The,Art,Networking,Before,ther marketing The Art of Networking
Automation technologies represent a fundamental aspect of any modern industry. The major types of industrial automation solutions, such as DCS, PLC, SCADA, and MES, are used on a large-scale in process and discrete industries.DCS technologie Awhile ago, I got an email from one of the "gurus" I follow and it shocked me. The gist of it was this person wanted to trade services for a household item.To say it floored me would be an understatement.What was worse was a few days later t
Before there were computers and the Internet, before televisionand radio, before phones and electricity, business people stillhad to find ways to promote their businesses. The archaicpromotional technique they used is still in practice today. Thetechnique I speak of is networking; probably the oldest, mostaccepted, and least expensive means of promoting yourself or yourbusiness.But why worry about networking, when modern technology allows usto do all our marketing and promotions without ever speaking toanother human being? Because real human interaction is usually abetter gauge of how well you are presenting your message, than amarketing survey.Networking not only helps you stay informed of how individualsfeel about what you do, but also allows you to position yourselfin the marketplace and stay on the cutting edge. With networking,you spin a web of tangible relationships and powerful alliances.However, before you start shmoozing with the best of them, youneed to learn how to approach people. You can't just walk up to astranger in the food court line and start jabbering about yourbusiness. There is an art to networking that starts with learninghow to approach people.Notice what books, magazines, and newspapers people carry. Sayyou own an interior design company and you see someone reading amagazine like "Better Homes and Gardens." Maybe you've read anarticle in that magazine that you can discuss with this person.Comment on the article or headline and try to get a conversationgoing. Be sure to ask the person what they do to discern whetherthis is a business contact or a potential customer.Be careful about appearing to be an opportunist. Express genuineinterest in what your contact's opinions are, and listen closelyto what they say to find your "in point."Remember, not everyone will be receptive to your efforts. If youlimit your networking to approaching random people on the street,then chances are you will be rejected more often.Networking at conferences, workshops, and organization meetingslike the Chamber of Commerce are bound to elicit more results.But never ignore a chance to simply get out on the street andtalk to regular people. You never know; you might gain your bestcustomer while waiting for the bus.
The,Art,Networking,Before,ther