Networking at 20 years old is very different from networking at 35 or 40 years old. The most apparent change is your attire. You are dressing for galas and tee times rather than a basement party or a beer pong game. Our ‘Ask Me What I Do’ Polo represents your elevation. The polo can go with jeans, khakis, or a skirt. As a seasoned professional, you know how your overall appearance can make or break your first impression. Our polo is neutral enough to where you can accessorize it or make it your own.
Even though networking tactics change as you age and your progress in your career, the need to connect with others does not disappear. Your goals may not be to nail a job, but it could be to gain information or build more contacts for your part-time hustle. In every field or industry, you want to stay on top of your game and understand the latest trends.
Networking as a career professional is more about the opportunities to collaborate with others and build relationships. Those relationships come in handy when you face challenges or decide to change careers. The “Ask Me What I Do” polo can also help a fresh graduate find a new mentor in you—being a mentor and allowing someone else can provide great fulfillment. Although, networking isn’t always about what someone can do for you; we should always find time to give back to others on the path where we once were.
Our “Ask Me What I Do” polo is an essential part of any marketing technique for any entrepreneur. It’s lightweight, sleek, and can easily be worn to the office or happy hour. In addition, the classic print networking slogan will capture someone’s eye and spark a conversation that can be your next big break.
]]>Having your own business can be a dream come true, but it also comes with a lot of responsibility. Handling payroll, inventory, taxes, and days filled with task lists can be overwhelming. In addition, you are probably wondering when do you find time to sell your product. Our ‘Ask Me What I Do’ button makes it as easy as brushing your teeth. Our networking button can help you increase your profits with network marketing.
Network marketing is a business model that requires person-to-person sales. As an independent representative, in order to make a sale, you have to generate the lead and close the deal. It can be challenging to share your product with new people every day and not come off as pushy. Our ‘Ask Me What I Do’ button brings the future customer straight to you. Keep in mind your answer should not focus on the actual product but more centered around how your product impacts someone’s life. For example, if you sell nutrition products, share how you help people live healthier lives instead of sharing details about the items.
While a potential client will approach you after being prompted by your button, you don’t want the questions to stop there. Keep the conversation going. Ask your prospect questions, learn about their needs and desires. Are they a parent, are they looking for another source of income, are they, a homeowner. The more information you know, the more you can share how you can help them. Then depending on the flow of the conversation, ask for the sale. If you get a ‘no’ or a ‘maybe,’ still exchange information to follow-up. You never want to be too aggressive; stay calm. Remember, they might not be the customer, but they could connect you to a potential customer or two.
Set a goal for yourself when wearing the button. To sell more products and increase profit, you have to interact with more people either in person or virtually. The ‘Ask Me What I Do’ button is an easy accessory that is a perfect addition to any outfit, jacket, or bag. This small but powerful button sparks a conversation in a subtle yet authentic way. Snag one to add to your daily look so you can bag a sale at the grocery store or industry event. So when you become the top earner in your region, remember we told you so.
The acclaimed creator of the HBO series ‘Insecure,’ Issa Rae, made a statement in 2017 saying, “We tend to network up when we really should be networking across.” And we couldn’t agree more. Here are two tips to do just that.
First, grab our Networking Notebook. The notebook is strategically crafted with prompts to help organize your million-dollar ideas, events, and contacts. The contact list will help you figure out who can help you reach your goals. Write down a list of former classmates, coworkers, and even neighbors. From that list describe their profession, industry, and business.
For example, if you have an emerging cleaning business, do you know people who are operation managers that could pitch your services to their company or a new mom needing help easing the load around the house? Maybe you are an event planner; you can create a series of events with entrepreneurs in your city for a weekend pop-up shop. The partnerships are endless once you start reaching next to you rather than upwards.
Second, reach out to your circle of friends you listed. It can be a little intimidating to share your big ideas, but it will be worth it. All you need is one yes. Remember, at first, they laugh, but once you push forward, they will ask you how you did it. In your, Networking Notebook keep track of conversations you have with friends, jot down their goals, expertise, and daily tasks. Then when approaching your associates, use the information you’ve collected to share how the partnership can benefit both parties equally. People are more willing to give you the green light when it is a ‘scratch my back, and I’ll scratch yours' situation.
