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

---

Fundamentals of MLM Business

MLM or Multi-Level Marketing is a home-based business. It involves... Read More

MLM Training - The MLM Success Declaration of Independence

MLM Success Declaration of Personal Independence is a declaration of... Read More

Network Marketing Is Fun And Profitable

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

MLM Success: The 2 MLM Basics You MUST Master in Network Marketing

Here is truly a MILLION Dollar Question:What is a Basic?It... Read More

How to Choose a Network Marketing Winner

The idea of using a network-marketing program to generate extra... Read More

Why Do Most Network Marketers Fail?

Network marketing is Simple, but doing the old way (i.e.... Read More

7 Tips for Building a Successful Downline Team

Have you ever joined a program that seems to be... Read More

Still Seeking Network Marketing Success?

Network marketing success does come to many people and to... Read More

MLM Training: The 5 BLAZING Secrets to SCORCHING MLM Training

What do you do to build a SCORCHING HOT MLM... Read More

Discover How To Attract The Help You Need To Build Your Network Marketing

Positive thinkers dare to believe that the biggest and best... Read More

MLM Training- The MLM Success Secret to the MASTER Skill

by Doug FirebaughIt truly is the Network Marketing Paradox. I... Read More

What is Network Marketing?

It seems like an easy question, but when you stop... Read More

Network Marketing Evaluation - The Truth Factor

Network Marketing ? The Evaluation for Success.There are some serious... Read More

Network Marketing Internet Business Basics

A network marketing Internet business is what millions of ordinary... Read More

The Power of the A-Z Presentation

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

Network Marketing: How to Make it Work for You

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

Setting Up Your Work-From-Home Internet Business: When Are You Ready to Start?

It would be nice to be one of those Internet... Read More

Luck Is What You Make it

I get so frustrated when people call me lucky. They... Read More

Four Secrets to Power Networking (The Networking Factor)

Commandment 8KindnessJust as courtesy is contagious, kindness often begets kindness.... Read More

The Network Marketing Secret

So, what is this Network Marketing secret really about?To illustrate... Read More

MLM Success Training - The ONE Secret to Building a Massive Wealth Structure in MLM

The Ultimate Business Building Goal in MLM.In this MLM training... Read More

MLM Network Marketing Training: MLM Success - What is the REAL Secret? Do YOU Know?

After 22 years in this industry, 14 years fulltime in... Read More

MLM Network Marketing Recruiting Training - The 5 Magnetic Phrases that Paint Word Pictures

One of the most powerful secrets to recruiting in network... Read More

The Three Primary Strengths Of Network Marketing

Network Marketing, 'MLM', and Multi Level Marketing are all terms... Read More

The Returns of MLM

Distributors are paid through compensation plans. These plans consist of... Read More

MLM Recruiting-The Power of One New Thought for MLM Success

Do you understand the Power of one new thought in... Read More

Clueless About Network Marketing?

A year ago, I began reading about real estate and... Read More

The 4 Major Enemies to Online Success

For any of you just starting in online marketing you... Read More

MLM Tools To Generate Repeat Business

The MLM tools to grow your MLM home business can... Read More

MLM Success - You MUST Become Success Flammable in Network Marketing

You MUST Ignite a FIRE in your Network Marketing business!... Read More

MLM Recruiting - The 5 Types of Network Marketing Recruiters in MLM

It is amazing.Every where I have the honor of speaking,... Read More

OK; They Built My Downline. Now What?

I've seen a huge increase in ads relating to Network... Read More

Choosing A Network Marketing Opportunity - 5 Red Flags

Although network marketing offers the potential for long term residual... Read More