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.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Who Says that Networking Events are Intimidating!?
It was an uneventful morning.
Got my two darlings off to school without incident.
Found a great parking spot AND had time to review my notes before my meeting.
Woo hoo. I was happy!
Suddenly, those thoughts were interrupted. My body was forced into what felt like a face-forward splat, and I stumbled along for several steps. Finally, I grabbed on to a conveniently placed lamp post and caught my myself from belly-flopping onto the ground.
That whole 'episode' probably lasted only a fraction of a second. But, it felt longer to me, as my heel got caught in the cobblestone crack and I started that seemingly unstoppable fall.
Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a woman who seemed to be rushing by. I was a bit miffed that this person seemed to 'look the other way', when I was falling.
Immediately after I had those negative thoughts, the woman turned back and asked with a caring tone, "Are you allright?"
Yes, I said, smiling. Sheepishly, and as gracefully as possible, I reached back several steps to wedge my shoe out of the crack and put it back on my foot.
Another woman approached. OMG, she said heartily, "That happened to me at a wedding in Maine. At least your heel didn't break off... I kid you not, it was the worst - so hard to dance, ya da ya da ya da. I'm glad you're OK."
Suddenly, these two strangers and I were laughing like old friends. "Have a great day", I said cheerily and waved goodbye as I entered the building for my meeting and moved on with my day.
Later that day, I was teaching a "CONTACTS COUNT" networking skills workshop. A young man raised his hand and said, "I hate going to those crowded networking events. I never find anyone to talk to and end up leaving, after wasting my time and I could have gone to the gym."
He (and many of us) have approached networking with a negative assumption:
No one here wants to talk to me; this is going to be a waste of time.
This reminded me how I made an assumption earlier, that 'the cold cruel world' was going to ignore me and wouldn't help me when I stumbled. However, the reality was that people WERE friendly and helpful. Human nature is in fact kind and good!
Networking events don't have to be intimidating. They are simply one-on-one conversations .... just LOTS of them. You only have to face 'the masses' one at a time. Next time you go to an event, ask yourself:
-Am I going with a good attitude?
-Do I look approachable?
-Am I confident that I have something to give AND that I'll get something out of this?
Here are some tips for bolstering your courage and developing conversations at events.*
1. Smile (NPR did research on the best way to start a conversation. Look at the person in the eye, smile and say, "HELLO.")
2. Be genuine and learn about the person you are talking to. You can become a 'great conversationalist' by asking a few questions. "What are you working on these days?" "How did you get into that field?" "What do you like best about ....?"
3. Set a goal. I will meet three new people tonight. I will remember two people's names and introduce them to someone else.
4. Create an agenda. 85% of people who attend networking event have no idea what they'd like to get out of the experience.
5. Prepare. Read a good book** about networking.
6. Listen generously. Even if you are shy and feel intimidated or make an incorrect assumption, as I did earlier in the day, odds are good that people will reach out and help you... even if you stumble.
** I'm biased, because I teach workshops based on the content from the book MAKE YOUR CONTACTS COUNT, by Anne Baber and Lynne Waymon from which these 6 tips* are derived.*
MAKE YOUR CONTACTS COUNT is jam packed with tools, checklists, assessments, strategies and tactics for getting bottom-line results from your networking efforts and making your contacts count! You should check out the workshops, webinars or pick up a copy today!
Got my two darlings off to school without incident.
Found a great parking spot AND had time to review my notes before my meeting.
Woo hoo. I was happy!
Suddenly, those thoughts were interrupted. My body was forced into what felt like a face-forward splat, and I stumbled along for several steps. Finally, I grabbed on to a conveniently placed lamp post and caught my myself from belly-flopping onto the ground.
That whole 'episode' probably lasted only a fraction of a second. But, it felt longer to me, as my heel got caught in the cobblestone crack and I started that seemingly unstoppable fall.
Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a woman who seemed to be rushing by. I was a bit miffed that this person seemed to 'look the other way', when I was falling.
Immediately after I had those negative thoughts, the woman turned back and asked with a caring tone, "Are you allright?"
Yes, I said, smiling. Sheepishly, and as gracefully as possible, I reached back several steps to wedge my shoe out of the crack and put it back on my foot.
