This is a uncomfortable subject sometimes, but not everyone we meet out networking is as qualified to be a valuable contact as we are to assume.
Google, screen on social networking, do your due diligence! You brand is at risk!
Feb 212010
In order to create success and make networking worth your time there are a few simple principals you must follow.
By engaging in these simple actions your efforts compounded over time will inevitably create lasting success, and lifelong friendships.
1- Regular and On Time Attendance- This should be self explanatory, but unfortunately it is sometimes taken for granted.
2- Show interest and Participate- Sitting in silence does not add value to the group or portray you as a resource. Ask questions, give valuable ideas, do anything to get people to say “Wow! I would like to speak to this person.”
3- Be a Resource, Not a Meaningless Advertisement- Constantly pitching and only attempting to meet with people who you feel can help you will get you nowhere. You must be willing to help others unconditionally.
4- Build Relationships, Set up personal meetings- One on one meetings is what are going to build your valuable relationships. If you are not willing to make this commitment your business networking efforts are going to be a waste of time.
5- Help Others Unconditionally- You willingness to help is what is going to build your credibility and your brand. Wouldn’t you like your phone to be ringing off the hook? By positioning yourself as a resource and helping everyone that you possibly can without the expectation of something in return is going to mean you have successfully created credibility for yourself and your brand.
6- Find Mentors & Engage in Personal Development- Success without personal development leads to failure.
7- Position Yourself as a Resource, Stay in contact with those you meet- Maintaining regular correspondence with your network will help you stay in the forefront of people mind. The more you can be a resource the more your emails will be opened and your site will be trafficked.
8- “Rinse and Repeat” Plan, Do, Review- You will only get better through repetition – Once you have gotten these simple steps down keep doing them! This is it, the basics. There is no need to reinvent the wheel.
Mastering the mundane is what creates lasting success. The ideas and principals have been written and rewritten over and over again for hundreds of years, nothing has changed.
You have all the tools and resources to build your business as well as you network, get to work!
Jan 302010
Business Networking to your success!
It is easy to find business networking functions to go to, but what does it take to make it worth the time investment?
I have broken it down into 6 MUST HAVE qualities. Each are very easy. Easy is anything that you can do. The flip side is everything that is easy to do is also easy not to do. If you aren’t willing to adopt these 6 qualities don’t even waste your time going to business networking events.
- Desire to help others unconditionally- Giving with the expectation of getting something in return is not the objective. Help enough people get what they want and you will get what you want… Not necessarily from the person you helped!
- Positive attitude- This is a MUST!! We each have enough crap to listen to everywhere else. If you don’t have anything constructive to contribute just SHUT UP!
- Willingness to participate in meetings- Don’t sit there in silence when you have the opportunity to, at very least, ask a question. You are there to meet people and be perceived as a valuable resource.
- Be prepared- Know your ideal client, referral partner, other event locations, etc.
- Good Hygiene- Know one wants to be around people that smell or have bad breath.
- Follow up- Meet with the people you met at an event on a one on one basis. Your purpose is not to sell the group with your commercial, it is to create an interest in meeting with you at a later time.
The best part about mastering these few things is it shouldn’t be that difficult. I love what Jeffrey Gitomer said in his book “Little Black Book of Connections,” “Everything you need to know about networking you leaned in grade school.” This couldn’t be more true!
Take a bath, play nice, do your homework, and participate in class. Many of you have kids, lead by example! For those of you who don’t have kids, like myself, get with the program!
Let’s get out there and create massive success!
photo credit: Lights Out Photos
