I recently got a call from a reader who admitted to being very introverted, but still wanted to improve her networking results. I thought others might benefit from what I shared, so here’s the essence of that conversation.
Networking
Challenge Your Networking Habits
Many readers recognize the power of effective networking as a key business strategy, especially those directly involved in growing the business. But, if you fall into the trap of networking out of habit, driven by some outdated mindsets, you might be networking like an ineffective amateur. And, ‘if you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you always got’.
Here are some simple reminders to help you challenge your networking habits … and consider changing some of them that may not work any more.
Networking With A Focused Script
The goal of your first brief networking interaction with a stranger is to begin to answer the question “Is this person someone I want to get to know better; someone who can help me … or who I can help?” To do that, you need information.
Dumb Questions Revisited
My recent rant about dumb questions at networking events, like ‘Do you have a business card?’ generated some interesting reactions. One reader sent me a note indicating she didn’t like my approach. Here’s an excerpt from my response. ‘Thanks so much for your sincere feedback. As a writer and communication practitioner, my goal is always … Read more
So Many Events, So Little Time
A site visitor recently asked how to determine which networking events to attend. He said there are so many to choose from that entrepreneurs can spend too much time and money in the process. Absolutely! Here’s a summary of our conversation on this important topic:
1. Start with the ‘why’. The process of choosing which networking event to attend starts with precisely defining your specific networking objectives for the day. Why will you be networking? What kind of information are you seeking? Information to help you do your job easier, faster, better or smarter? Information to help you grow the business? Information to support your job search? All the other networking event decisions stem from answering the ‘why’ questions first.
Networking with Uncommon Courtesy
I used to refer to this concept as networking with “common courtesy”. But, just like “common sense”, these practices are anything but commonplace in the business world today. One of the fastest and smartest ways to make that best possible first impression when networking is both very simple AND very easy. You can display “Uncommon Courtesy” that clearly differentiates yourself from the amateurs by:
Maximize Your Tradeshow ROI
Many sales professionals and entrepreneurs use business expos and trade shows to market their products and services and network with prospects, clients and colleagues. If that strategy works for your business, here are four Best Practices to help you maximize your trade show experience, ROI and value.
1. Work Your Booth
- Stand in front of your booth and warmly greet people passing by.
- Don’t eat or sit – you came to work.
- Don’t chat with booth mates when you could be chatting with prospects.
2. Ask Good Questions
- Ask brief, focused questions like “What do you do?” … “Do you use (service or product you provide)?” … “Who provides it now?”… “Would you like some information on our (service or product)?”
- Ask for their cards and wait for them to ask for yours. Don’t just stuff one in their bag.
Making the Varsity Networking Team
Interact enough with members of the Varsity Networking Team and you’ll quickly realize how they got there and what we can learn from them: Everyone networks, but very few people network with focus, finesse and flexibility. And even fewer with class. Always network with a strategic plan … then work your plan like a pro. … Read more
Elevator Speeches Revisited
Here’s the best elevator speech I’ve ever heard, from a good friend who is a financial planner. He doesn’t use that title when he networks, because there’s too much baggage and negative connotation connected with it. When someone asks him what he does, he simply says “I help take people from fear and frustration to … Read more
Networking With Timely Follow up
Let’s assume you’ve just returned from networking at a professional association event. You met some people that could potentially help you accomplish your networking objectives and have several business cards. Good for you. Now what do you do?
Effective and timely follow up will reinforce the positive first impression you made on those people and can help you establish mutually beneficial relationships. Here are some simple strategies based on the Best Practices the Networking Pros use.