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7 Critical Steps to Effective Networking For Those Who Hate It

March 3, 2016 by Lisa Anderson

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I HATE NETWORKING!!

There! I said it!

However, just like you, It’s been drilled in my head that it MUST be done in order to grow my business. I will say, however, over the past 19 years, I’ve gotten quite comfortable with networking and make it work for me.

In general, networking has proven to be the most inauthentic process of business card shoving and horn tooting. Hence the reason most, like me, hate it.  However, for me, networking has been the number two most effective marketing and income generating tool for my businesses.  In fact, I just wrapped up a networking session that will yield a huge return on my time investment. Because networking is such a critical component of my business and what I coach other CEOs on, I wanted to share my spin on networking and how it has worked extremely well for me and my businesses (yes plural).

7 CRITICAL STEPS TO EFFECTIVE NETWORKING

  1. Be EXTREMELY intentional about where you go to network. I, personally, WILL not go to events where my ideal clients are not expected to attend. If it’s less than an 80% chance that I will find my ideal clients there, you will not see me there.
  2. Be EXTREMELY intentional about how you work the room. In fact, I, personally, DON’T work the room. I strategically place myself in the center of the room and I will only strike conversation with those who happen to sit near or around me. That conversation is never about business unless THEY make it about business. I am usually cultivating a relationship through small talk. This in and of itself is captivating because people are expecting to be force fed a sales pitch. Nope, not from me. In fact, today’s event coordinator made it easy for me to break the ice with attendees.  They mistakenly placed the wrong first name on EVERYONE’s name card.  So today, I was Michael Anderson not Lisa Anderson.  Most complained about the mistake.  I made fun with it and used it as a means to strike conversation with other attendees.  Guess what?  It worked.
  3. STRATEGICALLY wear colors that are nonthreatening but eye catching that also happens to fit within your brand. For example, today I wore a simple black dress (nonthreatening) with an evergreen jacket (eye catching). This combination made me stand out from the crowd.
  4. PAY ATTENTION to the presentation and ask STRATEGIC questions. Most questions I ask, I know the answer to. However, I ask them in a way that draws attention and makes people go HMMM. I also, in most cases, stand to ask my question so I can be seen. I also state my name and business name before I ask the question.
  5. BE A RESOURCE and help the presenter answer questions. No, I do not hijack the event. However, if there is a gap that I can fill, I respectfully fill it (once again, drawing attention).
  6. STICK AROUND for a few moments after the event to speak directly with the presenters. I take a few moments to introduce myself to them and to make a strategic connection. Almost inevitably someone from the audience will come up to me while I am waiting around and say, “thank you for your input or for asking that question. It was really helpful. Sounds like you have some experience. What do you do?” Here is where my 30 second elevator pitch along with business card exchange comes in. I also provide them one more piece of advice that I know NO ONE else in the room will provide (mostly because they are afraid to give out too much information). This is one more thing that makes me stand out.
  7. FOLLOW UP immediately with an email expressing how nice it was to meet them. I take that time to remind them of the piece of advice I provided during the event. I then wish them well and ask to keep in touch.

The steps I’ve shared usually lead to more conversation and ultimately a closed deal.

To sum it up, I HATE networking but it works for my businesses and has served to be the number two best revenue generator. I now make IT work for me instead of ME working for it.

Lisa Anderson and Anavo Transformation Solutions LLC is the creator and home of the P.U.L.S.E.™ Profit Method For Today’s CEO.  Click the image below to learn how to find and close the gaps in your business.

 

PULSE

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About Lisa Anderson and Anavo Transformation Solutions LLC

Lisa is a Strategic Business Advisor who knows through first hand experience what it takes to grow and run a successful business.  She knows what it really means to remain in the game because she’s done it for 18 consistent and consecutive years.  She knows what is required to take a business from start up to multi million dollars in annual revenues.  She has successfully developed, coached, and implemented growth strategies that have helped hundreds of businesses succeed.  She knows what it’s like to own and operate multiple businesses simultaneously.  As a Certified Public Accountant, Certified Leadership Coach, and an Adjunct Professor of small business concepts, she not only has experience, but the credentials to go along with it.   Unlike other Strategic Advisors, SHE IS someone one who walks the talk!  

