Consistency is the key to good networking!

[Fred T. Gruber Jr.]

Would you like to get more business from networking? Of course you do. Networking takes some effort and patience. Being consistently consistent, will get you the results you desire! Here are some important things, to keep in mind.

Attendance: If you want to get the most out of networking, you have to be present. You don't have to go to a dozen different groups. Find a few good groups and attend regularly. There are many people who come to networking groups, a couple of times and then disappear. They say that they aren't getting anything out of it. 

Patience: Not everyone is going to need your services now but eventually someone will. Showing up regularly will help you to build relationships and earn trust. People feel comfortable dealing with people they know. When they are in need of what you do, they will think of you first.

Be prepared: Make sure you have plenty of business cards or other marketing materials with you. If you can do a 30 second speech, plan ahead. Make sure that what you say will be memorable and attention getting.

Be helpful: Listen and find opportunities to help others. If you are only interested in what you have to sell, people will pick up on it and are less likely to want to connect with you. When you help others, you show that you are a kind and considerate person.

Give aways: People love free things. If you are allowed, give away something that will make people remember you. You could give a promotional product or discount off of your services.

Stay focused: Many people tend to drop off from networking when they get busy. If at all possible, try to make as many networking events as you are able to. Years ago, I made that mistake and realized that I could have had more work during the slower season, if I had stayed focused.

Networking consistently has helped our business tremendously. There are many carpet cleaners having a tough time staying afloat. Without networking with some amazing people, we'd be having a tough time, as well.