Networking – Part One

“They may forget what you said but they will never forget how you made them feel.”
~ Carl Buehner

Let’s talk about networking…..Who are the most effective networkers you know? What makes them so successful in establishing connections with people? Is it just that they have a certain charisma, or do they apply specific skills which enable them to constantly broaden their network
and strengthen existing ties? Of course, the ideal combination is some charisma combined with effective skills. But the most charismatic person can only go so far with just that quality.

Developing truly effective networking skills is the key to expanding your world of contacts and resources. Anyone, even a shy or introverted person, can learn these skills. In a world of increasing competition and scarcity of time, I strongly believe that good networking is not luxury, but a survival skill. I’ll be addressing this in a series of articles in this medium. I’ll also be offering a workshop later this year…..more to be revealed later.

What connotation does networking have for you? Is it fun, or does it sound like a chore? Some people shy away from becoming a master networker, feeling that a “networker” is someone who uses other people to their own advantage. In my opinion, being a great networker helps not only me, but everyone else. If I have 500 people in my network and you have 200, together we have 700. Our being able to be resources for each other (as well as for everyone in our networks), when handled with respect and consideration, is one of the best things we can ever do for each other.

How often do you attend events, whether business or social, that really stretch your comfort zone? I’d encourage you to do at least one per month, whether you think you need it or not.

When you go to an event where you know people, do you spend most of the time talking to them, or do you walk up to a couple of strangers and introduce yourself?

My recommendation is to connect with at least one new person per event. By connect, I don’t mean that you tell the person your name and give them your card. If you want to have someone remember you and be able to add them to your network, the first step is to listen WAY more than you talk.

Try these other steps as well:

1. Ask lots of questions; find out who THEY are, what they do. This will give you clues as to how you may be able to be a resource for them. It will also put them at ease, as it relieves them of the pressure of searching for conversation.
2. Be present and interested in the person you’re with; don’t be scanning the room for who else you might want to meet. Look them in the eye and shake their hand firmly. Pay attention to body language clues as to whether someone likes some space, or is someone who is receptive to touch, humor, etc.
3. Ask the person for their business card in the context of wanting to be a resource for them. If you say you’ll follow up on something, write it down on the back of the card and get it into your calendar/time management system as soon as possible.
4. Give your card to someone with a context; if they’ve offered to help in some way, offer your card as a way for them to contact you. If you’ve found a way to be a resource for them, hand it to them in that context.

There’s a lot to this networking stuff, but it can be fun. I promise you that if you acquire the skills to be a power networker, you’ll see results immediately in your life, as well as be building a reserve of resources that will stand you in good stead for many years to come. If you’d like to improve your networking skills, let me know at our next session.

© Copyright Magellan Enterprises, all rights reserved

Reach Me: Telephone: (970) 259-4847; Fax: (970) 259-4874
E-mail: ginger@magellangj.com
Web: www.magellangj.com

Please recommend this E-Zine to anyone you know that is interested in getting more out of their career or their life (It's a good way to stay in touch with clients, too.)

PRIVACY STATEMENT: We will not distribute your address to anyone. Period.