Member Spotlight
Ben Jones provides property maintenance services within Ringwood, Ringwood North and Warranwood. Read more
| Marketplace |
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What say you?
Do you take on friends/family as customers?
16% - Sure! The more the merrier.
50% - Sometimes, but tread with caution
33% - No, best to avoid wherever possible
Marketing | Business networking
Business networking comes easier to some people than others, but
the good news is business networking skills can be learnt and improved on.
In this section fellow soloists share their business network experiences and what has and hasn’t worked for
them. Whether you are networking at a
breakfast, a business lunch or a
cocktail function,
you’ll find practical tips on making the most of
business networking events.
Say thank you by creating business connections
17 Feb 12Jess TylerSaying thank you to your customers doesn’t always mean giving a gift or special offer – you can also thank them for their business by expanding their professional networks and business connections. Read more
Comments: 0The lost art of conversation
19 Apr 11Sam LeaderMeeting people should be a pleasure, but there’s surely no denying, it can become a chore. So how do we make it fun again? Read more
Comments: 33The journey from networking lead to sale
04 Feb 11Lucinda LionsEvery networking lead has its own individual life cycle. This case study demonstrates how a simple chat at a function resulted in two very happy people. Read more
Comments: 8Refining your elevator pitch
29 Dec 10Megan HillsImagine you’re in an elevator (or ‘lift’ for us Aussies) and the person next to you asks "What do you do for a living?" Read more
Comments: 9What’s your business networking agenda?
30 Nov 10Jayne TancredA friend of mine joined a business networking group to gain referrals from other members, but found himself under pressure to hand them out, too. Read more
Comments: 62How to build your business
21 Jul 10Deb PilgrimWant to know one of the fastest ways to build your business? Get out of your office and meet people! Read more
Comments: 4The Power of Community
20 Jul 10Robert GerrishComing up with the theme for this year’s Flying Solo LIVE! wasn’t difficult. We get daily reminders of what’s possible when like-minded people come together. But what’s in it for you? Read more
Comments: 0Flying Solo LIVE! 2010
08 Jul 10After a second sell out event in 2009, Flying Solo LIVE! is taking off again on Wednesday, 15th September 2010. Here’s what's in store on the day. Read more
Five tips for effective networking
11 Mar 10Jo MacdermottEffective networking can help grow your business when you have little money for marketing. Here’s how to do it. Read more
Comments: 7Top five networking mistakes
23 Sep 09Robert GerrishIt's not unusual for soloists, particularly newbies, to network with lots of business cards and the mindset of a super-salesman, but is this the right approach? In this video, contributor and networking expert, Kim McGuinness share her tips. Read more
Comments: 5Building business relationships: Why touching people is good
31 Aug 09Robert GerrishRecently I got a call from one of those super-popular people. You know the type: thousands of ‘followers’, stacks of ‘connections’ and squillions of ‘friends’. Boy did I feel special. Not for long. Read more
Comments: 37Bring out the best
20 Jul 09Robert GerrishWords and headlines with double-meanings keep my easily distracted mind entertained. Best I explain the meanings of this week’s headline before I charge off on another tangent. Read more
Comments: 8Personal & business growth tip: Start a network
08 Jun 09Robert GerrishRecently, I delivered a workshop in seven regional locations. It was a great reminder of the distinction between an audience and a network. Read more
Comments: 13A brainstorming session
18 May 09Robert GerrishNot so long ago, some 70 business people gathered to hear me talk. Unfortunately I was still in my pyjamas and more than 500km away. It turned out to be a great brainstorming session. Read more
Comments: 17Stress free business networking tips
08 Mar 09Sue HenryThe thought of attending business networking events and functions can be terrifying to some people and slightly unsettling even for the most confident amongst us. Here are the three things that people worry about and tips on how you can avoid them. Read more
Comments: 9Networking strategies: Using word of mouth
22 Feb 09Jack FraenkelMany modern business people understand the value of word of mouth and business networking strategies, but few look to actively drive word of mouth in their sales efforts. Read more
Comments: 8Clever conversation starters when networking
15 Jan 09Jack FraenkelThe key to networking success is being a good conversationalist and showing genuine interest in another’s business and knowing when to talk about your own . So do you know any good conversation starters? Read more
Comments: 8When networking is a business motivator
30 Oct 08Karen MorrisWe all know that networking is an important part of building your business. But as well as making connections with other business people, attending seminars can be a vital business motivator for renewing and maintaining enthusiasm for your business. Read more
Comments: 11Business wisdom from Flying Solo LIVE!
29 Sep 08Sam LeaderBefore our recent live event, I spent my time fretting about mechanics. Will everyone show? Will the audience be able to hear? What flavour are the mini gelato cones? After all we’re forever told it’s the small stuff that matters. Read more
Comments: 8What’s your networking personality?
07 Aug 08Sue HenryNetworking is critical to the success of the growth of a small business. But for many, networking is something that is a chore rather than a must-do activity. Understanding your networking personality and that of others can be the key to success. Read more
Comments: 8Does business networking work for you?
