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How to Master Networking - Effectively....
I did not find networking easy. Meeting people was never a problem. In fact to me it's enjoyable. But when it came to networking I did have a problem and when I decided to start consulting I had to acquire skills to be able to do it effectively. My problems stemmed from an inherent shyness [some who know me find that hard to believe]. On reflection this shyness had limited my communication skills. I found in some situations the process of joining a group and getting into the conversation was not easy. As with all things when you recognise the difficulty you can do something about it. If you are in business you have to be able to meet new people with ease. Networking creates social and business opportunities to mingle with people from a variety of backgrounds, with whom you can discuss ideas and issues and they may be potential customers. There are a few Do's and Don't's which are worth thinking about and you can also find more Secrets to Social Success here.
Do have goal - if you go to an event be clear what you want to get out of it. Use the time effectively. Do some research - try to find out who is going to be there, think about who you wish to talk to and why, make sure you do talk to them. Do take the initiative - it's too easy to gravitate towards the people we know and get locked into conversation. Also recognise that others may get comfortable talking to you and you have to be able breakaway without giving offence. Be sure to move around. Do ask for help - if you need an introduction ask the host or organiser to introduce you. Do listen - be attentive, make eye contact, you have two ears and one mouth use them in that ratio. Listen rather than talk. Asking open questions keeps other people talking. Do follow up and keep in contact - Telephone calls, e-mails, letters etc., maintain contact. If you see something relating to one of your contacts forward it. It let's them know you are interested and taking trouble to keep in contact. It's easier to make follow up meetings if you keep at it. Don't be pushy - be brief don't get into detail, that's for later. You meet people to exchange business cards and contact information. Create interest. Always carry your business cards. Don't stand still - you made your goals, work the room and reach your goals, make every opportunity to meet new people. Enjoy it - I now do, even after my earlier reticence. Let me finish with what I think is a classic. This is true it actually happened to me. I was called in to rescue a business that was in deep trouble. The founder had died, two sons were fighting for control, the wife of the founder was Chairman, the business was dying and the family was being torn apart. It was agreed, one son had to go - he was the troublemaker. We dealt with that and set about turning the business round. New thoughts, ideas and changes had be introduced at board level so I took the son who stayed to a suitable seminar to get some exposure and information. After the event he made the following comment, "it's suprising what you learn if you meet people". Here was a mature! individual with board responsibilities to a business who had never realised what it meant to network. I hope this article will help you network in your personal and business life. Networking effectively can result in life changing communication.
Tip A wise man knows everything, a clever man knows everyone.
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