The Nuances of Networking

Mention the word networking and you usually either get a "where and when" response or a look of "not me!" For the latter, a networking event may be synonymous with a root canal. But it doesn't have to be painful. Unlike things like parenting, which you learn only when you become one, you can learn how to network.

To start off, rather than looking at networking as something you "must do", it helps to think of it as a tool to help you grow business. That is, actually, what it is. It's meeting people?. talking, sharing, discussing. It's not going to a function where you know you'll be uncomfortable and passing out all of your business cards. Nor is it seeing how many cards you can collect.

So let's simplify it. Let's take networking and break it down to its basic components..or what I'm calling nuances.

1. Networking is about meeting new people and building your network.

It's not blatant selling. In fact, the "in your face" salespeople are not good networkers. They turn people off.

2. Lighten up.

Stop thinking of a networking event as something you're forced to get through. Instead, think of it as a chance to meet interesting people in a comfortable environment with good food and drink. Take some of the pressure off.

3. You're not being graded on this.

People are not there to see whether you're doing a good job or not. They don't care.

Networking events present opportunities to build your network. Period.

4. Learn from the pros.

There are people who love to network and do it regularly. You probably know some. They write books and newsletters. They build websites on networking. 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?" Try it. Act as if you're enjoying yourself and you may find that you are. Sometimes it's just getting over the fear of something new.

6. Think of what you have to gain versus what you have to lose.

If networking didn't work, why would there be so many networking events? Things don't succeed if they're failing. There must be something to gain if so many people are attending these functions.

7. How are you building your business?

100% of my business comes either from client referrals or networking. It's a lot cheaper than placing ads or running commercials. All you need are business cards. You don't even have to hire anyone?. although if you do hire salespeople, you'll want to make sure they can network as part of the job.

8. Networking adds value.

How? Because growing your network helps your customers. And being able to help your customers adds value to your services. The more people you know, the more contacts you have for services and goods. This helps you become a resource for your customers and colleagues. My clients know they can call me for just about anything, and I'll probably be able to help them. If I didn't network, there'd be no way to do this.

9. Networking helps you learn and grow.

Small business owners, especially, can become isolated. It's important to stay active in your business community and in your industry. You need to be current on what's going on that affects your business. You need to stay on top of trends. And one of the easiest ways to do this is by networking?joining organizations, chambers of commerce, networking groups?attending events, lectures, seminars and workshops.

So, if you've been avoiding networking, now's as good a time as any to give it a try. You have nothing to lose and a lot of potential business to gain.

Copyright © 2004 Rickey Gold & Associates

Rickey Gold & Associates is a small, hands-on, Chicago-based marketing communications firm which focuses on helping clients identify, entice and sell to their target markets.

http://www.rickeygold.com
rg@rickeygold.com
773.348.4973

---

MLM and Work at Home businesses Get Financial Boost

Financial freedom has been a buzz word for years, but... Read More

MLM Success Training - The Top 15 Power Phrases for Recruiting Business Professionals into MLM

What do you say to a small business owner? How... Read More

Common Work At Home Success Characteristics

Do people that are successful in home based businesses share... Read More

The Power of the A-Z Presentation

When someone asked me, 'John, what is the #1 reason... Read More

What Network Marketing is NOT

There are so many misconceptions flying around out there about... Read More

Network Marketing Tip: Hidden Honeymoon Hazards

Finding balance in your close business relationships... talk about a... Read More

The Misconception Of Multi-Level Marketing

Ever wonder why people are so turned off at the... Read More

Network Marketing: How to Make it Work for You

How or why some people excell at Network Marketing, while... Read More

Big Changes In Recruiting Practices For Network Marketers...

Three conditions now exist which will change the way we... Read More

Ideas On Promoting Your Home Business Opportunity

Have you got yourself into a home business opportunity but... Read More

MLM Opportunity: The 7 Hidden Things to Look for and MUST HAVE in an MLM Opportunity

That can be two words that transform your life forever,... Read More

Network Marketing Is Fun And Profitable

Network Marketing, also called MLM or Multi-Level Marketing, can be... Read More

Network Marketing Tip: Do You Re-invent the Wheel or Just Drive the Car?

There are those in the Network Marketing industry who would... Read More

100% Rejection Free MLM prospecting

In my last article entitled "How to build your MLM... Read More

MLM Success Training - The Secrets to Deciding Who You Will Become in MLM

There are many factors that impact Success in life. And... Read More

MLM Training - Creating an EXPLOSIVE Start with Your New MLM Distributor

Ok...you have a new distributor. What do you do with... Read More

Explore MLM And Network Marketing Opportunities

When looking at MLM and network marketing opportunities, don't consider... Read More

Five Steps That Will Help You Succeed in Niche Marketing

Niche marketing is a manifestation of how much internet marketing... Read More

Network Marketing Tips - Helping Strangers First Makes No Sense

Network Marketing business is the opportunity of the 21st century... Read More

MLM Network Marketing - Why Failure Rate Is so High?

In recent years people are increasingly looking for extra source... Read More

MLM Training- Developing a Winners Mindset for Network Marketing Success

Failure.The word almost makes me want to throw up. Because... Read More

Network Marketing Success - How to Create a Massive Success ThinkSHIFT for MLM Success

It is time you started shifting your MLM Success into... Read More

Why 95% of MLM or Network Marketing People Fail with Their Home Based Business

Every MLM or network marketing operation offers the same promises... Read More

MLM Money Making Opportunities

There are still real money making opportunities mlm style available... Read More

MLM Products - The MLM Success Formula for HOT Selling Network Marketing Products

You must understand this next statement:The successful network marketing company... Read More

Multilevel Marketing

Basic IdeaMultilevel marketing (MLM), also known as "Network" marketing, are... Read More

Nightmares on MLM Street

If you haven't already read the NY Times Best selling... Read More

The Big Dream Paradox

I want to share my experiences so hopefully it will... Read More

Wanna See My Daily Plan Of Action?

Here is my FORMULA for success coupled with (DPOA) DAILY... Read More

Network Marketings Best Kept Secret May Be Costing You a Fortune

The words, "I quit..." have never been more costly.Network marketers... Read More

Make Your Online Party A Success

Online parties are quickly becoming the better alternative to the... Read More

MLM Pyramid Misunderstanding, Its Actually Inverted and Fair

Many people that bad mouth MLM industry use the pyramid... Read More

Network Marketing Success - The Psychology Behind the Objection in MLM

The downline group I was honored to help lead was... Read More