Discover
Networking
Few, if any of us, will achieve all our career goals on our own.
We have to network our way to success.
To
a lot of people new to networking, it can be overwhelming to jump into the deep
end of networking. By the deep end, I am referring to large, fee-based, high
professionals. Unless you already have a comfort level with this type of group.
I suggest starting in the shallow end. Find groups on MeetUp.com, and connect
with groups that you have interest on a personal level.
Some of My Networking
Keys:
Best
networking happens when networking is not
the primary function. There are also many networking groups that cater to
entrepreneurs and small businesses, and are a great place to practice.
Try
this simple step: walk up and introduce yourself, and let them know this is
your 1st meeting. Many times the seasoned networker will get you talking about
you to help you become more comfortable, and see how they can help you.
Try, Try, Try Again. Success in anything rarely happens on the
1st attempt. As a baby how many times did it take to learn how to walk? You
kept trying. Same with networking and any new endeavor in your life, it takes
practice. It takes 60 times to create a habit.
Give,
Give, Give. Focus on the needs of others. It is more important to understand
the needs of others before they get to know yours. By listening, the most important key in all relationship
building, you can learn about them, refer them and make suggestions to
other people they can connect with to help solve their problems. Many people
and sales trainers tell us to find the need and pounce on it. I don’t recommend
that. Rather connect and simply offer to send them a blog post.
Ditch
the Sales Pitch! Remember networking is relationship building, keep it fun,
light and informal. People are more apt to do business with and refer business
to people whose company they enjoy.
You
may also look to connect with any alumni groups you are associated with, places
of worship, friends and family.
Remember,
make networking fun!
Want to learn
more about networking? Download my free eBook, 37 Keys to Better Networking Relationships: The Art of
Networking”.