A few years back when I moved to Charlotte, NC for the first time, I came with high hopes of starting my business for the first time. We picked Charlotte because it was a growing city with a lot of potential. There was a booming down town and cultural events were starting to make their way to the area.
I didn't know a soul in town so I did what any self respecting business professional would do! I opened the Yellow Pages and started calling. I called the first company that listed Public Relations. And literally that was ALL I needed to do! From that one call, I met everyone I needed to in the city and within weeks!
What happened was this. The man on the other end of the phone said, "what are you buying or what are you selling?" I said, "neither, I'm a new in town, a former celebrity agent and I want to meet people". That opened the conversation, and he gave me 5 names which I followed up on, and they gave me names, and so on and so on. Before I knew it, I was hosting a party at my house for 50 people? all new friends!
Granted, now that I'm a mommy, my social network has to do more with fundraising for the schools than with building my business. But I still use the same concept when I'm out and about, and I encourage my clients to do the same.
When meeting new people, identify with people for who you WANT to be, or who you WANT to meet. For instance, you are currently at "xyz" company but HOPING to make a career switch into "the dream job". This way, people will respond to this and if they have any contacts that might be able to help, you've opened the door.
After they've been gracious to offer help if they can, then turn the conversation immediately over to them. What do THEY do, where are they from or how do they like this lovely city where you now both live? Give them a chance to show their expertise, and share about their life. Be enthusiastic about what they've done and ask questions.
When you depart, ask them if there is anyone else that they think you might enjoy meeting? Then promise to email them the next day to follow up. When you write them the next day, be sure to thank them and offer to help them if they need it.
Start keeping a list of new people that you meet and what they do and what it is that they WANT. If you can bring value to these people along the way somehow, then they'll remember you and be a resource for you when you need it too.
Moving to a new city, or starting a new business are great times to start networking. But growing your network of new contacts or friends can happen at any time you want. And all you have to do is to open the phone book and start calling!
Mary Gardner, The Charisma Coach! is an Executive Communications Consultant and Trainer. She works with, coaches and trains individuals, sales teams, executives, and celebrities. She owned and operated one of the first coaching institutions on the east coast, CCI, in NYC, Philly and NJ. Mary has appeared on ABC's 20/20 and has self published a book on public speaking. Mary is married to Sway and is mommy to Jeremy 5, and lives in Orlando, FL.
You can find numerous references in the business literature about... Read More
Most people become lax at maintaining their professional business network... Read More
When you look at your friends, it's like looking into... Read More
In the workplace - and when dealing with workplace matters... Read More
As a single company, it is impossible to provide your... Read More
Can we agree about the meaning of networking? I don't... Read More
"Hey Scott, would you like to go to a Bad... Read More
You're terrible with names. You forget someone's name within ten... Read More
A few years back when I moved to Charlotte, NC... Read More
The festive season is a great time to sharpen and... Read More
How many leads do you pass on?As a reminder, you... Read More
Why would you want to write information on paper when... Read More
How's your relationship?I'm not prying into your personal life, so... Read More
"Fear not to entertain strangers for by so doing some... Read More
Generating new business leads is critical in your success, no... Read More
Put join a networking group on your to do list... Read More
I hope the title of this article aroused your curiosity!... Read More
"The Networking Factor, Everyone is important!" This slogan reminds me... Read More
Online networking has opened up some fantastic business opportunities for... Read More
Did you just meet the most important person in your... Read More
Defining your purpose for joining a group.When you make the... Read More
It's a classic mistake by networkers: their approach is focused... Read More
The StoryAs a child growing up, one of the many... Read More
In recent weeks, I've had the opportunity to pass along... Read More
The StoryBusiness has a habit of testing us as individuals... Read More
Who needs a network of people to talk to about... Read More
For those of you interested in international business transactions or... Read More
You approach a stranger at an association meeting or industry... Read More
Ever wonder if networking, referral groups, and conferences are a... Read More
Networking is often identified as a key business building activity... Read More
Why business relationships are formed with certain people?If you go... Read More
It is important for you to join at least one... Read More
You already know that uncomfortable feeling, that knot in your... Read More
Networking, schmoozing, making connections. Call it what you want, it's... Read More
With at least 60% of job-seekers finding employment through networking,... Read More
Before we talk about specific networking tips I want to... Read More
I have been working from home on the internet for... Read More
You approach a stranger at an association meeting or industry... Read More
Most of us remember the commercial that said, "I told... Read More
Good manners, good networking and good business all have the... Read More
"The Networking Factor, Everyone is important!" This slogan reminds me... Read More
You already know that uncomfortable feeling, that knot in your... Read More
The most important reasons people exhibit at a trade show?... Read More
Networking is a great way to meet people in a... Read More
If you're in a business relationship with anyone ? a... Read More
What is the biggest advantage of forming an alliance?Everyone has... Read More
Let's be real. With other pressures of life upon us,... Read More
Let's face it, when most people think of IT professionals,... Read More
Effective business promotion is more powerful than advertising. Using golf... Read More
For years we've been taught to identify ourselves as reps... Read More
Put join a networking group on your to do list... Read More
Networking ? it's the latest business trend. Or is it?Actually,... Read More
Why is a network meeting the best place to get... Read More
Quote of the week"The answer is always no...unless you ask."... Read More
Because a person's name is the single context of human... Read More
Networking is one of the most important skills a person... Read More
Some of the most successful businesses in existence today started... Read More
How can you find out the group loyalty requirements before... Read More
The heart of any business is the connection it has... Read More
Let's test your knowledge on networking:1)The best definition of networking... Read More
Success in your career depends upon how well you manage... Read More
If you run a mobile car washing firm we recommend... Read More
One of my clients shared a story with me from... Read More
I remember the first time I opened the fridge to... Read More
My neighbor ? a lovely man I've known, and have... Read More
Can we agree about the meaning of networking? I don't... Read More
Networking |