No Shows And Missed Meetings

Now I know life gets in the way and we can't always allow for the unexpected.

It's frustrating when people take the time and effort to book, register or sign-up for sessions, seminars and workshops and just don't turn up. Whether it's free or they've paid upfront.

You're left wondering what happened. How long to wait before you give up or go and do something else.

What is it? Disorganisation, poor planning or over commitment?

What would make you miss an appointment, you've committed to, whether it was intentional or not?

When you make arrangements to meet someone or be somewhere - other people have made time in their day for you.

If you need to change your plans, let them know at the first and earliest opportunity. People will understand, sometimes it's unavoidable or you have a genuine reason for not showing up or missing a meeting.

Be honest. Respect their time so they can make other arrangements, change bookings, make adjustments or have time to do something else.

There's no excuse for not turning up and not letting someone know?

Do you find you're always saying yes to things and then for whatever reason you're not able to attend or have to let people down at the last minute? Or perhaps you simply forget because it's not written down or you just have too much on. It happens.

Be more realistic with your time. Plan ahead. Don't say "yes" or agree to a meeting when what you actually mean is "probably not". Better to make a tentative arrangement and confirm nearer the time than over commit or double book.

Don't get a reputation for being dis-organised or unreliable.

Networking Tips: #40 So you want to start a networking group?

Are you thinking about starting up a networking group?

Don't!

Not unless you're prepared to put in the time and effort to make it successful.

Many people start a networking group thinking it will give them a ready made audience for their products and services.

This is rarely the case.  They will see you as the 'meeting organiser' and while you're busy running the group, meeting and greeting, writing out name badges, you don't actually get much time to network.  People are busy chatting to everyone else but you.

Even if it's a free event and you do a minimum amount of 'running the meeting', you still need to send out emails and updates, advertise the group, find new people to come along, get the meeting venue ready, follow-up afterwards etc.

Running a networking group can take up as much time as running your own business.  I've spoken to several meeting organisers who've realised this and then given up after a couple of years.

I had to regularly update my list of local and national groups with all the new groups that were and still are starting up each year and removing those that were no longer active.

If you want to start your own networking group - you need to think:

• What's your objective for running a networking group?
• How much time and effort will you able to give it?
• Who's your target audience - for the network, for your business?
• Where and how often will you hold the meetings?
• Will it be a business or social group?

If you want to run it as a business in it's own right and make money from it, that's one thing but you might find you've bitten off more than you can manage trying to run it alongside your existing business.

Image courtesy of [Ambro] at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Networking Tips: #39 Networking types

A light-hearted definition of some of the 'types' of people you're likely to meet at networking events.

The wallflower - doesn't really know anyone and this may be their first time networking.  Hides in the corner or skirts around the edge of the room, trying to avoid making eye contact.  If you see them invite them to join you, make them feel welcome, don't leave them standing on their own.

The socialite - seems to know everyone in the room and are usually more than happy to introduce you to people they know.  Good people to connect with at networking events, especially if you're new to networking or new to the group.  Some can be a bit aloof if you're not part of their 'crowd'.

The meerkat - constantly looking over your shoulder or glancing around the room to find someone more interesting to talk to.  Or that's the way you feel.  Perhaps they're just looking out for a friend or colleague who's yet to arrive.

The gannet - they're only there for the food (or drink).  You'll find them hovering around the buffet table or the bar - best place to find them if you want to engage any of them in conversation.  Sometimes they only turn up for the food and refreshments, hardly talk to anyone and quickly disappear having eaten their fill.

The seagull networker - you may have heard of the seagull manager, the seagull networker is similar.  They fly in, rush around the room, handing out their business cards or leaflets, they make a lot of noise talking AT you and then move on the next victim person, without showing the slightest interest in what you do.

The techie - firmly attached to their smartphone or tablet and probably more interested in that than in having a conversation with the real life people in front of them.  They may be seated at a table tapping away or spend most of their time on the phone outside or on the edge of the room.  Technology has it's place but at least pay attention to where you are and who you're with.

The groupies - they're from the same company and spend most of their time talking to each other.  They sit together and don't take advantage of spreading their resources and talking to twice as many people. 

Can you recognise some of these and what other types have you spotted?

Wallflower (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Networking Tips: #38 Why do you do it?

If you regularly network, have you lost your networking mojo?  Do you go along just because you've got into the habit or your regular meetings?

Think about what you want to get from your networking.  All the time and money you put in to your business needs to give you a return - whether that's in real immediate income, long-term investment, connections or something else.

Why do you go to networking meetings?

