The tough get networking!
How about you? Do you get it? Do you make networking a way of life, or is it a 'to do' on your chore list?
The old school of networking was: "YIKES, I need a job; I better get networking."
The new school of networking is all about continual teaching and giving.
Teaching people what you're good at and what would help you in your business life and learning what would help them, and giving them ideas, resources or leads to help them achieve their objectives.
It's been said over and over that the opposite of networking is NOT working.
When you continually think of your network as a means of support, you are more like to work it, or stay in touch with people. How do you do a better job at staying in touch with people? ASK more questions.
When you listen and listen generously.... you will learn how to follow up with them. You will know what their passions are, their challenges and what they do well and what they are interested in. When you give first, and give generously, the Law of Reciprocity comes into effect and you will soon be given an idea or resource as well. Try it! (That 'give and take' is the premise of networking.)
If you don't 'work it' or remain engaged with people in your network, you aren't working to your capacity. You don't have to be a Lone Ranger. Learn to rely on others for best practices, shortcuts, ideas, resources. Don't reinvent the wheel.
For more information on giving and getting, and how to have more purposeful conversations, read Chapter 10 in Make Your Contacts Count, by Anne Baber and Lynne Waymon.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Friday, May 22, 2009
NO SUCH THING AS A FREE LUNCH
We didn't feel like cooking Wednesday night and heard that a certain chain had 'kids pay a penny for each pound they weigh'. Since both cherubs would cost less than a dollar, opted for this great deal ('free meal'). Long story short, the kids drinks were not included with their meal, and were outrageously over-priced. The food was not good and arrived cold. So, we actually paid 'regular price' for this 'free meal'.
We could have gone to our old stand-by 'favorite place' and we would have had a delicious meal for 'a regular price'.
I felt a little ripped off; like I was duped. "There's no such thing as a free lunch." That icky feeling I had reminded me of what many participants say in my networking skills workshops. "Networking feels manipulative." "I feel like I'm selling my soul for something to be given at a later date." "I hate networking."
Yet, after learning the Contacts Count method of networking, those participants' mindsets change. They see the difference between professional networking and the sleazy 'tricked ya' free meal offer. The difference is that networking is above-board, honest and upfront. When people are frank and candid about wanting to help each other and they make networking a two-way street of giving and teaching; it is successful practice. Networking is about learning what others want and need to be successful and giving advice, resources and leads to help them achieve their goals. It's about teaching people what you're good at, what kinds of resources, ideas and leads would be helpful to you so they can support you.
When people see our character and competence, we develop professional relationships and it's mutually beneficial process. When we whip out a card at a networking event, and try to sell something upon meeting someone, before getting to know the them; well, we give off that same slick feeling as 'the 'kids eat free' marketing stuff. Networking is not a gimmick, it's for professionals who create, cultivate, capitalize and support their contacts and relationships.
Next time you go to a networking event, create an agenda. Be prepared to ask questions and get to know the people you talk to. THEN, you can follow up with them and begin to develop a relationship. Identify two or three things that you'd like to learn and ASK! "Do you know who I should talk to about learning more about shortcuts in Microsoft Word?" When you network, you should be in it for the long haul..... not for a quick fix, or free meal!
We could have gone to our old stand-by 'favorite place' and we would have had a delicious meal for 'a regular price'.
I felt a little ripped off; like I was duped. "There's no such thing as a free lunch." That icky feeling I had reminded me of what many participants say in my networking skills workshops. "Networking feels manipulative." "I feel like I'm selling my soul for something to be given at a later date." "I hate networking."
Yet, after learning the Contacts Count method of networking, those participants' mindsets change. They see the difference between professional networking and the sleazy 'tricked ya' free meal offer. The difference is that networking is above-board, honest and upfront. When people are frank and candid about wanting to help each other and they make networking a two-way street of giving and teaching; it is successful practice. Networking is about learning what others want and need to be successful and giving advice, resources and leads to help them achieve their goals. It's about teaching people what you're good at, what kinds of resources, ideas and leads would be helpful to you so they can support you.
