3 “MUST” Networking Tips for Women Business Owners

I was recently asked if I had ever felt funny networking at a mixed gender event. Well, first of all, life is a mixed gender event. Second, I never have felt “funny” but I’ve always been a straight forward person who has worked among more men than women. That’s when it occurred to me that new business owners, who happen to be female, may need some tips on networking.
So, I went back and checked-in with the woman who asked me this question. I wanted to know what her experience was that she would ask me such a question. It turns out, she felt that men may have mistaken her business advances as an excuse to flirt. She was concerned about lines being perceived wrong at mixed gender events.

As a result of her question, I’ve put together 3 tips to help females new to business ownership proudly boast their companies, and build professional relationships, without feeling “funny.”
1. Practice your elevator pitch in the car and into a recording device. There are many apps that can record your thoughts while driving. Download one on your smart phone. Practice several elevator pitches in the car on the way into work. 8 hours (or more) later when driving home, listen to them. You will know what sounds great, what makes you cringe, and what to polish.
2. Be a giver. Don’t go into any event seeking a business deal or referral source. Instead, offer to do something for everyone you meet. This way, no single person feels you’re offering an “extra special” incentive because you’re interested in him or her. For example, if you own a bakery- have special business cards printed up with an offer for a free brownie every time the person visits your shop in-person.
3. Don’t drink more than one glass of wine and no hard liquor. This goes for any event at any point during your career as a business owner. No one likes a sloppy drunk and no one will take someone who can’t be responsible with their liquor intake at a corporate event seriously- especially when it comes to signing a contract or referring business to that same person.
Have more questions? Let’s connect on Twitter.

Twyla Garrett

3 Self-Descriptive Words That Make Yourself Look Stupid!

One important part of networking is being able to describe yourself within a minute or less. But, describing yourself is an art. If you say too little about yourself- you appear weak and not confident. If you say too much- you're a jerk. I know the secret to making a great first impression and I'm not afraid to share it with you.

There are three words you don't want to use-ever- when talking about yourself. What are they? Well, they are more than simple words- they are how you use the words. Keep reading.....

#1. Taking credit for your obligations. Any word or series of words that describes yourself doing something that you're suppose to be doing is wrong. For example, 'I'm a great parent' or 'I'm a manager who likes to respond to problems'. No one wants to hear you praise yourself for doing what you are suppose to do. Stay away from this ego trap.

#2. Innovative. Just saying that your innovative shows that you're not. Not everyone has to be innovative. This term drives me, and others, crazy because it is a cop-out phrase. Think about it... 'My name is Mark and I'm an innovator'. Really? Unless you've impacted the way I live-you're not an innovator. On the flip side, if someone uses this term to describe who they are to you- call him or her on it. Ask them how they are an innovator and watch them get stuck!

#3. Unique. This term is so generic. Describing yourself or your business as 'unique' is a turnoff. How about coming up with ways to show why you or your company is better than your competition? Try it, it will work for you at your next marketing event!

Self-descriptions are hard. Don't take credit for your obligations and don't use the words innovative or unique at your next marketing event and you will have more success- I promise!

Until next time,

Twyla

Networking.... Your Biggest Problem.

No matter what you do for a living, you will have to network at some point. So, what is the trick? Well, there are lots of them out there. In fact, I've covered them a few times right here on my blog. Today I want to talk about the biggest networking mistake you can make.

Failing to nurture relationships is the biggest mistake you can make. Tossing away a business card or not following up with someone based upon an "not needed, nothing he/she can do for me now" attitude could kill your future business. Small connections can lead to big contracts. I've learned this time and time again.

When you make a connection schedule a time to send a personal thank you note within 48 hours. If you're too busy, get someone to help you with this. Personal notes are crucial.

Next, schedule follow-ups. Yes, you want to schedule times to touch base with everyone. I like to schedule a touch-base email every 45 days. There are lots of software and cloud computing products out there can help you personalize mass emails with the click of a button!

Finally, I host an annual holiday part for my contacts. Don't just hold one for your employees. Have a networking party around the holidays for your contacts, your employees, and your employees contacts. If you're not an employer, send holiday cards to your contacts.

Staying available allows people to refer business to you and visa versa. You never want to be out of sight and out of mind.

Twyla

There's Networking and then there's NETWORKING!

Are you likable? If not, you can network until the cows come home and you will not get anywhere! Networking isn't about how many people you meet or friends you have on Facebook. Networking is about REAL relationships and the picture people have of you when your name is mentioned in a crowd! So, are you networking or are you NETWORKING?!

Here are my tips to make solid business connections that truly are genuine.
First, don't slouch but don't stand up too tall. Believe it or not, standing too tall or posed can make someone look snooty or unapproachable- and you don't want that. So, be relaxed when meeting new people. Don't be overly formal.

Next, always tilt your head forward and smile. Some people are intimated by those in power. They clam up and the lack of smile sends the wrong message. Tilting your head forward with a nice smile helps put you and the person you are meeting in a relaxed state. Also, patting someone on their right shoulder works. For women this can be a challenge. We women always want to be friendly but not misread as coming on to someone. So, use this tip if you feel it is appropriate and will not lead to any misunderstandings.

Lastly, don't pitch yourself- at least not right away. Ask questions (not too personal) about the person you are networking with. Be honest with your answers and your interest. People LOVE to talk about themselves, so let them! They will associate you as a great conversationalist even though you, in fact, said very little. This trick is used by some of the best sales people in the business. Ask questions, collect information, stay interested, and then follow up with a thank-you note that pulls something personal from the conversation!

I hope this networking advice has helped you. Do you have networking tricks? Send them in or message me on Twitter!

Twyla

Are You Networking?

Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn.... it can all get very overwhelming at times. But, these social media tools play an essential role in your networking ability- and ability to make a profit in business.

Below are my tips on how to network better!

#1 - Don't collect a business card or make online contact with the "how can I benefit" attitude. People will see right through it. Don't be a user, be a networker. It is an art. Be genuine and you will build a genuine relationship!

#2- Listen. Yes, listen. If you are busy pitching a new friend, you are busy missing out on what that friend needs and how you can help. A pitch is good but you may be selling the wrong service to the right person. So, take time to listen before you offer a solution.

#3- Lastly, follow-up. The handwritten note is dated. I get it. But take the time to link up , social media wise, with your new contact and thank them for following you in advance. If you believe the lead is worth it then send an e-thank you card. Starbucks and other eateries offer this service right from Facebook!

Try these three tips and I promise you an increase in brand recognition and sales!

Until next time....
Twyla