04 Aug 08Peter CrockerHave I mentioned how much I dislike business networking? It’s odd, because I love nothing better than learning about other people’s businesses and gasbagging about my own. Read more
Comments: 22Success at speed networking
25 May 08Megan ToughIf you haven’t been to a speed networking event, I urge you to give one a go. You get to formally meet and follow up with 20 to 30 people and have fun at the same time. Here’s how speed networking works. Read more
Comments: 27Cooperation versus competition
20 May 08Heather SmithUs soloists are busy and time poor. Unless you are outsourcing there will come a time whereby you have capped your capacity to serve your clients. When you reach that point, what are your options? This article looks at cooperation versus competition. Read more
Comments: 14The benefits of business networks
15 Apr 08Kathie M. ThomasThe more business owners I meet, the more I recognise that what makes businesses successful is an understanding of the benefits of being involved in business networks. Many soloists talk about networking but not all walk their talk. Read more
Comments: 15Mentoring: What I have learnt from my mentor
31 Jan 08Kate TribeHumans are sponges for information and advice, which is what makes mentoring so valuable. A mentor helps us clarify our goals and urges us to follow paths we would not have taken without their encouragement. Read more
Comments: 8Why you should you send Christmas cards to clients
01 Nov 07Karen MorathThis month I plan to correct one of the biggest mistakes I have made since flying solo and send Christmas cards to clients. In the past I didn’t do this, but instead donated the money I would have spent on cards and postage to a charity. Read more
Comments: 32Management skills: How networking helps
29 Aug 07Kathie M. ThomasPlenty can be learnt from looking at how larger organisations operate. Attending networking meetings with people from a variety of businesses can provide great insights into the management of your small or solo business. Read more
Comments: 3Six mistakes made at business networking events
19 Aug 07Linda AndersonWhen you consider that business networking events are about establishing relationships, it's surprisingly common to actually alienate those you meet. So how do you avoid making such mistakes? Read more
Comments: 12Networking at a cocktail function
29 May 07Kim McGuinnessCocktail functions have a different feel about them than other business networking events. Here's how to make sure the drinks are diluted and not your networking! Read more
Comments: 2Tips for networking at a business lunch
10 Apr 07Kim McGuinnessIf you think business lunches are a relic of the 80's, you're missing out on a valuable business tool. In a previous article we discussed preparing for a networking function. Now let's review tips for networking at a business lunch. Read more
Comments: 5Business networking groups: Have you reviewed your networking schedule?
25 Mar 07Megan ToughNetworking can be a significant investment of money and time, so it makes sense to analyse whether you should continue to belong to your various business networking groups. This doesn’t take long – you just need to answer a few simple questions. Read more
Comments: 5Preparing for a networking function
20 Feb 07Kim McGuinnessThe key to making the most of networking functions is preparation. As the following tips explain, if you're well prepared, you'll be more open to new connections and so will make the most of every networking opportunity. Read more
Comments: 4Five tips for business networking at breakfast
16 Nov 06Kim McGuinnessYou have invested time and money to attend a breakfast function. It makes sense to leverage that investment by business networking. Here are five tips to help you make the most of the opportunity. Read more
Comments: 8Setting up your Business Action Group
27 Jul 06Trish WestonIn an earlier article we talked about getting together with other soloists to support and grow your business through a Business Action Group (BAG). If you’re thinking “This is for me” then here are the steps to setting up your very own BAG. Read more
Comments: 11Business Action Groups: Your Success is in the BAG
22 Jun 06Trish WestonWhen you work in isolation, running a successful business isn’t just about getting clients but about building relationships in a supportive environment. That's where Business Action Groups (BAG) come in. Read more
Comments: 3Networking tips for busy parents
06 Jun 06Kim McGuinnessWhen you're running a hectic household, networking is probably the last thing on your mind. But the rewards are there for those prepared to apply focus to the task. Read on for some great networking tips for busy parents. Read more
Comments: 4Improve your networking skills
02 May 06Barb ClewsGood networking skills give us a perfect opportunity to make assessments of the people we meet. Usually once you get chatting you can tell if this initial meeting will lead to a lasting relationship. Read more
Comments: 1Five ways to make business networks work
02 Mar 06Ricky NowakYou know business networks are important, but are you getting the most out of going to events and meeting new people? Here are 5 proven ways to make every bit of networking you do worthwhile. Read more
Comments: 3The social approach to business networking
08 Dec 05Yaro StarakThe idea of business networking becomes a lot less stressful when you try broadening your social circle via existing friends. Read more
Comments: 5Making the most of business networking events
04 Dec 05Thomas MurrellNow is the time for sharpening and honing your networking skills. Here's how to take advantage of the heightened number of business networking events. Read more
Comments: 4Why aren't you networking?
21 Nov 05Kim McGuinnessYou think you have reasons to give that networking function a miss, but are your 'reasons' more like excuses? Read on for some advice on how to become a better networker. Read more
Comments: 9How to use networking to beat home business blues
08 Nov 05Yaro StarakIsolation can take you by surprise. So it's important to make the effort to get away from your business and start networking and socialising with others. Read more
Comments: 7Social skills - the secret of networking?
30 Oct 05Sue CurrieWhen so much of today's business networking is done (or at least discussed) in a social setting, perhaps we all need a little etiquette upskilling. Read more
Comments: 5Making a good first impression
25 Oct 05Barb ClewsLots of solo business owners worry about making a good first impression on people they meet whilst networking. Read more
Comments: 2Building rapport when networking
27 Jul 05Sue CurrieAttending networking events can be a great way to boost your profile and build rapport...but only if you know what you're doing. Read more
Comments: 6Professional networking: Turning colleagues into allies
07 Jul 05John RaymondIf we engage in professional networking, we'll never feel isolated. Question is, how do you turn colleagues into allies? Read more
Comments: 5Networking strategies: Get involved!
06 Jul 05Robert GerrishIt's easy to get lost in your own world in Soloville, so you need to make a conscious effort to put networking strategies in place and stay connected. Read more
Comments: 0
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Small Business is Australia's fastest growing sector – this business community site was created for those running a small business of one to five people. Here the solo and micro business owner will find small business forums, a small business directory, free resources, help, tips and advice on: starting a small business; working smarter when working from home; effective small business marketing; small business networking; the solo psyche; staying balanced as a small business owner; small business technology advice and small business finance tips.