To gain business - unlikely to happen on the first visit and unlikely to just land on your desk because you've exchanged business cards or if you upset everyone by giving a sales pitch to everyone you meet! (See previous tips.)

To give business - you're on the look out for a web designer, printer, accountant ... a great way to meet other business professionals who can help your business.

To meet other business people - it's a good way to connect with your local or online business community, to share ideas, talk through challenges and find solutions.

To socialise - for sole-traders this might be a good opportunity to get out of the office and meet other people outside of your usual four walls.

Because you enjoy early morning breakfasts!  There are better and less expensive breakfasts (when you add up the total cost).  That's fine if you just want to socialise and 'chat' but does it give you the return you want or expect?

Refresh your networking mojo every now and then by reviewing your networking strategy - are you still getting what you want from your meetings?

Networking Tip: #37 What NOT to do (part 2)

In the last week I've had two very clear examples of how NOT to network.

Example 1: You accept a connection invite from someone online because they look interesting, they're in your target group, you know some of the same people, there's an element of shared interest ...

The very next communication you receive is a cut and paste 'sales pitch'.

It's impersonal - they haven't taken the time to actually read my profile to check if I might even vaguely be interested or it's relevant - although invariably, they say they have.

It's unsolicited - I didn't ask for it or even express an interest, I was just giving the online equivalent of a hello and a handshake.

Irrelevant - I'm not actually interested in what they have to offer and it's certainly not relevant to me at this time.

On this occasion, I politely responded back to them.

Their response (within minutes) was more of them same but along the lines of "well, you might not be interested but you might be at a point in the future and please make sure you recommend me to your friends or colleagues".

Well, they missed the point completely - and I don't do this very often, but I quickly hit 'disconnect'.

I will only recommend someone I know, like and trust and quite often, have actually used myself or at least heard good things about.

Example 2:  Attending a business event and supporting one of the exhibitors, I was approached by a visitor, who, rather than express an interest in what we were offering - launched straight in to their sales pitch.  How could they sell their product/service to all of our customers, clients?  Even though we didn't know anything about it or them!?

I heard the same story from other exhibitors on other stands who had suffered the same treatment, although from different people but with the same 'in your face' approach.

Woah! Back off!  What would make me even consider allowing you anywhere near my clients with such a heavy-handed, sales tactic.

This is the business equivalent of proposing on the first date.  In fact we've only just said 'hello' - you haven't even bought me a coffee yet!

Have you experienced this 'sales technique' and did it work?

Related articles

• Do You Have a Repellent Pitch? (pitchinggreatness.wordpress.com)
• Networking Tip No 16 How Not to network (blog post)

Networking Tips #36 Does it work?

I often get asked what I get from networking or if it really works.

If you've read through the rest of the series of networking tips then you'll already know the answer.

Yet I still meet people at networking events who expect to come along to a meeting and gain business - instantly!  Not surprisingly - they probably won't return when they're disappointed.

Yes it does work but like anything - you get out of it what you put in.  The more active and engaged you are, the more you'll achieve.

It's all about sowing seeds and growing relationships - keep them fed and watered to see them grow and bear fruit.

I've connected with people and businesses that have provided my business with products and services as well as those who have become clients.

Put in a little time and effort (in a measured and balanced way) and you may be pleasantly surprised.

What are your experiences of networking?

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Networking Tips #35 Keep your eyes and ears open

You never know when you might see or hear a piece of information that might prove useful or open up an opportunity for you or someone you know.

This is why it's important to get out there and talk to people and to keep your eyes open.  Not just in a formal business environment but wherever you happen to be.

While I've been out and about:

• I've seen signs for businesses that I know will be useful to someone I know and passed them on.
• I've walked past shops that are just the thing someone I know is looking for.
• I've overheard a snippet of conversation and thought - I know the person that could help them or that would be a useful contact for ...
• I've had a conversation with someone and thought - I know just who you need to talk to.

It's not just about what you can get from your network but how you can help and connect them with other people in your network.

Ear (Photo credit: Menage a Moi)

Networking Tips #34 Women and networking

Is there a difference in the way that men and women network?

Yes, probably.

Women are actually pretty good at networking as they're much more sociable and good at the relationship building aspect to networking but what tends to put them off is the upfront, in your face, sales pitch side of networking.

Business networking events these days are less and less dominated by men and are usually have a pretty good balance.

Women feel more comfortable chatting in a relaxed environment rather than feeling they have to talk business or 'sell' themselves.  Which is why there are plenty of women only networks around.

Another challenge for women and networking, is that the traditional timings for networking meetings don't fit well with school runs, homework and the evening meal, so they're less likely to make it to the early breakfast and evening meetings.

