Laser-Sharp Networking

Did you know that the energy put out by a normal light bulb is equal to the energy put out by a laser beam? A laser has a very tight beam and is very strong and concentrated. A light bulb, on the other hand, releases light in many directions, so the light is comparably weak and diffuse. The difference between the two allows the laser, with focused energy, to have the power to do very fine and delicate surgery, artistic etching and play the broad, full sounds of an orchestral overture.

Does that sound like the kind of precision you want from your networking activities? I've found that there are three ways to bring your networking efforts into laser-sharp focus to make it an even more powerful way to build your business:

1. When talking about what you do at networking groups, focus on one aspect of your business at each meeting. Remember, your goal in the networking process should be to train a sales force, not close a sale. Therefore, each time you have an opportunity, focus on a specific product or service you offer, then train people how to refer you in this area.

Too often we try to cover everything we do in one introduction. When you have the chance to be in front of the same group of folks regularly, don’t make the mistake most people make by painting with too broad a brush. Laser-sharp networking calls for you to be very specific and detailed about one thing at a time.

Sometimes I hear businesspeople say they have a “full service” business. I think saying this alone is a mistake--full service doesn’t really mean anything to people who don’t understand the details of all the services you offer. Instead, talk about what you specialize in or what you're best known for. There's something that sets you apart from the competition--let others know about that aspect of your business.

2. When asking for referrals from your networking partners, be very specific about what you want. Identify specific people to whom you wish to be introduced. Personal introductions can open doors for you that would've otherwise remained closed. If you don’t know the name of the manager of another business you wish to meet, find out--then ask specifically for a referral to that person.

Give vivid examples of the type of referral you wish to receive. I'd recommend reviewing a case study from a current client or past successful referral with your networking partners. Define what the needs were of that prospect and how your business met those needs. Be as detailed as you can be so your networking partners can really visualize the experience and have a clear picture of how you were able to meet this person’s needs. This'll give them clarity and focus when they're away from you and they meet another person with the same needs.

3.Meet with each person in your networking circle one on one, away from the general networking session, to deepen the relationship and dial up the focus of your networking efforts.

I can't stress enough the importance of deepening the relationships with your networking partners. To really maximize the energy of the partnership you're forging with your referral sources, it's critical to spend time with them. Just going to a social function or sitting side by side at some type of conference or networking event isn’t enough. You have to be face to face, talking and exploring commonalities and complimentary aspects of each of your businesses to be as powerful a referral source for each other as you can be.

In our increasingly fast-paced society and business climate, it's important to take your time to get to know your referral sources and cultivate long-lasting and mutually profitable relationships. It's true that "time is money," but I also know that without investing a good chunk of your time in one-on-one relationships, you won't have the kind of strong and deeply focused referral sources you need for successful word-of-mouth marketing.

By focusing your efforts like a laser beam, you'll fine-tune your networking message and increase your results.

Called the father of modern networking, Dr. Ivan Misner is the Founder of BNI and the senior partner for the Referral Institute. He has written nine books, including his recently released New York Times best seller Truth or Delusion? Busting Networking’s Biggest Myths.