Lisa Anderson Founder and CEO of Anavo Transformation Solutions LLC which helps CEOs achieve their full potential  and build profitable, bankable, scalable, sustainable, and ultimately sellable businesses.  The home of the P.U.L.S.E. Profit Method For Today’s CEO, Lisa and her team of Strategic Business Advisors help organizations plan their vision, understand key impact indicators, leverage resources, scan opportunities and threats and execute their plan.  For close to 30 years, Lisa has helped hundreds of business grow while maintaining a healthy and profitable bottom line.

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Do you want to work with a leader who has a track record of running highly successful businesses and has already helped hundreds of other small businesses launch and grow?  Or do you want to stay where you are forever?  The choice is yours.

If you are an entrepreneur who is ready to take your business to the next level or if you are ready to get out of the weeds and take control of your business, schedule a 30 Complimentary Consultation with me today.

I also invite you to explore my website and learn more about how I can help you with your business, www.AnavoTransformation.com.

See you at the finish line!

Carpe Diem!  Seize the day!

Lisa D. Anderson
Strategic Business Advisor & Virtual CFO
Anavo Transformation Solutions LLC

Filed Under: Articles, Business, Business Tips Tagged With: #anythingispossible, #MyBusinessMyWay, #PurposePassionPower, success

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Plateau to Profits Podcast – iTunes Reviews

  • Next level brilliance
    April 1, 2017 by BrynneTillman from United States

    If you are an entrepreneur and are looking to take your business to the next level, this Podcast is for you!

  • Interview of Thomas Ellis on Closing the Sale
    February 27, 2017 by Mdfitchic from United States

    This has become my favorite episode because it helped me see my approach to finding and meeting prospects was wrong which is why I have difficulty closing the sale. No more chasing the wrong prospects! I am going to narrow my focus to three industries and set an agenda for every meeting. I need to get this episode transcribed because it contains so much practical and valuable information.

  • Review for the podcast of Tamara Haskins
    February 21, 2017 by Achillek from United States

    Congratulations! I listened to Tamara's interview today with Lisa Anderson on her podcast over linkedIn. I found it very well presented with and easy to follow. It reminded me of our conversation we had in Tamara's office a few weeks ago. The material was well prepared and the delivery was excellent. The tone of her voice was very appropriate and the language was professional but accessible to the layman. Really Great interview! The moderator was also excellent in that the types of questions she asked of you were very important and tailored to her audience who are small business owners.

    Great work both of you!

    Achille

  • Chief Problem Solver, Regeneration Leadership & Business Coaching
    December 3, 2016 by John Haynes III from United States

    Regarding the podcast with Patricia Daniels, How Having a Business Coach Has Moved The Needle On My Business, I wanted to offer the following:

    Very strong interview...discussion between friends and business partners. Lisa, great job, as usual! Another purposeful conversation had for business owners. Pat! Way to stretch out. This was awesome on behalf of the Ryan Odelle Mance Memorial Scholarship Foundation. And to both of you, I really think this episode can be used for MANY other non-profits - or for for-profit businesses as well - who are starting or preparing for the next season of their business. There were many takeaways, but the one that shines bright for me is knowing and remembering your reason why. And I think organizations - whether it's to start their meetings or to begin and end their retreats - can use portions of this podcast to be inspired, remember why they do what they do, and/or to go into an exercise of discovering or reformatting their why. Additionally, I also envision this podcast being the start of strategy session. Good work and great service!

  • Success leaves clues!
    November 4, 2016 by SeeInColors from United States

    When I found Lisa Anderson's podcasts I started with one and never stopped listening. She provides high quality, challenging strategies that move you out of your comfort zone. No fluff, just "straight black coffee" in her words and Its awesome.
    I am inspired and moving forward with her model for business success. Listen to some of the podcasts and you'll see what I mean. Thank you Lisa for all that you do for small and growing businesses.

