Yellow Dog Consulting

Sales & Marketing Consulting for solo-preneurs.

Great Questions to Ask When Networking

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When I was growing up, if we had a friend come over for dinner my dad would do interview questions. One person asked the question, everyone answers and then the next person asks, and so on and so forth. It was a way for us to get to know the distinguished 10 year old and to keep the conversation going. Questions ran the gambit but they usually included:

  • What’s your favorite TV show?
  • What’s your Favorite Book?
  • What’s your favorite movie?
  • If you could go anywhere in the world where would it be?
  • Who’s your favorite basketball player/team?
  • Who’s your favorite parent? (kidding!)

I love the interview questions, and now that my friends have kids who are at a good age for this distraction from eating dinner, it still pops up on occasion.

Why am I telling you about this random family meal activity?

Because it holds up in business. A couple of weeks ago I arrived early for a networking event and there was one person to talk to. So, I sat down and started chatting, and quickly realized this person was not going to ask me questions in return. But they were pretty happy to keep talking about their self. So, I start the interview…where do you live? where are you from? kids? pets? favorite restaurants in town? did you go to the recent event that compliments this event we’re attending?

Sometimes the conversation does turn to pop culture, which always makes me happy. And sometimes it stays on business. Having a stack of interview questions in my back pocket when I’m networking usually means I learn something personal and interesting about this person that I’ll remember way longer than all the spewing about how they’re different from every other CPA firm in town…

What are your go to questions when networking to keep the conversation going?

5 Ways to Maximize Your Membership Benefits

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When I first start to work with a client, we will often talk about what organizations they’re a member of. If I am helping with their online presence I’ll review their online profiles and make sure that they are fully filled out and maximizing the benefits of their membership. I am SHOCKED at how frequently small business owners don’t maximize their benefits. You paid a lot of money to join this group, make sure you get EVERYTHING out of it! Here’s 5 Ways to Maximize Your Membership Benefits…

  1. Fill Our Your Profile – Why is this such a challenge? Right now, schedule 30 minutes in the next week to review all organizations you’re a member of and fill out your profiles. Maybe they just need to be updated. Make sure you have your headshot and logo (if an option). DO THIS. It’s the easiest way for other members to find you!
  2. Get That List! Many organizations include access to their membership lists. If it’s a physical mailing list then create a postcard or offering to send them. If you get email addresses then send an introductory email (through an email program like Mail Chimp) or maybe a drip campaign depending on the rules (some organizations say you can contact members ONCE). Sometimes the organization will send something on your behalf – make sure to do this!
  3. Freebies- Some organizations, like OEN (where I’m a member) give you free passes to try out different types of events they offer. This is a GREAT idea and a good way to check out some different kinds of events you may not otherwise think were the right fit.
  4. Create a Specific Offer – It may be something you promote in your profile or when you attend events. It may just be something you offer when you are meeting with individual members. For organizations where I’m a member I have created discount codes for my Kick Ass Follow Up Templates.
  5. NETWORK – I am SHOCKED at how many of my clients pay a LOT of money for memberships to organizations and then never attend events. Your profile alone isn’t going to bring you business. People will hire you, refer to you and respond to you better if they have a face to go with the name in their inbox or from that profile. You have to go to the events. Why would you join the organization if you never intended to go meet the members? The more time I spend engaged in an organization the more referrals and connections I receive. I can account for multiple clients because we networked at the same organizations before they hired me.

What other member benefits do you always make sure to take advantage of?

3 Ways to Manage Your Summer Slump

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3 WAYS TO MANAGE YOUR SUMMER SLUMPLast month I attended, and spoke, at an event with my friend MaryAnn McNulty. She talked about the stages and cycles in business. It was a great reminder of what I can do to better manage my business year round, not just when times are great or I’m in a slump.

The summer is an easy time to slack off and enjoy the sunshine while it’s here. But, what I often notice is that when I slack off, I pay for it. Not in a week, but a few months down the road. So, what can you do to prevent a slump in your business?

  1. More 1:1’s – Some networking groups take time off in the summer. But that doesn’t mean you can’t still network. I like to schedule more individual meetings in the summer. Plus sitting outside drinking coffee (or something stronger) is best enjoyed with awesome new people.
  2. Networking in August – Why? August is AWESOME in the PNW! I can make an excuse to stay home and hangout in my backyard with Norm and my husband instead of putting on mascara and driving into the city to network. But it needs to happen. That’s why you’ll find me networking, even in August. And I won’t be alone.
  3. Follow Up – Summer is a great time to make sure you have your follow up systems in place. People are on vacations and not working as many hours, but you are! Make sure to follow up, and don’t use the summer excuse. Let your potential clients and referral partners tell you, don’t assume!

What do you do during your potentially slower months to ensure you don’t pay for it later?