Seven key steps to effective networking for nurse entrepreneurs


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Seven key steps to effective networking for nurse entrepreneurs - nursepreneurs

LeaRae Keyes, RN

The thought of networking to get business referrals strikes terror in the minds of many nurse entrepreneurs - nursepreneurs. However, it is a skill that can be learned and enjoyed like any other skill. Many nurse entrepreneurs find that if they have a framework from which to work, the networking becomes easy. I have found there are seven key steps to effective networking.

Step 1: The first step is to "show up." What this means is that you need to get out to events and meet people. Attend a variety of networking events until you find the ones that are most beneficial for you and then join these networking groups if there's an opportunity to join. And, when you "show up," you need to come prepared. This includes making a good appearance, bringing plenty of business cards and a pen to write, and knowing your unique selling proposition and your elevator speech. You also need to "show up" being positive, with an attitude of having a good time, and in a spirit of giving.

Step 2: The next step is to have a plan. A plan might be to establish mutually beneficial relationships. Another plan might be to introduce yourself to center of influence type people since the goal in networking is to not only meet people who might be interested in your products or services but to also put yourself in a position to meet the estimated 250 other people within their sphere of influence. Base your plan on quality not quantity. It is more beneficial to make quality contacts than to give and collect lots of business cards but not have established any relationships with potential referrers.

Step 3: The next step is to focus on "being present." In addition to showing up with a positive attitude, and in a spirit of giving, you also want to be focused on what's occurring in the moment. This means setting aside any problems that may have occurred during the day, what you're going to do when you leave the event or anything else that may distract you from being attentive to others in the room. Focus on the person with whom you are speaking at the moment to the exclusion of all else that may be occurring. This will help you remember their name, business, and other important details about them.

Step 4: The next step is to learn as much as you can about the people you meet by asking good questions. (See the separate mini article Nurse Entrepreneur Networking Questions for examples of good questions to ask.) Make your conversations about them and not about you. Following the conversation, jot down some notes about the people you met on their business card or a separate sheet of paper. This will help you with your follow-up steps.

Step 5: The next step is to immediately follow up with your new contacts. That will likely include sending a thank you note to everyone you met. If you send an email thank you, you will make an even bigger impression by sending a handwritten thank you note. You may also want to set up meetings with one or more people you met to get to know them better.

Step 6: Later followup may include sending notes, articles, newspaper clippings, or anything else related to your contact's business or interests. This will remind them that you're out there and also show them that you really listened to what they had to say. Continue to make regular contact with the people you met. You may even want to set up a tickler system or reminder system so that people don't fall off your contact list. Contact manager software offers an excellent way for keeping track of the people you meet, follow up contacts made, and when follow-up is needed.

Step 7: Lastly, send a thank you note to the referrer whenever you receive a referral. This will let the referrer know that you received and appreciate their referral and will spur them on to make additional referrals in the future. Even if the referral was not a perfect match for you, thank them and, when you have an opportunity, help them learn how to pick out prospects that are a better match for your products or services.

If you have any questions or comments about this article, or the process of completing any of the steps, please ask a question or make a comment on the Nurse Entrepreneur Network forum at www.Nurse-Entrepreneur-Network.com.

· Good networking questions for nurse entrepreneurs - nursepreneurs

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