  • Review for Podcast #5
    July 12, 2016 by Yhdhvgghufhg from United States

    What an abundance of excellent information provided through your Podcast, without which a lot of the public would not know about. Continue the great broadcasts Lisa. Well done!!

  • The WordPress Chick
    July 12, 2016 by Kim Doyal from United States

    LOVE this! As a small business owner this podcast is invaluable. My audience and business model is a little different, but I'm getting so much value from the interviews and new ways to structure things in my business. I highly recommend!

  • Great Business Resource for CEO's!
    July 7, 2016 by AllisonPathe from United States

    I love Lisa's straight talk. I'm now looking at new ways to take my business to the next level!

  • Managing Partner
    July 2, 2016 by RRRhodes from United States

    Your background is impeccable. This sounds like a true gift of the real thing...Black Coffee! I look forward to the podcasts. Thanks!

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[Lisa] has transformed my thinking. My obstacles are now growth opportunities. My “mistakes” have become best practices upon which to build. She is very inspiring and has helped me transform my “lemonade stand” mentality into something greater. My confidence has been greatly increased through her encouragement and expertise.

Cassandra Irby Founder, Kid-Chen Table Tutoring

I have had the immense pleasure of working with and observing Lisa in a number of different capacities, over many years, and no matter if she is serving as CFO, CPA, Success Coach, Teacher, Advisor, Entrepreneur, and trustworthy friend and professional - all of which, she does consistently well - she has led and managed Read More

John Haynes, III Founder, Regeneration!

…having a wise person such as Lisa to assist me with practical strategies and keeping me focused has made all the difference. The accountability each week inspires you to stay motivated, as you tend to be so excited to “boast” about your accomplishments at your next session…

Kimberly Roy Realtor

I knew that I was at the point in my organization’s growth where I wanted and needed someone who was willing to share about their business experiences so that I might become more confident in my own decision making; someone that I could talk to and get my thoughts straight; someone connected and respected by Read More

Patricia Daniels Founder, The Ryan O. Mance Scholarship Foundation

[Lisa Anderson} has provided critical management oversight and has further played an instrumental role in analyzing the company’s financial condition.  Lisa has helped make critical business decisions while providing insight on financial impact on those decisions.  Lisa has served as Coach and Business Mentor to our Executive Management Team and our staff.  Her simple, yet Read More

Antwanye Ford President & C.E.O, Enlightened Inc.

[Lisa Anderson} has provided critical management oversight and has further played an instrumental role in analyzing the company’s financial condition.  Lisa has helped make critical business decisions while providing insight on financial impact on those decisions.  Lisa has served as Coach and Business Mentor to our Executive Management Team and our staff.  Her simple, yet Read More

Patricia Lomax C.E.O., PNL Associates LLC

I can't say enough about Lisa Anderson and Anavo! I needed guidance with business proposals and when to use them. Lisa listened and knew exactly how to help me. She transcended me to the next level. I don't think it was a coincidence that shortly after our consultation, business inquiries picked up and I had Read More

Jennifer Foxworthy Founder & Author, Unstoppable You Women's Conference

What can I say about Lisa? There are so many positive adjectives to describe her. Personable, motivating, professional, sincere, honest, smart, and willing. I've known Lisa for over 15 years personally and always knew she was special, but it wasn't until I started venturing into entrepreneurship that I realized what a true gem she really Read More

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About

Here’s what you need to understand: I am no amateur!   I am a trailblazer who fought my way to the top of the accounting food chain at a time when the industry was dominated by men who had no interest letting a woman have her slice of their pie. I became a Certified Public Accountant, was … [Read More]

Our blog

  • Flatline to Flourishing ~ Five Steps To Profit From Your P.U.L.S.E.™

    March-27-2016

  • DO NOT Go Bankrupt Trying To Hire Help

    March-08-2016

  • 7 Critical Steps to Effective Networking For Those Who Hate It

    March-03-2016

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