You have qualified as a coach and started to set up your business. You've been told that you need to network and you're ready to go forth and talk to strangers. So what do you need to know first before you take that next leap?
Before I start, let me dispel the myths around networking.
In a nutshell, networking is the process of interacting with others to exchange information or experiences for mutual benefit. There are so many ways in which you can network to build your business, get clients and get known for what you do. On top of that, it is a great opportunity to get referral partners, contacts that can help you in business and make friends with people too.
Read on for my top 5 networking tips for coaches.
1. Choose the right networking groups
There are various types of networking groups from informal coffee shop get-togethers to formal breakfast meetings. The first thing you need to do is find the right networking events for you.
It is about knowing who your ideal client is and where to find them. For example, if you want to speak with business owners, you'll find that Mum's groups are less likely to be effective, but if your target audience is female business owners with children, this will be a great place to start.
Many networking groups will allow you to try before you buy, and others will offer a pay per session charge. So ask around the people you know in business already - where do they go? What do they do? Or check out the trade journals or search on the internet to find groups in your area. And before making a huge investment, make sure that it is the right networking group for you and that it will give you the right returns.
When you choose the right group, you'll meet with like-minded people, build effective business and personal relationships, and promote your business too. When you go consistently and regularly, people will get to know you. As well as talking about you, you'll be referring others to your connections too.
2. Perfect your elevator pitch
One of the mistakes that many coaches make is introducing themselves as a life coach when they go to networking meetings. This will often get one of two responses, some people will think to themselves 'not another coach' and others won't have a clue what you do.
The trick is to put together your elevator pitch, which is so named as it is the short introduction you can carry out in the time span of a ride in a lift or elevator. And it is good practice to have a short sentence you can share when talking to someone and a one minute pitch when you have an opportunity to introduce yourself formally to a group of people.
Consider who you are, what you do, 3 results you give to your clients and who you are looking for.
3. Follow up
One of the big mistakes made with networking is missing out on potential opportunities. You'll be going to networking events to meet new people and to build relationships, so it is important not to go away with a bunch of business cards and then file them in a drawer somewhere. Follow up is key.
If you think you'll forget who you meet, when you take someone's business card, make a few notes on the back - for example, where you met them and what you talked about. It will help your memory later.
Then follow up with people after the event so you don't miss out on any potential opportunities. Keep in touch with them too, a simple email or telephone call won't take you long and who knows where it might lead?
4. Networking is more than networking groups
When I talk about networking, it is more than just going to networking groups. It is about sharing your message with people you know and scheduling individual meetings too.
Let's start with talking to people you know - who do you know already who can help you to promote your business? Perhaps you've got contacts with ex-colleagues, friends or friends of friends. If you want to meet a specific person, just ask as we are just a few steps away from the people we want to meet.
And secondly when you meet people at networking events, take some time to find out more about them. It isn't about building a group of transient people you may see from time to time, it is about creating a network of supportive people. Invite them out to lunch or coffee; get to know them on a personal basis too. This will give you the great opportunity to find out more about them, how you can work together or help each other out.
5. Know the value of social networking
Networking isn't just about meeting people face to face, although this is an important strategy in your business. There are great ways of connecting with people online with various networking groups including Ecademy, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and more. But don't forget to go out too as the relationships you develop face-to-face will be essential for your business, but the joy of social networking is that you can continue to keep in touch even when you don't have time to leave the office.
Copyright Karen Williams 2011. All Rights Reserved
Karen Williams runs Self Discovery Coaching and is the author of The Secrets of Successful Coaches, which reached #1 in the Business charts on Amazon. Having interviewed 24 top performance coaches, Karen has learnt from the experts how to create a successful coaching business.
Since just 10% of coaches make it in terms of running a successful business, she gets frustrated when she sees coaches who are amazing, but don't have the business skills or confidence to make a difference. Karen's big vision is to enable more coaches to reach more people and help them to live a happier and fulfilled life.
Download Karen's free report, '20 Reasons Why You Can't Make Money As A Life Coach': http://www.thesecretsofsuccessfulcoaches.com/freebie.
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