Just a quick post. I had someone today tell me that they gave my card out to someone. I have other thoughts about this comment, which I’ll post later.
In my opinion, giving out someone’s card for a referral is like writing your name on the bathroom stall and saying “Call me.”
No one ever does.
Don’t give out someone’s business card and tell them to call. Take ownership and either call them together or you make the call on their behalf!
I was at a networking function last week. It was a show up and talk to people event. One person didn’t have any business cards with them. Another had trouble finding their business cards. Ugh.
If you are there to make connections – Make sure you have business cards and ask for the other person’s business card.
While attending the January 2009 Woodinville Chamber of Commerce luncheon, I used the One-Two punch approach. Here’s how it works.
Step one is to approach the person and say “We haven’t met, my name is Bert Mills.” Hold out your hand. The person will always shake your hand and provide their name (Remember it!!!!)
Step two is to ask “What type of business do you have?” They’ll respond. If they don’t keep talking, then follow up with “that is interesting, tell me more.”
I use this approach a lot. It gets the person talking and you learn a lot about them. In time, they will ask about you and you’ll be able to share with them what you do.
Metcalf Chiropractic Health Center
My family and I really like Dr. Metcalf. We’ve recommend several people to his office. He has friendly staff and is flexible with appointments. We are on the family wellness program, so we pay a low monthly fee for everyone and we can go as often as we’d like. It’s Great!!! If you are looking for a chiropractor or relief from pain, Dr. Metcalf is the guy to call. 425-8446428
Take the Plunge
My first Woodinville networking meeting was a Woodinville Chamber of Commerce morning breakfast. I had to print out a map because I wasn’t even sure where to go. It was at Brittany Park, an active retirement community. It was a little different for me because I had no idea where I was going.
Tip One – Just do it. I could have made a lot of excuses for not going. Lost. Odd location for me. Complete unknown. Well everything is going to be new the first time, so just do it.
Tip Two – Walk up to the first person you see and say Hi, I’m Bert (feel free to use my name if you want) It gets the conversation started.
Tip Three – Relax. Go with the flow. You’re a newbie at the meeting. Those who go regularly will know you are new and those who don’t – won’t know you are a newbie. It’s okay if you only talk to the first person you saw. You at least got used to going.
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