You’ve heard the saying ‘the grass is greener where you water it.' So often, we fantasize about another’s position; however we should focus on the greatness in our current position. So while it is tempting to reach out to the individual who is dominating the industry, be on the lookout for those building just like you.
]]>Did you know there are important people already in your circle? Let's think of people you already know. These individuals allow you to be the 5th Millionaire in the room. You may know the saying, “if you hang around four broke people, you'll be the fifth, but if you hang around four millionaires, you'll be the fifth”. We’re sure you’d choose the latter situation.
Networking evolves as our society changes the way we interact and communicate with each other. So it’s important to capitalize on the connections you have with former coworkers, classmates, or even someone you met at the bar.
The Sponsor sees what you do not see in yourself. They would be considered your “Big Joker” in the game of Spades, meaning it outranks everything. Their recommendation or referral would help you win the opportunity and goal you set out to achieve. If you do not know anyone like this, that is ok! Start networking or having conversations with those around you, and you would be surprised!
The Mentor is someone you’ll consider a role model with the traits you’re working to have and willing to help you succeed. You may call this person when you need career or business advice. Your mentor can provide feedback and help you flush out an idea prior to execution and help you avoid mistakes.
The Advocate keeps your name and credentials in their conversation wherever they go. This is because they have your best interest in mind and will do everything to make sure you are connected to the resources you need to succeed. This person might even be a peer, but whoever they are, when you aren’t in the room when there is an opportunity, they make sure to mention your name. Again, if you do not know someone like this, yet, then start meeting new people and expanding your circle! But- Remember, you must do unto others as you want them to do to you. If you want others to advocate on your behalf, you must reciprocate!
The Cheerleader is a person who creates a pep rally around you and makes sure you stay motivated and focused on being able to make your ideas happen. This person has seen you at your highs and lows. They know your journey, so they can remind you about all your accomplishments and how far you have come. We all need to take time to reflect, be thankful, and be ready to receive abundance.
]]>Here are 3 strategies you need to build your network to increase your net worth.
]]>Black entrepreneurs who want to build, grow, or scale their influence in today's climate, let's talk.
Entrepreneurship and risk-taking go hand in hand. When you stay ready, you don't have to get ready. Always be prepared to talk about what you do. Business cards? Fliers? Products? You never know.
In the life of an entrepreneur, preparation can be the deciding factor in big yes's or small no's. If opportunity is a door, don't miss out because you weren't ready when the door swung open.
Do one thing every day that scares you. Nothing great is ever achieved in a place of comfort. An invitation to a networking event can be the value your current network needs. Everywhere you go, think about adding value to the room and how I can be a resource to others. Remember, when you play small, you stay small. When you want more, you have to do more.
A person can only recognize your value if you realize your own. Value is not always money. More times than not, it is not monetary. Know what you have to offer. You are an asset. Know it and communicate it.
This starts with confidence:
Fruitful connections will later bear fruit that will be beneficial to you. Effective networking is the key to increasing your net worth as an entrepreneur. It is a critical skill to master.
Take part in your network-volunteer opportunities, classes, and networking events. Remember, do not be shy and be strategic in connecting with people. Optimizing your network correlates with impacting your bottom line. Do this every day and leave no opportunity untouched.
My Networking Apparel is the Shaquille O'Neal in assist with conversation starting for ambitious entrepreneurs and influencers looking to connect, build relationships and grow their influence.
Grab your "Ask Me What I Do" merch for the next upcoming networking event in your city, and get ready to tell people what you do!
]]>So what is networking? Networking is defined as an ‘interaction with others to exchange information and develop professional or social contacts.' Sounds easy right? It can be, when your vision is clear.
Here are five steps your ‘Ask Me What I Do’ merch can help spark new networking opportunities daily.
Success happens when preparation meets opportunity. When people read your shirt or hat because they will ask, your elevator pitch needs to be flawless. An elevator pitch is a brief speech or statement that can spark interest in your organization or product.
