Networking is like Black Jack
Playing Black Jack (aka '21') requires that you play by the rules, or you ruin it for the other players. When the dealer has a card showing between 2 and 6, you never risk going over 21. That's the rule. More times than not, you will come out ahead and so will everyone at the table.
You need to know and follow the rules in networking, too, or you risk upsetting everyone at the table! For example, when you have 30 seconds to talk about your business, respect that time.
When you follow the rules consistently in Black Jack - combined with some skill - you win. When you follow the rules consistently in networking - combined with some skill - you win there, too!
One of the rules that - when followed consistently - will work for you, is to network at the right location. Either you attend networking events where your target market hangs out (direct) or where your strategic alliances gather (indirect).
For me, because there are numerous networking groups organized just so my target market can gather, I am able to gather where they meet. I target women small business owners. If you have not yet selected a target, consider in your selection process how accessible they are as well as if they will actually pay you for your product/service.
Another important rule of networking is to give it enough time. If you only attend sporadically and/or expect great returns after only a few visits, you will probably be disappointed. The way you win at networking is to build relationships with people so you will be the first person they think of when they need you or when they meet your target market.
In Black Jack, you cannot expect to come in and play a few hands and win big - you need to find the right table, stick with it and then give it time. In networking, you may need to try out a few groups to see if your target is there and if you click with the other people in the group. Then keep showing up consistently at least *7 times in a row* before you will know if that group will bear fruit.
One difference is that in cards, the prevailing belief is that you don't count your mo'ney at the table. At networking, you should definitely be counting your mo'ney! Otherwise you will not know if the networking you are doing is working!
Related Tags: networking, target market, small business coach, business overwhelm, marketing overwhelm, small business networking
Audrey Burton, Small Business Coach, is "The Tigress". Get her FREE Special Report, "Closing the Sale is Not Complicated!" and her FREE monthly email newsletter at http://www.TigressCoaching.com
Your Article Search Directory : Find in ArticlesRecent articles in this category:
- The No. 1 Rule For Projecting Confidence - Speak With Authority
One of the most important characteristics a person can project in a business setting - or any situat - After the Autumn Checkout European Debt Crisis and U.S. Brewing Rebound
In the commotion caused by the Fed on interest rates come to an end, the "disastrous" for the euro a - Advantages Of Arcade Game Rentals
There are many different advantages to arcade game rentals. Most people need something to release th - A General Primer on Truck Cargo Nets
In modern highways it is quite rare to see truck cargo nets in action, this is because they are usua - The United States Will Burst More Severe Financial Crisis
Not long ago, suddenly announced that the central bank to raise interest rates, the interest rate hi - Niche Marketing Profits - 3 Easy Steps to Finding a Profitable Niche Market Income in 10 Minutes
Like most beginners I was having a very difficult time trying to find a niche market to earn extra m - The Importance of Hospitality Management Consulting Firms Toronto
Businesses and the managers that help guide any business are in a constant state of improvement and - New Keynesian Theory Label
2010 winner of the Nobel Prize in Economics three theories have been labeled as "New Keynesian" labe - Federal Reserve Pouring Money QE2 Unpredictable Fortune
U.S. economist Milton Friedman proposed a "throw the cash from a helicopter" view, while the practic - Fiscal Consolidation Should no Longer Delay
British Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne today announced fiscal consolidation policy, shoc
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Common Financial Problems to Avoid
One must first change their habits and not procrastinate. American Consultants Inc at offers key fi - How a Bad Hire Can Hurt Your Business
What's worse - hiring the wrong person or not hiring anyone at all? Companies can become almost des - Joel Comm Is Dr. Adsense
What is Adsense? If you are new to making money online and net marketing, you may not know what Ads - 5 Steps For A Dynamic Wealth System Online
Recipe: Opportunity + knowledge + Dynamic Wealth System + Your Action = Massive Success!!! Step 1 - How To Stop Foreclosure
Losing your house to a foreclosure can be very scary. There are times when circumstances are ou - How to Always Pitch A Strike
As business owners, we are always working on new ways to convince people to become customers, client - Membrane Diffuser Solutions for Wastewater Treatment Systems
In the aeration basin of a typical wastewater treatment plant there are both organic and inorganic m - Another Year Hating Your Job or Loving Life?
Copyright © 2007 Mary Foley I've come to the conclusion that to be successful - really successf - Dyestuff Industry In India And China
World demand for dyes and organic pigments to touch $10.6 billion in 2008According to a study on dye - Cma-cgm Case : the Series of Lawsuits Continues in Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, France, England and the United States
Damietta company case : The series of lawsuits continues in Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, France, England a