Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/68008
BUSINESS SIDE I found this to be true in the early years of my business. I was very eager to build my practice, of course, and managed to get myself involved with numerous networking groups. I'd go to the meetings, talk with people, and come away feeling both exhausted and unsure of what I'd accomplished. I was spending hours and hours every single week networking. It was just too much. Again, the key is balance. There is an optimal amount of networking to do. Any amount after that, and you're going to realize diminishing returns. The energy, effort, and time you expend are not going to be recouped in the number of referrals you receive. There must be a clear relationship between the time you spend networking and the benefit you realize from it. WELL WORTH THE TIME Developing relationships with people from many walks of life has far-reaching benefits. I've found that networking allows me to feel more grounded in, and connected to, my community— especially important when I moved to this city with relatively few connections. It's a great way to make friends and meet the people who make things happen in your community. Networking will also get people talking—about you, about your practice, and the services you offer. This is an essential element in generating word of mouth and driving referral business to your office. It's well worth the time and effort to network and start forming those connections. certified massage therapist, entrepreneur, and marketing consultant to the complementary and alternative medicine industry. She has practiced as a massage therapist for eight years and currently serves on the NCTMB Ethics & Standards Committee. Friedmann is a Massachusetts certified instructor for massage and entrepreneurship. She runs a massage wellness center south of Boston, www.thebodyworkcenter.com. Yael Friedmann, MA, LMT, is a nationally visit massageandbodywork.com to access your digital magazine 123 Rules for Effective Networking Listen More Than You Talk If you want people to remember you, listen to them. It may seem like you're missing your opportunity to talk about your business, but many networking events are full of people intent on doing exactly that—and nobody's listening. Stand out by being different. Market Yourself Tastefully Self-promote by wearing your logo or something that creates an opening for relevant conversation. Whether you are at a formal networking event, health fair, or PTA meeting, you are your business, so present yourself accordingly. Focus on the Friendship When you meet someone at a networking event, your first thought should not be, "What can this person do for me and my business?" Instead, concentrate on making friends and acquaintances. This is the time to build the common ground. You need the common ground before you can start working on the business end of the relationship. Bring Something to the Table Come to networking events prepared to talk: if you're asked about your business, you need a short, succinct description of what you do. When you're in conversations, consider if you have resources to recommend or relevant information to share. You don't want to come off as a know it all, but you do want to have something of value to contribute. Whether your objective is to meet someone specific or as many people as possible, do not get overly involved in other people's agendas. Contact Etiquette Always ask for another's business card but only provide yours upon request. Never add contacts to any mailing lists without permission. Follow Up The most critical part of networking happens after the event is over. If you intend to develop a relationship with someone you met, follow up within 24 to 48 hours after the event. Keeping in touch with the people you meet is one way to strengthen and reinforce the relationship.