As a Sussex Business Consultant I travel around to many networking events, some as a member, some as a guest  and some which are a splendid mix of business and social.

One such networking group is the Business Builder Club which takes place in Horsham once a month……..SHHH. don’t tell anyone though as they may want to attend!

As an experienced writer and business author, my expert articles are regularly featured in the regional Sussex and local media and on various online business websites. This is a fantastic compliment to my work and I love sharing my knowledge with every reader.

So as a member of the Business Builder Club  I was delighted to be invited as a regular online contributor to their website. Thanks guys. Have a look  here and  why not join me at the next event to share in the best Business Social in town.

Watch this space for more top tips too!.

Need focussed and insightful business advice, then contact me at Janette Whitney & Associates

Blogging can increase your sales

Do you sometimes get stuck for something to write on your blog?

Me too.

I had an interesting and informative morning at dawn brewers excellent blog posts action class  today. Came away with a very useful action checklist for every blog post I write. This will encourage me to blog more often which coupled with the various social media platforms ( Twitter, Facebook etc) will make my online presence more complete.

Of course online marketing  should be one part of your overall marketing strategy . Consider  your Outbound Marketing ( also known as offline marketing) and your Inbound Marketing (also known as online marketing) as two sides of the same coin- both are needed to deliver the maximum business results.

A cohesive marketing strategy properly implemented will achieve more sales for your business and hence improve your bottom line profits.

Want to know more about writing for the web then hop over to see dawn.

Want to increase your sales with a dynamic marketing strategy? then contact me at Janette Whitney & Associates.

Networking online

There is an increasing choice of places to network online, so what are the 4 keys to benefiting from online networks?.

• Build Profile  -  online networking is about YOU not the business, so mix personal information with business and remember to include a photo. People do business with people and many will want to know who you are, especially if the product or service you provide is significant to their business. Be clear about what you can offer to others and equally clear about what you need as you never know who will be able to help you.

• Generate Content –  Some sites allow you to add blogs and articles directly and to comment on others blogs. All sites will allow you to link to a blog or article that you have placed elsewhere on the web. Use them to demonstrate an understanding of your subject and to show the expertise that you and your company can bring to it

• Build a network –   it should be obvious to all that networking is about connecting with people, though there are many who seem not to understand that. If you connect directly with many people then have at least one online conversation with them to explore areas of common interest. If there is nothing immediate, don’t discard the connection, develop it over time and build the relationship on a personal level. It is not just about business. Remember that you are building advocates, sounding boards and friends- not necessarily customers.

• Whilst our network is not our prospect base, be open to doing business where it is possible to do so. Be tuned in to the needs that are being broadcast by others, help others selflessly and gain a reputation as someone who ‘knows how’ and ‘knows who’. Explore collaborations with others where there is a basis to do so.

Networking is not an ‘all or nothing’ approach. Networking for business has a cost and can bring a return – but the return may take time to appear. Take your time to find the right mix for you.

Want to know more about online networking?

 Then follow me on twitter   or linked in or contact me at Janette Whitney & Associates

Networkers Beware!

 More than just physical contact, a handshake conveys a wealth of psychological information.

We walk away from a handshake saying things like, “You know, I just felt really comfortable with her” or “I don’t know why, but I simply don’t trust that guy”.

Most people don’t spend time probing the depths of this unconscious communication; they just have a ‘feeling’ or a sense that their intuition is telling them something. However, there are things we can use in our sales effort by looking a little more closely at the experience.

Top 5 Handshakes and what they reveal about you or your client:

 1. Sweaty Palms – When a person is nervous their sympathetic nervous system often becomes overactive, sometimes resulting in sweaty palms. Do what you can to put this individual at ease.

2. Dead Fish- Indifferent handshakes that feel like the person has no bones in their hand often indicate a passive or reserved personality. This handshake ranks as the number two least favoured. Individuals with this type of clasp are generally not people-focused. Knowing this, you can tailor your conversation to de-emphasize the people aspect and focus more on the mechanical or thing focused benefits.

