The nuances of networking
Mention the word networking and you’ll usually get a “where and
when” response or a “not me!” look For the latter, a networking event
can be synonymous with a root channel. But it doesn’t have to be painful.
Unlike things like parenting, which you only learn when you become
one, you can learn to network.
For starters, instead of looking at networking as a “must
do”, it helps to think of it as a tool to help you grow your business. That is,
actually, what it is. It’s meeting people… talking, sharing, discussing.
It is not going to a function where you know you will feel uncomfortable and
handing out all his business cards. Nor is it to see how many cards
you can collect
So let’s simplify it. Let’s take the networks and divide them at their base
components… or what I call shades.
1. Networking is all about meeting new people and building your network.
It’s not a blatant sale. In fact, “in your face” salespeople are not
good networkers. They turn people off.
2. Light up.
Stop thinking of a networking event as something you’re bound to get
through. Instead, think of it as an opportunity to meet interesting people in a
comfortable atmosphere with good food and drink. Take some of the
depressurization.
3. You are not being graded on this.
People are not there to see if you are doing a good job or not.
Do not care
Networking events present opportunities to build your network. Period.
4. Learn from the professionals.
There are people who love to network and do it regularly. Probably
meet some Write books and newsletters. They build websites on
networks. Visit their websites and read their books.
5. Feign interest, if necessary, until you feel it.
Twelve-step groups teach you to “act as if…” Give it a try. act like you are
having fun and you just might find out that you are. sometimes it’s just
overcome the fear of something new.
6. Think about what you have to gain versus what you have to lose.
If networks didn’t work, why would there be so many networks?
events? Things are not successful if they are failing. There has to be something
to win if so many people attend these functions.
7. How are you building your business?
100% of my business comes from client referrals or networks.
It is much cheaper than placing ads or running commercials. All you need
they are business cards. You don’t even have to hire anyone…although you do
hire salespeople, you’ll want to make sure they can network as
part of the job
8. Networking adds value.
As? Because growing your network helps your customers. And be
able to help their clients adds value to their services. hills
people you know, the more contacts you have for services and goods.
This helps you become a resource to your clients and colleagues.
My clients know that they can call me for almost anything and I
I can probably help you. If it didn’t work in a network, there would be no way to
do this.
9. Networking helps you learn and grow.
Small business owners, especially, can be isolated. It is important
Stay active in your business community and in your industry. You
You need to be up to date on what is happening that affects your business. You
You need to keep up with trends. And one of the easiest ways to do this is by
networking…union of organizations, chambers of commerce, networking
groups… attending events, conferences, seminars and workshops.
So if you’ve been avoiding social media, now is a good time to
give it a try. You have nothing to lose and a lot of potential business to
gain.
Copyright © 2004 Rickey Gold and Associates
