Joining your local Chamber of Commerce can be invaluable for
your network marketing business. The key is to not just JOIN – but to be
INVOLVED. Attend the monthly networking
luncheons, and have your “30 second commercial” ready to roll off your tongue
during introductions. This means when
they go around the table to do introductions, you know EXACTLY what you are
going to say. Make sure that it is no longer than 30
seconds, and it’s to the point. In 30
seconds, you should be able to say who you are, what company you are with, what
that company does, and how you would like to help those who are at the event
today. Here is an example of what I say :
Hi, I'm Ayanna Cross with AC Marketing Group. Our mission is to improve our personal economy by marketing products and services of several fortune 500 companies. Some of our clients include Sprint, Verizon, and ADT security systems. Not only are we helping people eliminate their household bills but we are helping businesses grow their capital so they can expand their marketing efforts and grow their bottom line. An ideal individual that we like to work with is someone who can benefit from having their household bills paid and who has a heart of helping others. If that's you, I'd love to talk to you afterwards.
Be direct and compelling, but leave a little on the table
that will make someone want to seek you out afterwards. End with a comment similar to “If you’re
looking to [insert your company benefit here], feel free to see me after the
lunch for more information”.
MANY times Chambers of Commerce groups are looking for
speakers. Step up to the plate!!! Offer to give a short talk on “How to Make
Money Alongside Your Regular Job” or “How to [Increase Your Skin’s Appearance]
or [Improve Your Legal Portfolio] or [whatever other benefit you have to
offer]”. Think of anything that would
appeal to business people.
*** Bonus – pay particular attention to any Women’s Groups
offshoots of the Chamber (Women In Business, Women In Leadership, etc). They often have their own luncheons, and are
also looking for speakers. It doesn’t
matter if you are a man or a woman – you can speak at these events!
After the lunch or main event, it’s time to do some
additional networking. You cannot be a
wallflower! With your business cards in
hand, it’s time to walk up to people and introduce yourself. Here’s something that is VERY important to
remember. People will remember you MORE
if you ask questions about THEM. Plus
you will be able to actually find more quality leads this way. Your conversations might go something like
this:
1. Introduce
yourself – hand them a business card.
2. Compliment
them on some aspect – You enjoyed a comment they made, etc.
3. Ask
a question – How long have they been with their company? What made them choose their industry?
4. Ask
them if you can have one of their business cards.
5. Finish
your conversation, and go on to meet someone else.
6. Make
sure you make any notes of worth on their card.
7. Follow
up with any leads that you may want to email or call that you were able to
connect with.
Remember, a Chamber event is what YOU make of it. Most people who complain about Chamber events
not being “worth it” are the ones who are sitting back waiting for people to
come to them!
Networking isn’t just about Chambers, there are other
business groups, networking groups and/or speaking groups that you can
join. Look in your local paper under
the community calendar to find information on
upcoming meetings. You can often
go several times without having to join – and each one is an opportunity to get
the word out about your product or services.
Remember, people can’t use you unless they know about you!!
Talk soon,
Ayanna