When people see our character and competence, we develop professional relationships and it's mutually beneficial process. When we whip out a card at a networking event, and try to sell something upon meeting someone, before getting to know the them; well, we give off that same slick feeling as 'the 'kids eat free' marketing stuff. Networking is not a gimmick, it's for professionals who create, cultivate, capitalize and support their contacts and relationships.
Next time you go to a networking event, create an agenda. Be prepared to ask questions and get to know the people you talk to. THEN, you can follow up with them and begin to develop a relationship. Identify two or three things that you'd like to learn and ASK! "Do you know who I should talk to about learning more about shortcuts in Microsoft Word?" When you network, you should be in it for the long haul..... not for a quick fix, or free meal!
Monday, May 11, 2009
Susan Boyle and Networking
Susan Boyle Declined Dinner with the Obamas.
http://www.newser.com/story/58537/boyle-declines-dinner-with-the-obamas.html
Susan Boyle became endeared to me when she stood up to those shallow people, showed them her talent, and earned their respect.
I can't help but see the parallel with her mindset and networking. I believe that the number one rule of networking is, "Simply be yourself!"
Mind you, I am not criticizing her at all for not accepting an invitation with the Obamas. Many people consider themselves shy and avoid networking and meeting new people.
Networking is simply getting to know people, teaching them what you're good at and what your skills are, and learning the same for them. It's both 'giving of yourself and getting to know your conversational partner.'
I admire Susan Boyle and hope she develops more confidence so she is comfortable meeting anyone in this world. She has alot to offer. She also has international attention, so she can stand to have one less fan. How about you? Can you afford to let networking slip through the cracks? One person, as an average has abot 250 contacts in their network. Each of those 250 has another 250; and so on. When you turn down one person, or make a negative impression on one person, you're cutting your chances short of gettin exposure to a crowd of many, many people.
One person in that crowd may have just what you need. A job? A piece of information? An introduction to a huge client? That person could simply become your friend or provide a valuable resource. You could provide meaningful value to that person as well. Are you willing to forego opportunities to avoid a little awkwardness?
If you've got a worldwide following, like Susan Boyle, don't worry about it. But, if you are everyman..... consider stepping out of the box and trying something new. Take someone up on his offer for coffee? Share information readily. You have alot to offer, and you have nothing to lose.
http://www.newser.com/story/58537/boyle-declines-dinner-with-the-obamas.html
Susan Boyle became endeared to me when she stood up to those shallow people, showed them her talent, and earned their respect.
I can't help but see the parallel with her mindset and networking. I believe that the number one rule of networking is, "Simply be yourself!"
Mind you, I am not criticizing her at all for not accepting an invitation with the Obamas. Many people consider themselves shy and avoid networking and meeting new people.
Networking is simply getting to know people, teaching them what you're good at and what your skills are, and learning the same for them. It's both 'giving of yourself and getting to know your conversational partner.'
I admire Susan Boyle and hope she develops more confidence so she is comfortable meeting anyone in this world. She has alot to offer. She also has international attention, so she can stand to have one less fan. How about you? Can you afford to let networking slip through the cracks? One person, as an average has abot 250 contacts in their network. Each of those 250 has another 250; and so on. When you turn down one person, or make a negative impression on one person, you're cutting your chances short of gettin exposure to a crowd of many, many people.
One person in that crowd may have just what you need. A job? A piece of information? An introduction to a huge client? That person could simply become your friend or provide a valuable resource. You could provide meaningful value to that person as well. Are you willing to forego opportunities to avoid a little awkwardness?
If you've got a worldwide following, like Susan Boyle, don't worry about it. But, if you are everyman..... consider stepping out of the box and trying something new. Take someone up on his offer for coffee? Share information readily. You have alot to offer, and you have nothing to lose.
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