11 Steps to Business Referral Networking in Kansas City

Frequently, we are asked how we are able to network so efficiently. Later this month, we will be giving 3 presentations on business networking.

There really isn't an exact science to networking. We have created our ten steps of networking efficiently, but before we proceed, I want to go to the Golden Rule of Networking. The Golden Rule of networking is Give.

Give FIRST....ALWAYS.

Give before you ask for a referral. When you give, give something of value to the person who you are asking for a referral from.

Now to our 11 steps to Business Referral Networking:

1) Connect with people you don't know everywhere you go. Cocktail parties, weddings and sports parties are great events to talk to people and make business networking connections. Don't forget the restaurant lines, supermarkets, spring festivals, coffee houses and so on. There is a great networking opportunity at the Fox and the Hound on April 21st from 5:00-7 (view Calendar).

2) Learn to ask the right questions like "What do you do?" with comfort, sincerity and interest. People don't want to hear you talk. Learn to ask questions.

3) Become a great listener. Ask questions and be quiet until you hear the answer. Listen for important trigger words.

4) Practice your 30 second infomercial frequently. Learn how to tailor your infomercial to your business referral prospects. If you need help, Jerry Smith is a master.

5) Whether you use brochures, business cards or websites to market yourself, keep them updated.

6) Join business networking groups, social media groups, meetups and social groups. Examples of groups to join are: Kansas City Networking, Social Media Club of Kansas City, Internet Marketing & Social Media Group & Business Network International

7) Follow-up on every business referral prospect you meet and add them to your address book.

8) Add your business referral prospects to your social media channels like Facebook, Twitter and Ning.

9) Use an online business card system to connect with business referral prospects. This simplifies future updates. Examples are DubMeNow and Retaggr

10) Follow-up on any lead, no matter how minor it may seem. Sometimes people will test your follow-up skills first before they send you a great referral.

11) Use social media to network. Add friends on Facebook, Build a Facebook Fan Page, Add Followers on Twitter and more . . . If you need help, checkout our free eBook "Learn How To Recession Proof Your Kansas City Business."

Hope this helps. If you need additional help feel or you would like to form a business referral relationship, feel free to contact us at:

Chris Dowell

Phone: (913) 712-9313

Email: cd@Dowelltaggart.com

Facebook: http://www.DowellTaggart.com

Facebook Fan Page: http://companies.to/dowelltaggartteam/

Twitter: http://www.Twitter.com/Dowelltaggart

Martin Taggart

Phone: (913) 712-9204

Email: MartinTag@gmail.com

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/MartyTaggart

Kansas City Networking

Let us know what you think or add to our blog by writing a comment.