an awesome job and picking through the ‘ramblings’ of several of the questions to then answer.
I wrote 4 pages of notes – some questions I’ve not yet had in my business, some I’ve had and tackled in a different way, and some juicy ideas.
I’m sharing my three golden nuggets from the session.
Accountability
Context: How can I get started with content for my business? I need to increase visibility of what I do, to a wider audience.
Response: It was recommended (in a cheeky I wonder if you’d do it kind of way) to give a trusted friend/colleague $1200. Write three LinkedIn articles a week for 4 weeks, each time an article is published you get back $100 but if you don’t the ‘friend’ gets to keep $100.
Why I love this: If money is a motivation, then this would certainly ensure you get the work done.
Thought provoking.
Question: What makes a good mentor?
Response: Someone that’s not to far ahead of your business, with similar circumstances (in the past) and similar challenges. Ideally with a self-interest in your success, maybe they are doing business with you.
Why I love this: When I started mentoring it was specifically for Interior Designers, a business that I also run. I have always wanted designers to progress, as my business evolves, I’m always on the look out for great designers to pass work to.
Just a great response.
Context: How much should I spend on Ads for my new product/service?
Response: Ads only work for getting fuel on a fire. You need to get the fire started first.
Why I love this: I’ve been ‘dabbling’ with Meta Ads for my new free download ‘9 actions to take before attending a networking meeting’ . It’s only on a small budget and I’ve been pleased with the results, but I could have done a better job at building the email list first to check the response rates to the call to actions included.
If you have a chance to share who you help and how you help them in a short pitch in a one-on-one scenario, or in a group of business owners, it’s a networking opportunity.
Be ready with a great pitch to share who you help, how you help them and who you are looking to connect with.
I teach this in my 6 essential elements to Perfect Your Pitch. If you’d like to join the next Perfect Your Pitch Bootcamp, its kicking off in just over a week. You can find full details here.
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