It’s Net-WORKING, But It Can Be Fun!
I want to network to improve my business. Now what?
In this blog, we are going to show you the proper ways to network and the improper ways to network. Contrary to popular belief, networking is not just being there. It has been said that 95% of success is just showing up. But when it comes to networking, nothing could be farther from the truth. Or is it further. I don’t know. What’s important is that networking is about forming relationships. It’s about giving, not getting. You know what’s hard about networking? You have to go at it backwards.
The bottom line is, you are networking to get more business for yourself. And, for the most part, the way you have to do that is to give to others. That’s right. Give to others. We could get all philosophical about it, but we’ll just go ahead and say what you’re thinking: makes no sense. Right?
Wouldn’t we save everybody tons of time if we just cut to the chase? “Look, here’s what I do. Can you use my service or do you know anyone who might be interested?” But, noooooo. We have to take the long way around. Develop a rapport, build credibility and give, give, give. The problem with cutting to the chase is that no one is listening to you. They’re just waiting for you to finish so they can begin talking about themselves. And, of course, so are you.
Here’s what’s weird about giving: even though your putting forth the effort for someone else’s benefit, it makes you feel good, too.
So…you want to network. Now what? Well, like anything else in life, you have to have a plan. You have to set attainable, measurable, realistic goals. Let’s say your going to a networking event, like a local chamber of commerce social gathering. Just like thinking about your appearance and dress, you should think about what will happen, or what you want to make happen when you get there. What should you bring? Who do you wish to meet? How many do you wish to meet? What will you say? Will they serve food? Can you talk with your mouth full? What if something gets stuck in your teeth? Do these pants make your butt look big? O.K. so some of these are not necessarily topic related but hey, we’re trying to be creative here. You get the idea.
These thoughts will help you develop your plan for that particular event. You will bring enough business cards to pass around, you will bring a small note-taking device, you will meet 3 to 5 new people (this is not a speed networking event), and you will LISTEN TO THEM and ASK QUESTIONS. You will not talk about yourself and if asked, you will give short answers and steer the conversation back to the other person. After each meeting or conversation, you will take notes so that you can remember details like birthdays and stuff and follow up with them at a later date. This, my friend, is the first step of networking.
To hear actual examples of this concept, go to http://networkingfun.com/products-page/ and order audio files “Networking Examples” #1 and #2. You’ll really enjoy listening to the ways “not to” network from some very indelicate people with good intentions.
