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Good Communication and Effective Networking are Business Essentials....
Have you noticed how some people seem to have instinctive communication skills. Over the years I have attended numerous seminars and meetings and usually there is someone to whom effective communication comes easy. I have always envied the way these people will be the first to ask a question, enter a discussion and start networking. Some people are naturally good communicators. They don't appear to have to make a special effort. They simply like people and being with people. They collect people. Most of us shy away from this type of interaction. I used to be slow to make the effort but gradually realised effective communication could change your life. We tend to have our circle of friends with whom we are comfortable, but we tend to keep acquaintances at arms length. We seem to butt up against blocks to effective networking. * What's the point? * I've managed with out networking up till now. * I am not confident talking with strangers. * I don't think anyone would be interested in me so I find difficulty in selling myself. * Other people don't really interest me. * I am confident with products or services so communication is not a problem. I don't like talking about myself. * What is networking? * How do I begin to do it? * How do I know what events to go to? Some of the above are sure to be familiar. Natural net workers seem to have a sixth sense, an instinct that makes it easy for them to relate to people they meet. Most of us are too busy being judgemental and choosing who we would like to know. We have to step out of the comfort zone learn to relate more easily to others and thus become effective at networking. Networking can be daunting but if you join your professional organisation or interest group you will soon start to meet people that interest you and may even inspire you. So how do you improve and become good at networking?
* Know yourself, know what you have to offer. If necessary make a list of your expertise, skills, experiences, training, qualities and attributes. Don't be coy you will find you are more capable than you thought - that will breed confidence. * When introducing yourself try to personable and interesting, be clear, specific and distinctive - you want them to remember you. * Be prepared to meet new people - step out of your comfort zone. * Focus so that you are an attentive listener. Good communication is more about listening, asking questions that show interest, rather than talking too much. * Build your confidence so that you can speak comfortably about yourself and your business. * At all times be polite, approachable and interested. * Before going to a networking event, prepare, think it through, what are you going to try to achieve? * Don't wait for people to remember you, re-introduce yourself. * Enjoy it! When you have a few good networking friends guess what - they will network for you because they can't resist communicating so they talk about the good, capable people they know. This is just one more example of how communication could change your life.
Let them do it for you but make sure you are totally responsive to any introductions that come your way. You see this one just reason why networking is important - get good at it. Tip A bore is a person who lights up a room simply by leaving it.
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