Can we agree about the meaning of networking? I don't mean computer networking. For our conversation, business networking is about getting to know people whom you can help and who can help you. Does that simplify it for you, enough to feel better about it?
Many people have a complex definition for networking or get stymied by the action the verb implies. Let's take some of the mystery out of a basic way to get to know people and have them get to know you. Then, if either person needs something, there's an opening to facilitate this - it happens to be called, networking.
Confusion 1
· Networking is about shoving your business card in someone's hand and boasting about what you do.
Reality
· Business networking can include exchanging business cards, usually following a brief get acquainted conversation. Learn to ask one simple get-to- know- you question with comfort and curiosity: "What do you do?" The business card exchange is not a requirement. Getting the help you need from someone - a business referral, a contact, a job - doesn't come from a business card exchange. It comes from relationships in networking.
Confusion 2
· Some of us think when we attend an event with the word "networking" in it, that we are the only one there to - listen to the program, meet people or make our boss happy.
Reality
· Everyone is at "networking" events for similar reasons! To build your networking expertise, think about everywhere you go as being a form of networking. Waiting in supermarket lines, going to sporting events, enjoying festivals, stopping in your local bookstore or library, everywhere you go, there is an opportunity to meet and talk with people you don't know. The "event" then becomes just another way of meeting people. We are mingling with people who are at this "event" for similar reasons to our own!
Confusion 3
· Networking is work.
Reality
· Okay; this is reality. But it's work to find pleasure in! Stay in touch with people who you enjoy and respect, even if there's no immediate need. A handwritten note will go a long way in them remembering when you do need them. Is that so tough?
Believe It!
It is written, "ask and ye shall receive, knock and it shall be opened unto you, seek and ye shall find." If we don't ever ask, if we don't knock, if we don't seek then we won't receive! It's acceptable to ask for what you want, particularly in networking.
Pat Weber is a coach, certified telelcass leader, and corporate trainer. In her business coaching, she works with small business owners, independent professionals and salespeople to help them get more of what they want sooner than later.
Visit her website at http://www.prostrategies.com. Sign up for her free ezine.
Before we talk about specific networking tips I want to... Read More
Quote of the week"The answer is always no...unless you ask."... Read More
Ever use someone else to get your message out?For example,... Read More
"The Networking Factor, Everyone is important!" This slogan reminds me... Read More
Network marketing is the ordinary person's best opportunity to make... Read More
If you're fond of a good debate, you know how... Read More
The most successful organizations have good communication skills. Survey after... Read More
You already know that uncomfortable feeling, that knot in your... Read More
My husband and I tried an experiment one night. We... Read More
Here are 34 affirmations I have created after studying the... Read More
How many leads do you pass on?As a reminder, you... Read More
Have you ever noticed how visible large corporations are? Take... Read More
Small businesses are really excluded from the global economySmall businesses... Read More
What is the problem when people try to describe what... Read More
Do you ever wonder why single people give flowers, wine,... Read More
For the self employed professional, nothing is more important than... Read More
Nametags are worn for a variety of jobs and functions,... Read More
Why is a network meeting the best place to get... Read More
Generating new business leads is critical in your success, no... Read More
Know your customer, know your customer, know your customer. Three... Read More
Commandment 1LoveWhen we choose to simply love, our giving and... Read More
What is "the top" anyway? According to society, "top" has... Read More
The StoryBusiness has a habit of testing us as individuals... Read More
Defining your purpose for joining a group.When you make the... Read More
Why would you want to write information on paper when... Read More
Do not destroy all your positive displacement and high energy... Read More
You can generate a ton of business by networking, whether... Read More
You're at a conference. Someone steps in the elevator, notices... Read More
If you're in a business relationship with anyone ? a... Read More
Why would I pick this group over another group?How many... Read More
A value-added network can be achieved through explicit actions to... Read More
Think health articles are boring? This one isn't, so read... Read More
The festive season is a great time to sharpen and... Read More
Hospitality relates to the Latin term philoxenia, or "the love... Read More
In life, you have to successfully work with people to... Read More
You can find numerous references in the business literature about... Read More
If you're fond of a good debate, you know how... Read More
Why is it so important to network with other people... Read More
Bigger Better Deal. That's what everyone always hopes will come... Read More
How can you find out the group loyalty requirements before... Read More
It used to be that people said that there was... Read More
I remember the first time I opened the fridge to... Read More
Q: I think I understand the value of networking as... Read More
The Personal Touch 1There is a simple art to networking... Read More
If you walk into your local bookstore and pick up... Read More
Your nonverbal communication talks before you do. Only seven percent... Read More
Networking is a term that didn't exist (academically) until almost... Read More
Do you use Ryze or LinkedIn to promote your web... Read More
I grew up in a household where saying thank you... Read More
What's a gift mean? If you're like me, you probably... Read More
You already know that uncomfortable feeling, that knot in your... Read More
Commandment 1LoveWhen we choose to simply love, our giving and... Read More
Defining your purpose for joining a group.When you make the... Read More
I bet you have not thought about it much, but... Read More
When you look at your friends, it's like looking into... Read More
Let's be real. With other pressures of life upon us,... Read More
Jean de la Bruyere said, "The great gift of conversation... Read More
Do not destroy all your positive displacement and high energy... Read More
The StoryBusiness has a habit of testing us as individuals... Read More
Let's face it, when most people think of IT professionals,... Read More
How's your relationship?I'm not prying into your personal life, so... Read More
Do you enjoy one-on-one networking, however, the thought of walking... Read More
Today's economy presents some very special challenges to people who... Read More
I hope the title of this article aroused your curiosity!... Read More
Earlier today I was helping a client develop a better... Read More
Ever use someone else to get your message out?For example,... Read More
Networking |