NJ Business Networking Blog

Looking for some valuable networking advice to carry with you to your next networking event? Watch this video by Andrea Nierenberg for some good thoughts.

Why is asking for referrals so hard to do sometimes? After all, word of mouth is the most effective form of advertising, so why do we jeopardize our own efforts by hesitating to talk about them? It’s almost like a dirty deed that we fear will make us look like aggressive salespeople rather than seasoned professionals.

Asking For Referrals Demonstrates the Following Important Elements:

1. Your Level of Confident Professionalism. The opposite is actually the truth. By not discussing, you are not showing the level of confidence required to build a successful business. While some people will be so impressed with what you do they will feel compelled to tell others, there are people that won’t be sure if you are receptive to new clients. How will they know you are open to referrals unless you start asking for referrals? Read more »

Pay it Forward (Warner Brothers Pictures, 2000), is one of my favorite movies. In it, a young boy has a remarkable idea that instead of paying someone back for a kindness they have given, you pay someone forward with a kindness you have to offer. The rules of paying it forward are simple:

#1 It has to be something that really helps people.

#2 Something they can’t do by themselves.

#3 I do it for them, they do it for three other people Read more »

Business networking events are ideal places to meet new clients. But it’s not enough to just show up. If you park yourself at a table, or gossip with your business partner, you won’t make any new connections.

The problem often lies in knowing what to say. For most people, it’s intimidating to approach a stranger, introduce yourself, and start a conversation.

Chances are, before heading out to a business or social event, you think about what you will wear, how you will get to the event, and even where you will park. How often do you plan what you will say once you get there?

This article gives you 7 tips to help you prepare for a networking event, so you never feel tong-tied or at a loss for words.

Before the event, use these ideas to plan three or four conversation topics : Read more »

Turning contacts into allies is of critical importance for maximum results in your networking. Remember, though, it is always necessary to provide VALUE for others as well when networking.

The gradual relationship building process is not only about you and your needs, it is about the other person almost moreso.

Understand this, and your networking efforts will be greatly rewarded.

Welcome to the all new NJ Business Networking Blog. We will be updating the blog periodically with networking tips, methods, techniques, and videos, as well as discussing a variety of business networking related topics.

 Please feel free to comment on any of our topics as an interactive Blog will be much more valuable to our community.

Be sure to get subscribed to our networking newsletter as well here to receive email updates of local events and business networking functions. You may also check our up to date events schedule here.

Thanks for reading and we look forward to providing you with value on our new blog. jj

Be back again soon with another post.