Inspired Actions to Get Networked in a New Community
by elizabeth trezise barbour

Whenever you move someplace new or even if you start a new business in your community of residence, it’s critical to evaluate your network and to take consistent action to get out, meet people and build relationships. Networking is an essential part of marketing and while it does take time, it’s fairly cost-effective and the rewards are huge both personally and professionally. Here are 10 steps to guide you in getting networked in a new community.

PREPARE
• Get really clear about your product and service
• Have your logo, cards, brochure and website ready to go
• Set up your office so that it supports your networking (keep it organized, create a data base to track new contacts)

RESEARCH
• Read the local paper, check out local websites
• Visit bulletin boards with around town goings-on
• Ask your neighbors and colleagues
• Make a list of all of the possible groups that you could attend

EXPLORE
• Attend a meeting of your local Chamber of Commerce
• Try new hobbies—attend a dance class or yoga class
• Visit several different business groups in your area

JOIN
• Join a business networking group
• Volunteer for a cause that is aligned with your business/that you personally feel strongly about
• Commit to a new group of people—church, a women’s group, an athletic group, something personal that feeds your soul

MEET
• Introduce yourself to new people—don’t be shy!
• Ask people to go to lunch with you
• Call and talk on the phone to someone you met at a meeting

BUILD
• Establish a strategic alliance circle with people in similar professions
• create a personal network of friends who support & inspire you
• be visible and establish a presence in your community

GIVE
• pass referrals to help others grow their business
• tell your friends about the wonderful service you receive any where you go
• give your time to help others problem solve their business concerns

RECEIVE
• acknowledge new business immediately and follow up
• thank the person who gave you the referral in a memorable way
• give 200% value to the new client so that they’re 100% happy with your service

GROW
• Ask clients what they need from you and be willing to reinvent yourself
• Add new services, products or repackage and refine exisiting ones

CELEBRATE
• revel in the fact that you’re growing your business AND making friends at the same time!
• Schedule a party or luncheon to celebrate your success on a regular basis

Elizabeth Trezise Barbour, M.Ed., is a life and business coach who works with inspired professionals and entrepreneurs to help them build successful businesses and create high quality lives.
[ inspiredentrepreneur.com ; growthworkscoaching.com ]