Imagine you go to a friend’s highrise downtown, and hop on the elevator to head up to the fourth floor. Someone gets on after you, presses the button for the third floor. They catch a glimpse of your hat which reads, ‘Ask Me What I Do’, so they take you up on your offer. Now you have 30 seconds before they get off to seal the deal. Is your elevator pitch clear, succinct, and unique? Well if it is, have your business card, which includes your social media handles, website, and number, because they just might buy your product or refer your service. This technique takes practice.
Take time to write your elevator pitch, record yourself, and ask others for feedback. It won’t be perfect the first few tries, but your confidence will grow with repetition. Be sure your elevator pitch includes how your business or service is different.
What sets you apart from competitors? Are you more affordable, do you use high-end products, or do you have experience with V.I.P clients? You may have written the best pitch in the world but the delivery makes a difference. That is why we recommend to voice record yourself, listen to yourself, then adjust. Once you rehearse on your own, try it on friends or trusted colleagues. Have them give you feedback on your body language and eye contact.
Once someone inquires about your ‘Ask Me What I Do’ merch, you give them your elevator speech and if there is time they will most likely ask you follow-up questions. At this point, you want to give them a way to stay connected. Having a company card or even a sticker to give clients is another way to show that you are serious about your business and craft. Though that interaction may not manifest into a sale at that moment, you’ve planted a seed. We all know it takes time for seeds to blossom, but you reap what you sow.
Just like your elevator pitch was clear, concise, and unique; your marketing materials should be the same. Your ‘Ask Me What I Do’ button or hat initiates the conversation, but it doesn’t do all the work. The merch is the alley-oop, but you are the one that makes the dunk. We are in a digital age, everyone requests a follow on the ‘Gram, but a tangible contact card is still an effective way to connect with clients. When a potential client sees the card sitting in their center car console or in their purse, it will trigger the memory of the encounter. That might be the day they find your Facebook page or Instagram account to ask about your amazing car detailing business.
Wear your merch everywhere. There are so many choices to sport your ‘Ask What I Do’ merch. From a phone case, button, or hat, there are so many options. Wear your merch everywhere to ignite a conversation and build your network. Standing in line at the coffee shop, you decide to pay with your phone, and the cashier sees your case. What do you think the cashier will do? You guessed it, they will ask what you do. Taking your dog out for a walk around the block?
Grab an ‘Ask What I Do’ hat and your keys. Once you are at the dog park, there is someone bound to ask you not only about your fur baby, but also the statement on your cap. The buttons make it even easier, pop one on your favorite denim jacket or pin it to your backpack. Once the button is in place, you may forget it’s there until a bypasser obeys the button and questions you about what you do for a living.
If you don’t post it on the ‘Gram did it really even happen? Grab your phone or your bestie who is a weekend wedding photographer and start snapping away. There are more options than just sporting a t-shirt, You can pick from items like a mug, mask, or sports bra, you can film yourself wearing ‘Ask What I Do’ merch in any scenario. Think about what you do in a day. How do you get your day started, is it with a cup of tea or coffee? A morning photo-op using an ‘Ask Me What I Do’ mug, snap a flick as you take a morning jog in your ‘Ask Me What I Do’ sports bra, or get a video of yourself packing orders in your ‘Ask Me What I Do’ hoodie.
Once you have a list of opportunities, take a picture in your merch doing what you do, with good lighting, and it reading from left to right. You know what to do next, share it on social media and of course tag us @mynetworkingapparel !
One of the amazing aspects of social media is sharing. Hashtags allow more users to see and interact with your content. Hashtags also create a community. For example, if you are searching for a real estate agent in your city, typing #realestate in the search bar can yield so many options. When people see ‘Ask Me What I Do’ merch, a simple search on Twitter or Instagram is another way for people to find your business.
When you tag #mynetworkingapparel or #askmewhatIdo, we are able to share your content, exposing your product or service to a larger audience. When you become an entrepreneur you quickly realize you can’t do it alone, enlisting the help of others can elevate your business. We want to be that stepping stone for you, helping to make your business more visible to an untapped audience. Who doesn’t want free promotion and new business?
We are here to tell you networking is not only attending an industry event or corporate happy hour. Networking happens all around you and in everyday moments. There are so many potential partners and sales around you, wearing ‘Ask Me What I Do’ merch will help untapped those missed opportunities.
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