Networking and Business Development for Administrative Professionals

So you're an administrative professional, not a sales person. That doesn't mean you can't make money for bringing on clients. In your day-to-day life, you will often come across friends and family members, even strangers, who need the services of your company. When you immerse yourself in your job, you'll quickly see how important it is to you to be a representative of your company. Here are a few tricks for networking and developing business wherever you go.

The Power of a Name

Wherever your travels take you, you're bound to strike up a conversation with someone at some point. It's important to remember names when you're networking for business. As soon as you catch someone's name, say it out loud during conversation. "Nice to meet you, Tanya" or "Barry, great to meet you." This well help you remember it and will make the other person feel important.

Referrals

What happens if I meet people who don't need my company's services? Get referrals! Not everybody is going to need your company's services, but it's a good bet that they know someone who does. Selling your product to them is just as important so that they may spread the word. Word of mouth marketing is a very effective tool in business and shouldn't be over looked. You've now created a referral partner.

Another more calculated method of retaining referrals is to build a referral list. Create a list of 100 people who would be good referral sources. Contact them to seek out the truly interested individuals. Before you know it, clients will be beating down your doors.

Network on the Internet

In the past, networking has been viewed as working the tradeshow floor, and distributing business cards. Those are the days of old. Today, the internet is a great resource for networking. Try networking to professional associations, schools, publications, and communities online. You'll find tons of links to sites like these, usually with free registration, ripe for the picking. Sign up and create profiles for your business. You'll have to work diligently to create a presence, but stay focused and you will find business.

Online bulletin boards and other forums are a great way to get to know potential clients. Post messages and questions regarding the business you're in. Many times people frequent these forums looking for answers to questions and issues. Answers you have and issues your business solves.

Work your Boss

It's important that you speak with your boss about getting paid for your efforts. Most businesses have a process in place for employee referrals. Typically, your boss will offer a percentage of the profits made on the business you referred, paid over a specified length of time. Depending on the type of business, your boss might offer a flat fee. Either way, its money you hadn't anticipated and it's great to use for a holiday or vacation fund.

Don't be afraid to negotiate with your boss. If he/she is hesitant to pay you for referrals, negotiate a raise or some other form of compensation. If your boss is still unreceptive, better you know now. Any business owner should be happy to have such an ambitious employee on staff.