Networking meetings aimed at women tend to start later in the day - The Mumpreneurs Networking Club, start their meetings at 9.30am which fits well with the school run.  Other groups hold their meetings around lunch and provide plenty of opportunity to chat.

However, there's a balance between turning up for a weekly coffee and chat and knowing how to network effectively and professionally.

What are your thoughts and experiences?

English: Eugene de Blaas: The friendly gossip (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Related articles

• 4 tips for introverts on going to networking events
• Can't Spare the Time to Network? Can You Afford Not To?

Networking Tips #33 It's not all about you

A major 'don't' at a networking meeting is to spend the whole time talking about your own business, what you do and then pushing for business.

No one enjoys being on the receiving end of a 'sales pitch' and it's more likely to put them off wanting to do business with you and make them quickly move on.

Ask more questions.  Find out about the person in front of you - who they are and what they do.  From the answers to your questions, you might find that there is an opportunity for you to work together but don't assume and don't expect it from the first conversation.

After all you don't meet, get engaged, get married, have babies - all on the first date!

It's the same in business - don't ask for their business the moment you meet.  Find out if you're a good fit first.

By all means follow up with more information on their services - but only if it's appropriate or if they've asked for it.  Don't automatically add them to your mailing list or spam them with your marketing messages.

As you'll have read in previous tips, networking is about getting to know people, building a relationship and then having the opportunity to do business.

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Related articles

• Networking Tips #31 Be Selective (clareevans.blogspot.com)
• Networking Tips #32 But I don't know anyone (clareevans.blogspot.com)

Networking Tips #32 But I don't know anyone

Many people are put off going to networking meetings because they won't know anyone.

Well, we all felt like that once and you can overcome that initial nervousness with a few simple tips.

Arrive early - it's easier to meet and talk to people as they arrive - rather than enter a room full of people who are already talking.

Approach someone who is on their own.  They're not already engaged in conversation, possibly feeling nervous too, so will welcome your approach.

Watch the body language.  Two people standing directly opposite each other, engaged in conversation are less likely to be open to an interruption.  If they're standing at a slight angle to each other, it's easier to engage them in conversation.

Three is better than two.  For the above reason it's easier to approach and join a group of people than to join a group of two.

Make eye contact and smile.  You might be feeling nervous but don't look at the floor and hope no one will come and talk to you.  That's why you're there.  If you make eye contact with someone and smile they're more likely to approach you or welcome you in to their group.

Go with a friend, guest or colleague - that way you won't feel you don't know anyone - just don't spend all your time chatting to the one person you know!

If you're a regular networker, welcome new people, someone standing on their own or looking uncertain to join you.

"A stranger is just a friend you haven't met yet."

Talk (Photo credit: lovelornpoets)

Related articles

• Networking Tip #31 Be Selective 
• Networking Tip #29 Speed Networking 
• Networking Tip #25 Meet Up

Networking Tips #31 Be Selective

People will tell you that you need to be out networking in order to gain more business.  If you've been reading the Networking Tips blog posts - you'll have picked up a few tips on how to get the most from your networking.

One temptation is to attend every networking event going - taking a scattergun approach to getting your message out there.  You'll no doubt have come across people who seem to attend every networking event in their area.  Either they have too much time on their hands, or they aren't using networking effectively.

It's all very well attending every networking event if you've got time to handle all the follow-ups and it's your target group of potential clients or it relates to an industry that you work in.

Many of the networking groups are either free or low cost - so guess who they attract, small businesses, sole traders and people who are short on budget and looking for low-cost ways of marketing.  It's a great way to get started but as you'll quickly realise most people are selling and few are looking to give you business.

Some people even go along just for the social chit-chat.  That's great if you can afford the time to do this.  The evening networking events tend to be more popular for this.  It's a good way of ending a day and a great way to meet other like-minded business people, especially if you work on your own or work from home.

I've also heard from many people who are attracted by the large numbers that attend some of the networking events but then become frustrated that they never actually get to meet many people or they all seem very cliquey and it's difficult to break in.

Think about the ROI on your investment in networking.  Do you track and measure your networking or know what returns you're getting from all your networking time?  Which one's work better for you?

While the results of networking can be long-term, so less easy to measure, it's useful to know how many people you meet, how many you contact and how many take up any offers or subscribe to your list?

If you get one small piece of business from attending the same networking group year after year - would your time have been better spent focusing on another networking group that is more suited to your business?