Another woman approached. OMG, she said heartily, "That happened to me at a wedding in Maine. At least your heel didn't break off... I kid you not, it was the worst - so hard to dance, ya da ya da ya da. I'm glad you're OK."
Suddenly, these two strangers and I were laughing like old friends. "Have a great day", I said cheerily and waved goodbye as I entered the building for my meeting and moved on with my day.
Later that day, I was teaching a "CONTACTS COUNT" networking skills workshop. A young man raised his hand and said, "I hate going to those crowded networking events. I never find anyone to talk to and end up leaving, after wasting my time and I could have gone to the gym."
He (and many of us) have approached networking with a negative assumption:
No one here wants to talk to me; this is going to be a waste of time.
This reminded me how I made an assumption earlier, that 'the cold cruel world' was going to ignore me and wouldn't help me when I stumbled. However, the reality was that people WERE friendly and helpful. Human nature is in fact kind and good!
Networking events don't have to be intimidating. They are simply one-on-one conversations .... just LOTS of them. You only have to face 'the masses' one at a time. Next time you go to an event, ask yourself:
-Am I going with a good attitude?
-Do I look approachable?
-Am I confident that I have something to give AND that I'll get something out of this?
Here are some tips for bolstering your courage and developing conversations at events.*
1. Smile (NPR did research on the best way to start a conversation. Look at the person in the eye, smile and say, "HELLO.")
2. Be genuine and learn about the person you are talking to. You can become a 'great conversationalist' by asking a few questions. "What are you working on these days?" "How did you get into that field?" "What do you like best about ....?"
3. Set a goal. I will meet three new people tonight. I will remember two people's names and introduce them to someone else.
4. Create an agenda. 85% of people who attend networking event have no idea what they'd like to get out of the experience.
5. Prepare. Read a good book** about networking.
6. Listen generously. Even if you are shy and feel intimidated or make an incorrect assumption, as I did earlier in the day, odds are good that people will reach out and help you... even if you stumble.
** I'm biased, because I teach workshops based on the content from the book MAKE YOUR CONTACTS COUNT, by Anne Baber and Lynne Waymon from which these 6 tips* are derived.*
MAKE YOUR CONTACTS COUNT is jam packed with tools, checklists, assessments, strategies and tactics for getting bottom-line results from your networking efforts and making your contacts count! You should check out the workshops, webinars or pick up a copy today!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
YOU CAN DO IT!
I just watched the most amazing, uplifting and motivating video. Susan Boyle, captured the crowd, in her rendition of I DREAMED A DREAM. The audience, the judges were clearly against her. One judge noted, 'we were all cynical'.
I was thrilled to see her give them a huge wake up call. They laughed at her because she said she'd like to be like Elaine Page. And SHE DID IT!! She belted out the song from Les Mis and sounded like a pro!
She wasn't flustered, she didn't waver when they rolled their eyes and laughed at her.... and maybe she didn't know.... but good for her.... let's all practice the Susan Boyle effect, and give people a chance; be careful of assumptions. We're all guilty, to some degree of that. Susan Boyle is beautiful in her own right, and I had goose bumps when I saw the video and heard the judges give her the praise she deserved.
Have you ever been discouraged with your job search and with your networking efforts? Next time you go to an event or to an interview and feel intimidated ... believe in yourself. Remember how Susan Boyle stood there, unassuming on the stage, and opened her mouth to become a star. I hope you pull a 'Susan Boyle' and simply show the world who you are and what your talents are.
Check it out. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luRmM1J1sfg
I was thrilled to see her give them a huge wake up call. They laughed at her because she said she'd like to be like Elaine Page. And SHE DID IT!! She belted out the song from Les Mis and sounded like a pro!
She wasn't flustered, she didn't waver when they rolled their eyes and laughed at her.... and maybe she didn't know.... but good for her.... let's all practice the Susan Boyle effect, and give people a chance; be careful of assumptions. We're all guilty, to some degree of that. Susan Boyle is beautiful in her own right, and I had goose bumps when I saw the video and heard the judges give her the praise she deserved.
Have you ever been discouraged with your job search and with your networking efforts? Next time you go to an event or to an interview and feel intimidated ... believe in yourself. Remember how Susan Boyle stood there, unassuming on the stage, and opened her mouth to become a star. I hope you pull a 'Susan Boyle' and simply show the world who you are and what your talents are.
Check it out. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luRmM1J1sfg
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