A reader recently asked for some simple tips to network with more courtesy and to avoid coming off like a ‘slug’ at networking events. My comments.
Networking with ‘Uncommon Courtesy’ is both simple and easy and can clearly differentiate you from everyone else:
I recently got a call from a reader who admitted to being very introverted, but still wanted to improve her networking results. I thought other introverts might benefit from what I shared, so here’s the essence of that conversation:
Ever meet someone at a networking event who turned you off quickly with a negative first impression? Or, who really annoyed you with ineffective follow up? I have – lots of times. I call them ‘Networking Slugs’. They earn that designation for different reasons, but mostly because they don’t practice the simple art of Permission Marketing. Here’s what Networking Pros do to avoid that title when networking or building relationships:
A new client recently engaged Effective Training & Communication to thoroughly enhance his client communication strategies and tactics. A part of that process is to take his typical Elevator Speech up several notches. What follows is a summary of the exercise I created for him. Follow the steps, fill in your particular details and really take your elevator speech to the top.
Professional association events can really fill up your days and nights with networking opportunities this time of year. You could easily attend several breakfast, lunch, dinner or happy hour events every week, gain 100 pounds and pick up lots of business cards.
As wannabe Power Networkers, many of you polish your finely-crafted Elevator Speeches or 30-second commercials and deliver them with passion and purpose every chance you get. Great. So let’s assume you’ve just done that at a professional group meeting or networking event … now what do you do?
With most businesses, failing to plan is planning to fail. It’s the same simple paradigm for networking like a pro instead of an amateur. And it all starts with the reason(s) why you’re networking. Whether you want to learn things to help you do your job better, look for a better job or grow your business, network with a Strategic Plan. Here’s how:
Many ‘Communicate Confidently!’ readers recognize the power of effective networking as a key information-gathering, relationship-building and business-generating strategy.
But, if you fall into the trap of networking out of habit, driven by some outdated mindsets, you might be networking like an ineffective amateur.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’.
So you’ve decided to attend a professional group event to do some networking. Good for you … but you’ll need to work the room like a pro – with focus, finesse and flexibility. Here are 10 simple Best Practices to increase your skills and confidence … and results.
Regular readers may recall that I write … and rant … a lot about Elevator Speeches, the simple answer to the often-asked question ‘What do you do?’ Sometimes maligned and often done poorly, Elevator Speeches are still a fact of life when you network.