Word-of-Mouth Marketing...Building Your Network of Contacts, by Molly Cox

Powerful people generally have an enormous network of people to draw on. These people have figured out that in order to succeed, you need to have relationships with people and you must nurture those relationships.

Not only do these people make an effort to go to the monthly meeting of their chosen organizations, they also choose to participate in the organization and follow up with the people they meet.

Networking does not produce instant results. It takes time to develop relationships and earn referrals. Once you have built some solid relationships and paid your dues, you'll find that business, well, just comes to you. When someone needs your services you want them to think of you.

By staying visible in the community and your organizations, you will be the first person that comes to mind. "Before going to any social or business event - be prepared!" Before going to any social or business event - be prepared! Prepare your introduction and have a brief statement ready to describe what you do (run it by a friend or colleague to ensure it is interesting and doesn't turn people off). As one business owner states, "Watch the reaction of people when you tell them you're an insurance agent."

Another great way to market your service or product is by public speaking. It gets you in front of potential clients and gives you credibility. The best part of all is that it costs you nothing, yet creates high visibility.

Don't use the platform to sell your services, rather educate the audience and they will seek you out when they need you. It's easy to network if you're the featured speaker, as people will generally want to meet you personally and discuss your presentation.

A chiropractor that I know sends out thank you notes to people who refer patients to her. In her handwritten note she tells you that she'll take good care of your friend.

Acknowledging referrals and treating them like gold is a great way to nurture relationships and keep the referrals coming. Considering your networking efforts as marketing is simply good business. It's a low-cost, high-return way to increase your client base and keep your existing customers.

If you care about the people that you do business with and treat everyone with respect, you should start experiencing the old adage what goes around, comes around, before you know it.

Co Molly Cox is a professional speaker and trainer specializing in the areas of customer service, sales, and networking. She is a founding member of Out of the Blue.

© Molly Cox. All Rights Reserved. Contact for Permission to Reprint.