The Importance of Networking - Effectively....
A network of contacts, is vital for your business and personal
life. 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 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]. I found in networking 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 network effectively.
Networking creates 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.
Do have goal - if you go to a networking 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. To network be sure to
get 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.
Open questions keep 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 network 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 network 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
the 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.
Tip A wise man knows everything, a clever man knows everyone.
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