Networking Made Easy: How to Build Strong, Lasting Connections
Novelist Jane Howard said: “call it a clan, call it a network, call it a family: whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one.”
Networking is the most important strategy and action in your business today.
It is probably the one that is planned least, action-less and disliked most.
With networks any business or life can be taken to the next level.
Without it, the challenges are just so much more.
To explore this topic I attended a speed networking seminar ran by the SA networking guru, Helen Nicholson.
The goal was to find a recipe to become a great network-er.
Research shows that network-ers, who believe they are great at it, actually aren’t.
Others, like you maybe, who feel you’re not, are actually great network-ers in training.
It’s about mastering the cornerstones, having a strategy and following through – exercising the networking muscle.
Cornerstones
There are 4 key cornerstones to successful networking:
1. Having the “What I can do for you” attitude
This is the ability to actively listen in a conversation and see the opportunities of personal and business synergy and to action them.
Always remembering how you can help others!
2. Buying yourself first
You buy into someone because of the person first then the product.
If you believe in yourself and your product, you are able to offer something that people want to buy.
Now the law of reciprocity takes over.
This law as we all know – keeps giving.
3. Following through
Research tells us that there is but a 3% follow through rate on attending seminars and meeting people leading to real action-ing.
What can you do to move into the 3% group through commitment and accountability?
4. Thanking people
When you have benefited from a connection or network always thank the parties involved.
It is quite remarkable what a small “thank you” does for the development of long-term growth in your networks.
Strategies
The goal is clear.
Which strategies could bring you closer to being a great network-er?
– Great ‘remember me’ notes, however that looks today
– Working your charm
– Mastering the art of conversation
– Killer “elevator speech”
– Working the room.
Action
Great goal with greater strategies allow time for real actions.
Now, the next step is to challenge yourself into action.
Getting a professional coach or a person that will keep you accountable will secure success.
Happy networking
As published in leading business journal ASA in April 2014.