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GreatFX Business Cards Small Business Buzz The 411 on Schmoozing
Small Business Buzz
The 411 on SchmoozingA doubleshot of business news espresso with extra froth
What’s the Point? Go Public Once you’ve met someone in person, it’s e-mail and phone that are the best way to keep that connection strong. Granted, you want to try and go to lunch with them every once in awhile to catch up in person, but every medium of communication is equally important in keeping that business relationship thriving. Use Leading Questions Don’t Let Business Chatter Dominate For example, my own passions include quality time with my family, kids, photography, sewing, scrapbooking and literature. Kawasaki shares that his passions include children, Macintosh, Breitling watches, digital photography and hockey. Right there, Kawasaki and I could have a conversation about kids or photography that would help to make our business relationship more legitimate. It’s about finding common ground to share and connect on other levels. Brush Up on the World
Also, be sure that you have contact information readily available to every person you meet. Of course, the easiest way to accomplish this is through providing them with a business card, so always have some on hand. And be sure that they contain all of your contact information, including telephone numbers, e-mail, website, and mailing address, and that it is easy to read. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Schmoozing isn’t exactly a word I like, as it seems to imply deceitfulness in some fashion, but you do need to brown-nose a bit in order to get things moving as you network with other businesses and clients. Essentially, though, it shouldn’t be about sucking-up to get in the door, but about being genuinely a polite and giving person. Just don’t let it become something you only do in the beginning of a business relationship. It really should be a practice for everyone you meet and come into contact with… to have meaningful conversations, stay in contact, and provide favors for everyone who is a part of your life, not just those that benefit the success of your business. Related Buzz Posts: Saving Time on the Telephone Picking the Right Business Partner How Accessible are You? Direct Mail Marketing Tips (2 of 2) By Michelle Cramer Wednesday, October 10th, 2007 @ 3:36 PM CDT Networking | |
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