To network making successful meaningful connections, it is important that you are actively working on building relationships with the people of your community. To help get you started we must first look at ways to build relationships in five simple steps:
Step 1: Drop A Compliment. #
Compliment the new connection on their looks if you are in person or about their business on the phone!
You look sharp today!
I love your shirt/dress/outfit/tie/blouse/hair/lipstick/shoes/watch!
I’m a big fan of the work your company is doing!
Wow your business seems to have really taken off!
Step 2: Introduce Yourself. #
Tell the connection who you are and share a common interest of why you believe their business is worth the connection.
Sample Intros:
Hey Sally, it’s Susie with Action Chiropractic! Dr. Smith let me know that you have had incredible results with your care! That is awesome, because I know when we met at the Bridal expo those headaches were really getting to you! (Current Patient)
Hey Sally, it’s Susie with Action Chiropractic and I just started a new position and am looking for some help in getting things started! (Personal Connection)
Hey Sally, it’s Susie with Action Chiropractic and just ran across an event that you are hosting called the Summer Splash’s Fun Run. (Community Events)
Hey Sally, it’s Susie with Action Chiropractic! Next Month is dental appreciation day and I instantly thought of you guys! (Professional Celebrations)
Hey Sally, it’s Susie with Action Chiropractic! We know that summer gets pretty busy for you at ABC Landscaping!(Seasonal)
Hey Sally, it’s Susie with Action Chiropractic! We have heard incredible things about how you have given back to our community, and we too LOVE to give back! (Non Profit)
Hey Sally, it’s Susie with Action Chiropractic! I talked with Anna last week and she mentioned you were the best person to talk to! (Referral/Follow Up)
Step 3: Ask Meaningful Questions #
This is VERY IMPORTANT. This is where you are getting to know them and are listening for cues about them, their organization, and opportunities for furthering the relationship. (NOTE: we haven’t even necessarily offered anything yet!)
Sample Questions
What are the health and wellness opportunities your company provides?
Who is the best person I could talk to?
Could you tell me about your event? Is this the first year you’ve held this event?
How do you raise funds throughout the year?
How are you celebrating dental appreciation day?
How has your office liked to give back to the community, or what non profits has your company supported?
Step 4: Talk About Wellness Screenings #
It’s important for each of your connections to feel like they are being given the opportunity to take part in something special and of value and they can’t do that unless you tell them about our amazing offer!
Sample Script:
Sally, I am so glad that I was able to connect with you today! At Action Chiropractic we are a part of an incredible program called The Give Back Movement where we impact lives through complimentary wellness screenings! We’d love to provide your office with a one of these free events that includes a free spinal screening and GIFT/MEAL for each of your ATTENDEES/STAFF!
Step 5: Secure An Event or Set The Follow Up #
80% of your networking yes’s will come after 5 to 12 interactions with your connections. Therefore, follow ups are where your relationship continues to develop. If you don’t get a go ahead right away or maybe you didn’t have the right person to even make the offer to, that is okay! Set your follow up—1 day, 1 week, 1 month? Continue that relationship at that time. Pick up where you left off during the next conversation.
Sample Scripts:
The next step is to reserve a spot for your wellness screening event! Would you like x time or x time?
The next step is for me to find out how we can best help out the day of your event.
That’s fine Sally! If you could just give me their direct line and email, I will be sure to follow up by (insert day)!