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Related articles

• Networking Tip: #29 Speed Networking (Blog post)
• Networking Tip: #28 It's Not Who You Are ... (Blog post)
• Networking Tip #26 Time To Network (Blog post)

Networking Tips #30 Make It Easy To Get In Touch

I'm often surprised by how difficult people make it for you to get in touch.  You meet someone at a networking event and then you return to the office you want to keep in touch or connect with them online but you can't track them down.

Perhaps you only had a list of attendees or their business card had limited information, so you try to track them down via Google or on Linked In or Twitter.

Some people just don't want to be found.  They've hidden their email address on LinkedIn, so you can't email them that way and if they've restricted access to their LinkedIn profile, you'll need an email address in order to connect with them.  They don't have a profile photo, so you can't find them that way.

You may track down their website but many times it doesn't have either an email address or a name, so you're not sure if you've got the right person.

Make it easy for people to contact and connect with you - after all if you have an online presence, whether through your website or a social media profile you presumably want to found that way.

You'll find me on LinkedIn and Twitter, Like my page on Facebook or you can contact me directly or use the form on my website.  Why not book an initial chat with me via Tungle.me.

Networking Tip: #29 Speed Networking

Time me (Photo credit: mrlins)

Love it or hate it - speed networking is a great way of meeting a large number of people in a short period of time.

Some people dislike it because of the speed at which you connect with people without having a chance to really have a conversation.

The purpose of attending a speed networking event is that you get to talk to EVERYONE in the room and not just the half a dozen people you manage to connect with at a normal networking event.  For this reason, they're popular.

It's noisy, it's frantic but it can be fun and don't forget that it's only the initial connection that you're making.  It's then your chance to follow-up after the event and really get the conversation going.

The same criteria apply to your reasons for attending other networking meetings.  Are they the right people for you to meet.

Some speed networking events operate a closed policy in that only one person from each industry is represented.  That way you won't meet five accountants, six printers etc.

There are different ways of running the event and the host needs to be skilled in moving people around the room in a timely manner so that it works smoothly.

They tend to work in two main ways:

Speed Networking 5 (Photo credit: MadPole)

Method 1 - you're seated or standing opposite a room of attendees.  You have one or two minutes to deliver your 'pitch' - the other person then has their one or two minutes and then you move on the next person.  Repeating the process until everyone has 'met' everyone else.

Method 2 - you're seated in small groups around tables.  Only one person on each table speaks at any one time and circulates in an organised way (according to a complicated equation understood only by higher mathematicians and NASA), so that by the end, everyone has still presented to everyone else but the volume level is lower and you don't have to repeat yourself to the number of attendees.

With Method 1 - potentially dozens of people are talking at one time, it's noisy and can be confusing - who's turn is it to speak, how much time have you got, where do you go next.  Method 2 is less frantic and much more comfortable.

You're also likely to be slightly brain dead by the end of it.  Being bombarded by information from twenty to thirty strangers is confusing and overwhelming.  Here are a few tips for speed networking:

• Leave bags, coats at the side of the room - have the minimal amount to carry around - you'll be moving around a lot.
• Check how many people are going to be there and have enough business cards, leaflets etc. for everyone.  You don't want to run out.
• Have a bottle of water with you - you'll be doing a lot of talking (Method 1).
• Hone your one minute presentation - keep it clear and succinct.  If you can and you have time, ask a couple of questions.
• Take notes - you won't be able to remember half the people you've met by the time you've finished.  Write on their business card or notebook but remember you don't have much time and you need to be listening.
• Make a note of anyone you'd like to talk to again, as you go - you might be able to talk to them after the main session.

Remember to follow-up afterwards.

Networking Tips #28 It's Not Who You Are ...

I am an accountant... 

... it's what you do and who you do it for.

If you're lost for words when it comes to introducing yourself to people or standing up and delivering your 60 seconds, try this as part of your introduction, your one minute, your elevator pitch at network meetings or when asked "What do you do?"

Rather than say "I'm an Accountant" (people will have instantly associate you with their impression of an accountant) - say:
"I help people increase their bottom line by ..." or
"I enable people to keep more of their money ... "

Think about what you do and craft it into one carefully worded sentence.  You'll need to put some thought into this and practice it.  It's not something that tends to trip easily off the tongue.  What is the benefit that you bring to your clients?  What problem is it that you solve?  Try it out in a few different ways until you come up with something you feel comfortable with.

If you've captured the person's interest enough to find out more, the response you want is "How do you do that?"

Follow this up with "I work with people who ... " or "I'm looking for people who ..." - here you can get more specific about your ideal client.

(Photo credit: david anderson : da-photography)

Book Review: ... and death came third

The title is based on the premis that people are more afraid of speaking in public than dying.  Strange but true.

Before I started my own business I would probably have rather experienced death than been subjected to speaking in front of a room full of strangers.

