How To Be Successful At Networking

As a member of the Texas Builder Marketing Group, I have found that networking has increased my business more than I can even begin to understand. Here are my secrets to success when interacting with my fellow peers in and out, of the Texas Builder Marketing Group:Be Interested
When you are at a networking event, or any other time for that matter, be genuinely interested in the person to whom you are talking with. This is the best way in the world to get someone’s attention. Don't be one of those people with wandering eyes looking for your next contact; connect deeply with the person in front of you. If you will do this one thing you will have better results than most of the people out there.

Be Interesting

Just as above, when you are doing the talking, it isn't about you; it is about the other person. You should not be trying to sell your wares at a networking event; you should be trying to build relationships. Talk about interesting things you have done. Are you a skydiver? Did you just get back from an amazing trip? Do you have an interesting hobby? Try to engage the other person on a personal level rather than a business level, once you have them interested in YOU, the business deals will come naturally.

Remember Names

It has been said that the sweetest sound to a person's ears is their own name. Learn it, use it, and remember it. The best way to remember someone’s name is to use it immediately. Once they have given you there name use it as often as possible in the next few sentences to cement it into your memory, and always ask for it again if you forget it.

Remember Dates

This is an important one; if at all possible find out people's birthdays. Put these dates on your calendar and when the day comes, call them or email them and wish them a Happy Birthday. Most of the time you will be one of the few that do that day, and if you call them early you might even be the first! If you want to go even further, send them a note or card a couple days before as that will even be more rare.

Always Remember

“You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help other people get what they want.” Zig Ziglar

Jim White JR.
PremRock Drywall Services
Jim@premrock.com

(Photo by: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jimkimmons/)

The Texas Builder Marketing Group gets educated on "The Social Media Revolution"

Times have changed and so has the way many of us are doing business! In mid December, the Texas Builder Marketing Group decided to organize an educational class to help each of its members become more versed in the social media world. Marc Kleinmann with Clixify.com was our guest speaker for the day, and man did he get us pumped up! He started the class with this video below found on YouTube! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIFYPQjYhv8



Well, Marc went on to teach about many different topics but the one I found most important was about branding yourself! Branding yourself and your company on these Social Media Platforms like; Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, LinkedIn, etc. becomes a very effective way to market yourself to future customers. Now days, people turn to the computer to find products and services. What does that mean? Well if you or your company don't have a presence, than more than likely you will lose out to those who do! Lets face it, we Google, we facebook, why? Well we get instant answers at our fingertips. For example, if I was going to try out a new product, I would Google the company, read the reviews, ask my facebook friends and then I would make up my mind if this product is right for me. Remember, this all just happened with a few clicks of the mouse. Oh and don't forget I did all this without contacting anybody from this products company!!! Wow...crazy huh!
Business is changing and The Texas Builder Marketing Company is changing with it! So find our members on Facebook, youtube, LinkedIn, twitter and friends us! Networking has never been as easy as it is now!!
Wesley Scott
Archways And Ceilings Made Easy
http://www.texasbuildermarketing.com/

Active Networking Groups = Proven Results

Being a member of the Texas Builder Marketing Group has made a significant impact on my business. Not only have I developed relationships with many successful individuals, I have increased my networking capabilities and homebuilding knowledge since I have been participating with the Texas Builder Marketing Group (TBMG). www.texasbuildermarketing.com

Since being active member, the TBMG has taught me the most valuable way to market one and ones business is to surround oneself with a core team of individuals working to market each other. Why is this so important? Well we all know that the number one way to acquire a new construction job is to get oneself in front of the builder or purchasing manager. Not an easy task when making cold calls or randomly stopping by a jobsite! To get in front of these key figures, it always helps to know someone who is actively working with this prospective customer. With a market as large as the DFW area it is impossible to be in the right place at the right time every time. Now imagine having hundreds of people in the right place at the right time working to market you. This is something that has become core in my day to day activities. Each day I have the opportunity to market one of my fellow colleagues to a building professional. .

How do we market each member for referrals? Well, the best way is to study and understand what your fellow member’s trade/products are. The best way to accomplish this is simple, sit down with them, get to know them, tour there facility, learn the tips and insights of his or hers sales pitch, and more importantly trust and have respect for your fellow member. You can’t sell or refer a member if you don’t believe in the product/trade yourself! This is why the Texas Builder Marketing Group ensures that all of its members have been adequately researched, and discussed amongst fellow peers before being voted into the group. The TBMG members are exemplary in their particular field of expertises and all are knowledgeable about the homebuilding industry.

Another perk of being a member of the TBMG is you will always see a familiar face when attending builder functions, luncheons, and networking events.

Why is this a perk? Well the reason most people attend these networking functions is to seek potential customers and to establish trusted contacts, but more often than not, these people often struggle just to get a hand shake, let alone get an opportunity to present themselves.

The Texas Builder Marketing Group removes this barrier by allowing its members to actively share there customers and prospective customers with one another. With the doors wide open for networking, members have an opportunity to present themselves with out being tuned out, turned away or just plain ignored. It always helps to know the right person! Hint hint...TBMG members are those people!!

So Remember! Every moment of the day has an opportunity for networking. Take advantage of smart networking opportunities and you will see the results. I guarantee it!

Jim White CGP
PremRock Drywall Services
P-214-251-6374
F-214-550-6909
jim@premrock.com
www.premrock.com