Using A Contact Database To Help With Follow Up

March 19, 2010 By Leave a Comment

There is no point attending any networking event if you don’t follow up on any of the contacts that you make. This is one frustration I have with fellow networkers when they don’t bother to follow up – why attend if you don’t want to build a relationship?

After speaking with someone, write down details of your conversation on their business card so that you can record the information on your database for future use.

This is where you can take the initiative and be proactive with your networking. Take the lead and call or email the people you connected with.

As a starting point to the follow up, look at your database for information on common interests or the conversation you had so that you can use this to continue to build your relationship.

Contact Database / Management
Once you start attending networking events, you are going to start collecting a lot of business cards. You need to make sure you have some sort of database that you can store all this information on.

I receive a lot of business cards on my travels but I don’t have any in my office apart from my own. That’s because all the information has been put onto my contacts database. 

Top tip: Record all details from the business card on your database including the postal address (Christmas cards, thank you notes etc).

There are a variety of different databases that you can use and include:

Excel
A spreadsheet is nice and easy to use for a database. I use a spreadsheet for both my businesses as a ‘flat database’ as I have different worksheets for different aspects.

CRM software
Dedicated CRM software like ACT is fully integrated and is something that can record every contact you have with people.

Outlook
Depending on which version you use, you can use the contacts section or Business Contact Manager to store the information. Outlook can also link all your contact with people.

Access
This is the traditional database but many people aren’t sure how to use it to its full capacity. If you are not familiar with this software, I would recommend you use something simpler.

Just remember to choose something that is easy to maintain as it is something that needs to be up to date in order for it to be used effectively.

Want to learn how to use networking effectively to build your Virtual Assistant business? Check out our practical Networking for Virtual Assistants Online Course.

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Preparing for Networking

March 17, 2010 By Leave a Comment

As the old saying goes, you only get one chance to create a good first impression. When you are running your own business, it’s imperative that within the first few seconds of meeting you or being introduced to your business, you create a great first impression. In the following series, we’ll give you some simple tips that will have the prospects that you meet being impressed by you, liking you and, critically, wanting to do business with you.

Looking Good?
Is your blouse ironed or are your shoes in need of a polish? It may sound immaterial but in the eyes of your potential client the care you take over your appearance symbolises the level of care and attention to detail you would take over their work. If you turn up with chipped nail polish and lipstick on your teeth they may wonder if you going to send out their letters with spelling mistakes or send emails to the wrong people. Make time to check your appearance before meeting your prospects.

Oozing Confidence?
Now you’re sure you look the part you can walk into any room with your head held high and confidence intact. Arrive in plenty of time for any appointment as you don’t want to be rushed. Stand up straight and tall and look the other person in the eye when introducing yourself, and don’t forget to shake hands firmly – no-one likes a limp lettuce handshake!

For more information about networking, have a look at our Networking for Virtual Assistants Online Course at: http://vasuccessgroup.co.uk/virtual-assistant-online-courses/networking-for-virtual-assistants/
 

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Effective Follow Up To Maximise Results from Your Networking Activities

March 12, 2010 By Leave a Comment

There is no point attending any networking event if you don’t follow up on any of the contacts that you make. This is one frustration I have with fellow networkers when they don’t bother to follow up – why attend if you don’t want to build a relationship?

However, a lot of people don’t follow up with contacts for a number of reasons but this is something you need to get in the habit of doing so that you can become a great networker.

You must contact people as soon as possible after any event to be effective so a good rule is to contact within 24 hours.

If you really got on with the person you met and felt a connection, call them to reintroduce yourself.  If you don’t like using the phone, email them to say it was great to meet them.  This is your opportunity to do anything you said you were going to do e.g. send information, a contact etc so make sure you do it.

Making contact is one thing that will make you stand out from all the other people they met at the event and means you are now top of mind if they come across a contact who needs your services!

Another way to make contact is to arrange to meet up for what is known in networking circles as a 1 – 1 meeting.  This should be an informal chat, perhaps over coffee, where you learn about each other and start building a business relationship. 

1 – 1 meetings should not be about sales, so keep it relaxed and just ask questions to learn more about the person and the business.  This gets the best results

So, to maximise the results from your networking activities, make sure you contact people after each event and start getting together for informal 1 – 1 meetings.

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Networking for New Clients

March 10, 2010 By Leave a Comment

If up until now you’ve been an employee, you might never have been to a networking event before. The whole idea is that everyone who goes along is a business owner or key decision maker in their business and is there, like everyone else, to promote their product or service. The beauty of networking is that if you attend groups regularly, people get to know and trust you and are happy to work with you if they need a virtual assistant or refer business your way.

Now I could write a whole series on the subject of networking alone but these are the basics. If it is your first time networking I would initially go to an informal group as this will help you get your confidence and see how they work. Do an Internet search on networking and you town and you should find a whole range of groups in your area. Have a look for one that takes your fancy and book on. Most groups will let you attend one or two meetings before asking you to take out a membership so make full use of all the free trails until you find a group that you like. Some groups are free but you will find that those that charge a membership fee are often more formal business networking groups and produce more clients and referrals.

Again don’t forget that anyone you speak to may know someone who needs a virtual assistant so don’t dismiss anyone on first impressions and also remember that networking is two way so if you can put those you meet in touch with anyone they would be interested in, do it. You will be remembered for it and that’s the first step in getting referrals.

For more information about networking, have a look at our Networking for Virtual Assistants Online Course at: http://vasuccessgroup.co.uk/virtual-assistant-online-courses/networking-for-virtual-assistants/ 
 

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