However, as with most things in life - practice makes perfect - or at least makes for a less scary experience and a few useful tips can make all the difference.

This book is an essential read for anyone in business.  This one has been on my bookshelf for many years and was a great resource when I was first starting out.  It alleviated many of my own fears around networking and public speaking.

Whether you currently use networking and/or public speaking as part of your business strategy or if you're thinking about either of these, then you'll find plenty of information and tips in the various tools and techniques in this book.

It focuses on the importance of building relationships with the people you meet - in either of those situations - rather than delivering a slick sales pitch.

Get Your Own Copy Today " ... and death came third" by Andy Lopata and Peter Roper

Networking Tips #27 Little At A Time

I was having a conversation with someone the other day.  They'd just joined a networking group and were wondering how to get across their message and the multiple services they offered in their one minute - without reeling off a shopping list of services.

If you offer a number of services or products it can be tempting to try and cram in as much as possible.  However, it's best not to bombard your listeners with too much information all at once.  They won't be able to take everything in and are more likely to be confused.

If it's a regular meeting you attend every week or every month, you have a great opportunity to say something different each week, which keeps it fresh and interesting.

Pick just one product or service and focus on it for that week.  Next week you can choose something different.   After a few weeks you can go back to the beginning and remind them of what else you do.

Related articles

• Networking Tips #26 Time To Network (clareevans.blogspot.com)

Networking Tips #26 Time To Network

Networking takes time - not only time to see the results but also the time you actually spend on your networking, you might not realise how much it adds up.

Take this into consideration when planning your networking activity.  It may be great to attend lots of networking meetings every week but it all adds up.

• Time preparing for each meeting.
• Time to travel to and from the event.
• Time spent at the event.
• Time spent following-up after the event - email phone calls.

So, in reality, your one hour network meeting probably takes up at least twice that time, if not longer.  For every meeting you attend - decide if it's the best use of your time and does the value you get from the meeting make it worth your while.

Be more selective - your time has value, value your time.

Networking Tip #25 Meet Up

If you regularly attend network meeting, you'll know that you don't often manage to have a lengthy conversation with the people you meet.

While you might carry on a conversation and follow-up via email, phone or social media - it's always good to meet up for a longer conversation.

You'll be able to find out more about what they do away from the noise and distractions of a busy network meeting and perhaps discover something you didn't know.

As part of the follow-up process, after each networking meeting, arrange to meet up with at least one or two of the people you've met.  Either a new contact or perhaps even someone you already know but haven't had a longer chat over coffee.

Remember, the intention is to find out more about them, their challenges and how you might be able to help.  Don't see it as an opportunity to do a sales pitch.

Image via Wikipedia

Networking Tip #24 Quality or Quantity

There often seem to be two main debates on networking and your contact lists - the "Quality vs Quantity" debate and this applies to most of the main social media sites.

Some people purely play the numbers game and go for Quantity - regardless of the quality of the contacts and are unlikely to develop a relationship with many of those in their network.

Others are more interested in Quality and will nurture and develop a smaller number of contacts who they know at some level.

I'm more selective and tend to connect with people I know, develop relationships started offline or connect offline with those I know online (where practical).  Because of the introduction opportunity on LinkedIn it makes sense to at least be on speaking or nodding terms with those in your 1st level  so that you can make the most of your 2nd level connections.

It also takes time to manage and build your relationship which is going to take a whole lot longer if you have tens of thousands of people in your network, unless you're only interested in one-way, outward communication.

Which do you prefer and are you a Quantity or Quality networker?

Image via Wikipedia

Related articles

• Networking Tips #17 Offline vs Online (clareevans.blogspot.com)
• Networking Tips #15 It's Not Who You Know (clareevans.blogspot.com)

Networking Tips #23 Build Your Confidence

When I first started out networking the thought of standing up and even delivering a brief 60-second intro filled me with dread.

I know others feel the same way and will avoid it at all costs but if you want to promote your business, you have to get out there and shout about it - or at least talk about it and that means having the confidence in what you do and how you say it.

Networking can be a great way to build your confidence.  It helps you to get used to being the centre of attention even for those brief few seconds and the more you do the less self-conscious you feel.  After all, everyone else is in the same boat and they're really not that different from you.

Practice makes perfect - you'll hone your intro, you'll be able to hold conversations with perfect strangers and who knows, you may even be able to stand up in front of a room full of those strangers and share your words of wisdom at some point in the future.

Related articles

• Networking Tip #22 Make It Personal (clareevans.blogspot.com)
• Networking Tips #16 How Not To Network (clareevans.blogspot.com)