One of the best things you can do when trying your hand at business networking is o get it out of the board room. You might think that all business people will appreciate a solid business environment when trying to hammer out a deal but it's just not the case. You can actually scare off a contact by seeming too much like a business monolith and not enough like a peer with which they can relate and do business.
Boardrooms can be rather impersonal and can put people on the defensive. When you invite someone into your board room or office space they are on your turf. This automatically places them on the defensive and they tend to be less open or at least more guarded than they would be otherwise. Nobody likes to be on the receiving end of a hard sell.
A great way of achieving success when wooing a potential business contact is to take them to your home away from home. This means you need a more comfortable less stuffy and imposing an environment to socialize with them in. Many public establishments like upscale restaurants, steak houses, or for the more cavalier a bar or pub can be perfect for this because they are in the business of being comfortable and inviting.
They're Inviting - These places are designed to be inviting and enjoyable because that is their business. They make money by making their customers comfortable and relaxed and when business people relax they tend to be more reasonable. Getting away from the "doing business" environment can make your meetings more enjoyable and more productive.
It's Still Your Turf - Don't just take a potential client or lead source to any old location. It should be one you know, where you know the staff or bartender. Go frequently and the place becomes yours. Business there will become second nature. When a potential client sees how much the staff trusts you, it helps them trust you as well. Over time, that location becomes an office away from your office where business deals will take place.
You're Easy to Find - This also makes you easier to find when people want to reach you outside of business hours. If your prospective clients are on the hook but not reeled in they might come swimming by to see what you are up to and to see if you are maintaining the same relaxed personable demeanor you had with them. Impromptu meetings at "the usual haunt" have begotten quite a lot of business over the years.
The Drink - It doesn't really matter if it's wine or whiskey, client depending, sometimes you can really grease the wheels of commerce with a single drink. Buying your prospective clients drink tells them you are willing to invest in them. It also makes things a bit more relaxed and let's conversation and business flow more freely.
Recognize the potential of doing business where you don't do business and you'll see your relationships from business networking grow faster, grow closer and certainly be stronger. A client or potential client can appreciate someone that knows when it's ok to step out of the office and smell the air from time to time.
Author Resource:
Referral Vault offers business owners with unique opportunities to leverage their brand and build lasting relationships through Virginia Business Networking groups. Discover how you can gain Maryland Business Networking today.
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