How many of you attend networking events with the intent to sell? How many of you ever sell at networking events? When Virginia Muzquiz of Referral Institute asks those two simple questions, almost every hand is raised at her first question & only a few hands are raised after her second question? Now, ask yourself, “Do I go to networking events to sell or buy?”
I totally agree with Virginia that attending networking events is about building relationships, not about buying or selling. If our statement is true then, “Why do so many of us continue to attend networking events over and over again and expect different results?” Another way to put it, quoting Dr. Phil is “And how is that working for you?”
During one of Virginia Muzquiz’s recent Fill Your Pipeline Workshops, she explained that following up with a note or a card is a good first step in building a new relationship. As a Send Out Cards Manager, I totally agree with Virginia that we should target only a couple of people we want to meet at any given networking event.
A new term I heard recently when referring to sending out a note or card is called ‘pinging.’ The word 'ping' comes from a submarine sonar search, meaning if you send a short sound burst and listen for an echo or a 'ping' coming back. In networking terms, when you send out a ping, whether with an email, a phone call or a hand- written note, you’re inviting that person to 'come back' and communicate with you thus beginning a relationship with that person…one that is, hopefully, mutually beneficial.
A hand-written note differentiates your business from every other business. I love sending a Send Out Cards card because I am almost guaranteed the recipient will open my SOC card and make time to read it. When was the last time you received a hand-written note from someone you met at a business setting was? Chances are if you received a card, you almost always remember who sent you that card.
I run into people all the time who thank me for a card that I sent them. Because I am always thinking of the next company, the next friend, the next prompting, I don’t always necessary remember I sent a card, until I hear those magical words, “Thanks for the card.” I see a smile or hear a smile in their voice over the phone. The ‘ping’ comes back to me & I know then that the bridge of a new friendship is being created.
The next time you are out networking, why not try following up with sending 2 or 3 personalized cards instead of a form letter or an email to 50 or 100 people you don’t know or met? Doesn’t that sound so much easier and more likely to get accomplished? (*send 2 or 3?)
SendOutCards.com builds businesses one card at a time. It’s an old fashion way of doing business with great results. If you want corn, you have to plant the seeds first. If you want to grow your business, try sending a card of gratitude and appreciation today. Just click on the link and make sure you include the referral code of 128092
Guest Blogger – Lory Fabian, Marketing Distributor for Send Out Cards, LLC
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