10 Tricks You Wish Your Mother Had Taught You About Networking
I met Betsy Black at a networking event last month, where she was the featured speaker and facilitator. I so enjoyed the exercises she led, I asked her to share some of the tricks in her networking arsenal. Lucky for us, she obliged me with this original article. Enjoy!
10 Tricks You Wish Your Mother Had Taught You About Networking
By Betsy Black
Networking is a vital business skill, but must of us never receive formal training about how to be proficient at it. Here are 10 tips to ease your way towards more effective networking. Networking is about relationships, about relating to people. I used to be shy and now am a shameless networker. If I can do it, you can, too!
First of all, a definition (it’s simple) – net [connection of relationships] and work [acting to build these connections]. How to do this? By talking to people and following up on those connections appropriately.
Okay, here are the tips:
1. Breathe and be yourself. You don’t need to be anyone but yourself to network effectively. I guarantee you have all that you need to do it right, and get better with practice. Ready?
2. Interconnectedness = strength. The stronger your networks the happier, healthier and more prosperous you will be. Think of your relationships as a large web of connections, some strong and close to you, others less developed and distant. Over time the strength and nature of relationships change, but the principle remains that you are strengthened by your relationships with others. The Horatio Alger story that success is based on the individual pulling him/herself up by the bootstraps with no help from anyone is a myth. All individual success involves others providing support, wisdom, financial backing, and client base.
3. People want to help. Sometimes we are reluctant to ask for help because we don’t want to put anyone else out. The truth is people want to help you succeed, because they have been helped by others and want to pass it on, or maybe you can help them out, too!
4. People have something in common. When in a roomful full of strangers you might think, “Yikes, I don’t know anyone here! What do I do?” Have a fall-back question or two to use when you feel ill at ease. My favorite is – “What brings you here?” This question works well because it asks what the person’s connection is to the event and the answer often leads to conversation. Here is my second favorite – ”What is your business?”
5. Focus on giving. If you focus on helping other people, your good acts will return to you. If you approach networking as an opportunity to help others, it’s a lot more fun and you won’t feel so self-conscious about promoting yourself.
6. Rome wasn’t built in a day. Patience is key to networking and building relationships. You must invest time and energy to connect with people. Period. You MUST invest time and energy to connect with people. You need to budget time for networking just as you budget time for producing your product or service.
7. Be non-linear. If you talk with people wherever you go, you will have some fascinating conversations and make some unexpected connections.
8. Think concentric circles. You are the center of your universe, your loved ones are your closest concentric circles, close friends and business colleagues come next, people you know but not well come next, and beyond your existing circle are the many people you haven’t yet met, but might connect with. You don’t have to be best buddies with the whole world!
9. You are responsible. You are responsible for the strength and depth of your relationships and how you conduct yourself. If you find networking and talking with people difficult, get some help. Organizations like Toastmasters International exist to support your ability to communicate. Coaches are professionals who help people develop skills and confidence to succeed. The most important thing is to practice.
10. Trust the process. The more you engage with the world and network, the more you will benefit as a business person and human being. Like any other endeavor, as much as you put into networking, so you shall benefit.
Betsy Black is an accredited life coach who helps business owners, lawyers and professionals be more successful and happy. You can reach her at 603.228.6195, or betsy@betsyblackconsulting.com.
###
Don’t gamble with your résumé. Get a free résumé critique from Career-Resumes.com® today! Peter Newfield, President of Career-Resumes.com® and the résumé expert for BlueSteps.com, The Ladders, and former expert for Spencer Stuart Talent Network, leads a crack team of résumé writers with over 100 years of combined experience. Invest in your executive career at Career-Resumes.com®!
No Comments
No comments yet.
Comments RSS TrackBack Identifier URI
Leave a comment