3. Brush off – This handshake type is a quick grasp and then a release that feels like your hand being shoved aside. This handshake is a statement of ‘it’s my turf and my agenda that matters, yours doesn’t’. Listen first to what the person wants before talking about your ideas for them.

4 Controller- You feel your hand being pulled toward the person or strongly guided in a different direction, perhaps towards a chair. People who do this are controllers. This means they want to dominate any inanimate or animate object in the room ( and that would include you). If your goals are different to theirs there may be challenges ahead. Do more listening than talking and see if you can find common ground so these individuals can control the situation toward your desired objective.

5. Politician- Your hand is firmly grasped as in a normal handshake. However, their other hand may cover yours or be placed on your forearm or shoulder. Unless the two of you are good friends, this is a form of false sincerity. The person is attempting to communicate that the two of you have a deeper relationship than you actually have. After receiving this kind of handshake, I recommend you check your pockets or purse to see if anything is missing. Similarly, be cautious about relying on this person’s word for anything and be attentive in your dealings with them. 

As in any sales situation, the more you know about your prospects and clients, the better you can communicate with them. So create a strong first impression by being aware of your own handshake and understand the hidden messages in your clients.

For professional, Impartial advice & Solutions contact me at Janette Whitney & Associates on 01403 733671 .Award Winning Business Consultants & Business Growth Specialists.

How strong is your network?

As the saying goes ‘it’s not what you know but who you know’ so how can you widen your network of contacts to create the network that is important to your business.

Here are 10 tips to help you create the network you want face to face.

1, Be alert for opportunities to meet new people

Everyone is connected. The typical person knows about 250 other people. Each time one new person feels they know, like and trust you; potentially another 250 people may also come too.

2, Be open to people knowing you

It’s not just about whom you know, it’s more about who knows you. Share something of yourself, allow people to get to know you. You will be more memorable.

3. Find new ways to meet people

It’s always easier to meet new people when you share an experience .Most schools & universities have alumni organisations containing people in a wide range of occupations. Whatever you do, there will be a relevant professional organisation where you can meet other people in your field. More importantly, get invitations to meetings held by institutes and trade bodies where your clients are.

4. Don’t be too choosy

Consider all invitations to events even if they don’t initially interest you. Such events can still often turn out to offer valuable networking opportunities and that is what you are there for. You never know who’s going to be there. If you have time, go along,

5. Carry distinctive business cards

Make sure you have plenty of business cards and don’t be shy about passing them out. Be distinctive. Have something about you (clothes, accessories, tie) that people will remember and associate with your card.

6. Follow up with personalised notes

Follow up meeting new contacts with a handwritten note saying how much you enjoyed meeting them. Takes a little longer than an email, but gives a really good impression and cements you in the person’s memory banks.

7. Create a brief ‘script’ you can use at events.

To stop you fumbling for answers when you meet new people, jot down your brief reply to ‘what you do’, what your company does, and what makes you and your company unique. Then practice it!!

8. Find out that you’re great

Think about all the people you know and identify one fan, a person who thinks you’re interesting or fun. Ask him or her to tell you what makes you good company. It will help you to feel less inhibited when talking to strangers. At least one person thinks you are great!

9. Show a genuine interest in people

Start by first listening to the other people. If nothing else, it helps you to relax. Ask them questions about themselves and really listen to the replies. Listen well, respond promptly, and maintain eye contact.

10. Keep a key people list

Make and maintain a list of everybody you know who has some relevance to your work. Use either a CRM software system or create your own excel spreadsheet/manual card system- whatever works best for you. Regularly (at least weekly) select one person for a ‘hello, how are you?’ call. Update your contact details with what you learn from meeting people.

For Professional & impartial business advice contact Janette Whitney at Award Winning Business Consultants, Janette Whitney & Associates on 01403 733671 or email jw@whitneyassocs.co.uk