Author :

Donna Messer

Donna Messer is a networking expert. She is the author of “Effective Networking Strategies” a Canadian Best Seller. Donna is a motivational speaker, addressing audiences on three continents. To reach Donna or get a copy of her book - www.connectuscanada.com

Making the right connections is one of the most important keys to success for anyone. Today, we have the opportunity to be surrounded by citizens from all countries. How can we build the bridges that will maximize our potential? We have become global citizens. Governments around the world are seeing tremendous capacity for universal growth. In order to take advantage of local government initiatives, like funding for business growth, we need to tap into the power that surrounds us. Making connections or networking is the best way to tap into that power. We start with who we know, it doesn’t need to be a government official or even a member of local parliament - it just needs to someone who knows someone, who knows someone...







Who makes up your Network?



Everyone in your life is part of your network, and it’s probably bigger than you think. They can all help you and you can help them. You need to learn what you can about each individual. Acknowledge their skills, experiences, talents and needs. The people you know are "warm” leads, a direct connection to anything you need. It’s much easier to build on that warmth by expanding your knowledge of these people, than it is to pursue“ cold’ leads.



• Family. Look at each family member as a well-rounded individual with skills and identifiable backgrounds. You can tap into their knowledge and their networks.



• Friends. Your friends have skills you may not be aware of. Ask. They have their own networks. Ask to be introduced.



• Neighbors. Your physical proximity gives you a unique chance to develop closer ties. Find out who your neighbors are. You know you already have one thing in common - your choice of residence.



• Professional in your field. You may not work directly with them, but you share the same career choice. You can advise and support each other over common issues.



• Suppliers. You do business with them anyway. Find out more about them. They might need your services.



• Clients. You serve them and you have built up a relationship of trust. Ask them to serve you by providing introductions and referrals.



• Co-workers. You likely spend more waking hours with these people than you do with you family or friends. How well to you really know them? Find out more. You may be able to help each other.



• Clubs or Association Members. If you are involved with any community or professional associations or activities, you have a ready-made network. Most people join these groups to meet others. The door is already open.



• Volunteer Groups. One of the most prevalent reasons people volunteer is to meet others and to feel a part of something. Get to know your fellow volunteers better.



• Acquaintances. You meet dozens of people in work and social settings. Don’t waste these opportunities. Ask each person you meet to tell you more about themselves. Friendships often begin this way. Good networks always do.



Now that you know who makes up your network, you need to decide how best to use those contacts. If you are going to build an effective network, you better have a plan. Networking is the single most effective way to build business and good networking skills will guarantee continued growth.





The Plan - Steps to Good Networking in Franchising



• Planning. Develop a SMART objective (specific, measurable, action-oriented, realistic, time-bound). Develop detailed strategies to meet your objective. This becomes your action plan.



• Research. Research various networking groups and associations to find out which ones will work for you. Research your contacts by asking them questions, so you will know with whom you are dealing. Research every possible opportunity. Keep your eyes and ears on the news, current events, and local developments.



• Self Promotion. Promote yourself effectively. Understand your features and benefits (your strengths and how to use them) and learn how to express them. (SMILE and ASK infomercial)



• Communications. Communicate effectively. Good communications are invaluable in any situation. Be articulate, concise, enthusiastic, honest, open. Use language with which you are comfortable but make sure it is powerful. Don’t forget the other side of communicating: listening. This is as important as speaking. Don’t make the mistake so many people do. Rather than listening, they spend their time thinking of the next thing they are going to say, thus taking virtually nothing in at all.



• Think Creatively. Solve problems and maximize opportunities with innovative ideas. Rarely does an answer present itself in back and white. You have to assemble it, create it, and think it through.



• Follow through. Follow through on your commitments, both to yourself and others. A good referral or piece of advice only becomes activated into help when you follow it up.



• Record keeping. Take full and accurate notes. Otherwise, you will never remember what you’ve committed to do. Keep lists, schedules, cross-referenced files. Write reminder notes about people you’ve met on the back of their business cards. Remember to keep your business cards in your right pocket and collected cards in your left pocket, this way you don’t give out someone else’s card.



• Organization. Organize yourself: your thoughts, your notes, your files, and your time. This takes time in the short run, but will save you tenfold in the long run. Use a good database, organize by category and use codes for easy identification.



• Teamwork. Work hard for others and the rewards will come back to you ten times over.