Business Networking - Common Myths and Realities

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.

---

Alcohol & Events

Many people associate alcohol with relaxation and fun, so it... Read More

The 4 Actions of Awesome Hospitality

These Actions of Awesome Hospitality? will help you manifest the... Read More

Giving the Gift of Your Name (The Networking Factor)

Although, this is about giving the gift of your name... Read More

How Well Do Your Customers Know You?

Know your customer, know your customer, know your customer. Three... Read More

Lessons from the Wedding Mafia

One of my clients shared a story with me from... Read More

You MUST Be Visible

Have you ever noticed how visible large corporations are? Take... Read More

Lesson 14 - Whats In A Handshake?

The StoryAs a child growing up, one of the many... Read More

Discover Your Own Source Of Business Leads

Generating new business leads is critical in your success, no... Read More

Mobile Car Wash Companies; Trading Tips

If you run a mobile car washing firm we recommend... Read More

How to Get More Visibility, Increase Your Influence, and Get More Referrals

Earlier today I was helping a client develop a better... Read More

Keys to Successful Networking While In Transition

Let's be real. With other pressures of life upon us,... Read More

How to Keep from Sounding LIKE Totally Stupid

June is reality check month. Lots of the resolutions have... Read More

Follow-Up with Your Contacts

What happens when you meet a potential client at an... Read More

Networking: What the Heck is a Ryze?

If you're new to the internet marketing club, you may... Read More

Four Brainless Self-Promotion Techniques To Avoid

Many workers think that their hard work will speak for... Read More

Have We Met Before? What to Do When You Cant Remember Who Yourre Talking To

You see him from across the room. You know him,... Read More

Give People Something to Talk About!

My husband and I tried an experiment one night. We... Read More

Giving Referrals to Get Referrals

One of the best ways to get a referral is... Read More

Powerful Networking: Focus on Building Connections, Not Closing Sales

You can find numerous references in the business literature about... Read More

The Promotion Factor: Seven Strategies to Promote Yourself and Your Business by Playing Golf

Effective business promotion is more powerful than advertising. Using golf... Read More

Community Involvement Networking

It is important for you to join at least one... Read More

Time to Hire a Professional Networker?

It used to be that people said that there was... Read More

Ask for Referrals: And Get the Answer You Want!

Why are people scared to ask for a referral? Is... Read More

The Answer to Your Worst Networking Nightmare

Imagine you just met your ideal client at a networking... Read More

The 7 Habits of Highly Horrible Networkers

Networking is a term that didn't exist (academically) until almost... Read More

The 4 Attitudes of Awesome Hospitality

Hospitality relates to the Latin term philoxenia, or "the love... Read More

Where Does That Word Come From?

"Instead of a handshake, I gave Toby a high-five to... Read More

Two-Step Your Communication

Ever use someone else to get your message out?For example,... Read More

The Festive Season: Your Networking Opportunity

The festive season is a great time to sharpen and... Read More

Network Marketing

Network marketing is the ordinary person's best opportunity to make... Read More

Client Attraction Technique #2: Networking

One of the most cost effective ways of generating leads... Read More

How to Get Ahead in Your Career

Bigger Better Deal. That's what everyone always hopes will come... Read More

34 Power Affirmations for Networking with the Affluent

Here are 34 affirmations I have created after studying the... Read More