In business – closing the deal, achieving success, and moving to the next level can sometimes be as much about who you know as it is about what you know. This doesn’t mean that having friends in the right places is always a fast ticket to the top, it means that creating networks of the right kind of people can drive your success to new levels.
If you shy away from networking opportunities then you are missing out on the chance to progress in the present and in the future.
If networking isn’t your strong suit or you want to improve how you engage with potential opportunities follow these six easy steps to get you started.
- Do your homework – having an understanding of what the people in your circles do for a living will help you identify opportunities for your business.
- Be open – create conversation, introduce yourself, initiate further contact
- Be available – listen to others, give advice when asked, offer help where needed, be available for further discussion or contact
- Follow up – once you have made a connection follow up with an email or phone call to establish the connection further
- Put yourself out there – attend seminars, workshops or networking meetings to widen your circle of contacts
- Do a good job – when you are working with someone, providing a service or offer advice do a good job and go above and beyond to exceed expectations, this will create referrals.
Networking is about building relationships, not about selling. Create mutually beneficial relationships with people you know will be able to benefit from what you offer.
Simple body language techniques like smiling, making eye contact and a firm handshake go a long way to building good networks for your business.
Doesn’t it just sound great: working from home, being your own boss, setting your own working hours and unleashing your full business potential. It doesn’t just have to sound great – it is great and it can be done!
You might think that this is a dream for most and a reality for a few. Well, consider this your wake-up call, because you can do it too! Starting your own business from home is not that hard at all. You don’t have to have a fancy degree, nor do you have to have a money tree in your back garden or have any special skill. You just need your brain and determination.
Running your own business from home is very rewarding. Anybody can do it and so can you. Once you get started, your overhead costs are very low. Of course you need to purchase some products, but other than that it doesn’t have to be expensive.
There are however- as is the case with everything- a few do’s and don’ts, yes’ and no’s. Yes, you can create a lucrative income for you and your family if you work hard (Richard Branson and Donald Trump started at the bottom of the ladder as well…). No, you will not earn a CEO income by just filling out surveys on the web. Do invest in courses, solid sources of information and yourself. Don’t ‘invest’ in online scam’s that promise you thousands of dollars after you’ve paid $169 to them.
The most important thing of setting up shop is to research what you’re getting in to. By this I mean that you need to realise that you’ll most likely not receive a steady pay check for a while. However much you make the first few years will most likely go back in to your business. So prepare yourself mentally to part ways with retail therapy for a little while.
However, keep the bigger picture in mind: every big-timer (think Robert Kiyosaki) embarked on this same adventure like you are now. It’s crucial to have the support of your spouse and kids. Money might be a little bit tighter for a while and you working from home will require adjustments from everybody- even from the cat, the canary and the dog.
On a more practical note- you will need to know your market and your product inside out (if you have one). If you’re looking at a ‘typical’ home-based business such as direct selling, look for one that’s a member of the Direct Selling Association (DSA).
Learn how to run a business (say hello to DIY library books), soak up any useful information you can get your greedy little hands on and research your competitors. Remember, research is your new best friend!
Talking about research- if you really want to know how running your own business can work for you, talk to people who have been in the business for some time. There is nothing more valuable than gaining that knowledge first hand- straight from the business leaders themselves! They are happy to share their knowledge and experience with you. Most companies also offer training or events where you can meet, greet and learn a whole lot more. So don’t be shy- give them a call!
So, in a nutshell; no home based business- or any business for that matter- is an overnight success. Bill Gates’ wasn’t, so yours most likely won’t be either. However, success will happen if you believe in it. And that’s pretty much the only thing you need to do- learn, start, and believe in yourself.
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