I just returned from two amazing conferences and was fortunate to speak at both.

The speaking experiences were, as always, tons of fun, and the two different people I presented with offered wonderful experiences that can never be duplicated.

But what I gained most from this year’s experience was the rich networking! Before joining the Board of NE (Nutrition Entrepreneur’s Dietetic Practice Group of ADA), I would quietly attend conferences, going to sessions and then disappearing into my room for rest and workouts.

As with most of us, networking was work!

Why is networking important and what can you do to benefit from it?

First, often people shy away from ‘networking’ because they suddenly think they have nothing to share. “What WILL I say?” Here is the first mistake; thinking it’s about you! Stop thinking about YOU and start thinking about who you would like to meet: There may be particular people, or maybe you just want to ‘get out there’. You’re not going to like everyone you meet, but you may also meet someone who you totally click with and suddenly start talking about exciting collaborative opportunities with. This is what happened to me this trip.

So, step into a networking event/opportunity with the sole purpose of learning about the people who are there. Period. Make SURE you have cards with you, but when you ask someone what they do, if you’re interested, ask them for a card, and when you’re done talking, make a note on their card, so you can remember what you were interested in about them. This helps you add a personal touch when you contact them afterwards.

Second, be very clear what YOU would like to accomplish from the experience. Be focused on what YOU have to offer. Do you have a new book out? Or maybe you are writing a book? Maybe you are expanding your nutrition or fitness business and need clients. Never expect to come away with new clients; you’re just putting the word out, but again, be very clear what you hope to accomplish for yourself, too. Do you have your audio logo (elevator speech) perfected? If not, work on it, now! (for help, buy my book). People should know what problems you solve, who you work with, and what makes you different, in just 30 seconds.

Finally, if you are clear what you want, when you meet people who you want to get to know more, the way the universe provides you with what you want is by asking. So, tell people what you are looking for! You will be amazed by the willingness of people to help, if you’re open and honest, AND you also care about what THEY want.

Now what?

You’re now home and you have all these cards. Who do you want to stay in touch with? Just about everyone, today, has an email address on their card, so, within a week, be sure to contact those you enjoyed meeting and want to stay in touch with. You’ll be amazed when, one day you look back and realize that the partner you have for your wildly successful venture was once that last person you almost did NOT say hi to at that networking event.

Here’s my challenge to you:

Pick one way you can push outside your own comfort zone in order to network. Share it with me. I’d also love to hear networking success stories. This will help inspire others to know that they are not alone when it comes to the fear of networking.

Margie

http://www.meg-enterprises.com

Now that I’m done with school, I am ready for the next step, which is to expand my speaking career and create new and more valuable services for my clients.

And as I consider these next steps, my initial plan is to update my marketing plan. But, even before I do that, it dawned on me that I need to follow my own process that has been so successful for my own clients, which involves re-evaluating my vision, identifying my ideal clients and clarifying my unique essence.

What am I talking about and why are these important? Many of the people I work with are health, fitness and service professionals. They know nothing of business plans and marketing plans. In fact, it sends shivers down their spines thinking about such things. However, in order to succeed in business, and I mean REALLY succeed, you must first determine your vision, then develop a goal, then map out the plan. This is the focus that every business must have, preferably in the beginning, but if not then, at least at SOME time!

If you have a business, or are dreaming of, or starting, a business, take a step back and ask yourself if you have worked through this process:

1- What is your vision? What is it you really want to create? Who do you want to be known as?

2 – Who is your ideal client? What makes that person tick, what are their pains and challenges?

3 – What is your unique essence? Your competitive edge? Why would your ideal client come to you instead of someone else? What is great about you?

4 – Do the planning. A business plan is putting your goals and objectives down on paper. A marketing plan is an action plan for how you will achieve these goals and objectives.

5 – Make sure to have a process to measure your progress. You want to know what works and doesn’t work. The last thing you want to do is keep doing the same things that do NOT produce results.

Owning and running a business is a process. It never ends. And, above it all, you want focus to keep you fresh, fulfilled, and successful.

If you’re curious about this process I talk about, I would first suggest that you check out my book, “Just Jump“  at http://www.californiabasedpublishing.com, or my coaching services at http://www.meg-enterprises.com.

I would also like to invite you to register for my free weekly eblast. Not only do readers get a short email that highlights pertinent business information, but also health information they can either use for themselves or for their clients. I also include special offers that are not always available from the website.

Margie