Newletter 8-28-2008
What is Networking and How to Make it Work for You.
Yesterday I went to a networking event and upon stepping in the door had one networker try to sell me his products. I moved past him, but also watched him for the rest of the evening. His focus throughout the evening was primarily on selling people his product, and I watched as people would quickly free themselves of him so that they could go back to networking. It quickly became apparent to me that he didn’t know how to network or what the purpose of networking was. For him, it was an event all about him, and his product. But that isn’t what networking is.
So what is networking? What is the goal of networking? What it is supposed to accomplish?
Networking lets you meet other people who you can do business with. It connects you to people who may be willing to help you by referring business your way, provided you are willing to do the same for them. It’s also a useful way to meet people and learn a bit about what they do and what they are looking for.
When going to a networking event it’s important to keep the following in mind:
1. Don’t go there to sell something. While you might occasionally get a client at a networking event, most of the people you meet at such an event aren’t likely going to be your clients. They may however know somebody who could become your client. If you go to a network event to sell people on your product or service you will likely turn them off. It’s important to tell them a bit about your business and what you do, but it’s also important to know how to talk about other stuff and also be able to listen to what other people have to say about what they do and/or want. In fact listening sometimes will get you much further than talking, because it shows the person that you care and are genuinely interested in what they have to say.
2. Don’t judge people by their appearance. If you meet a person who doesn’t fit the conventional image you associate with people you would do business with, don’t judge that person too quickly. The reason you don’t want to do that is because that person could bring a lot of business your way or be really well connected to other peopel who could help you. I once had a potential business partner tell me that my pony tail and hat bothered him. While I appreciated the honesty, I also found I really couldn’t do business with that person because I knew my appearance would be an issue for him. At a networking event you will meet people of all trades and businesses. Don’t assume anything until you get to know the person, because basing business decisions on appearance will end up losing you business in the end.
3. Plan on investing your time and energy in your networking groups. If you go to a networking group only once or twice you won’t get a lot out of that group. Networking requires committment and the results aren’t always available immediately or even in the short term. You’ve got to let people get a chance to get to know you and what you provide. And of course you need to get to know them. This can take a lot of work. It’s important that you invest your time and effort in a networking group because the payoff for it will occur down the line again and again.
4. Networking involves making connections. The connections you make in networking are how you get a head. They are also useful for helping you help other people out. When you can refer someone to a service you help the person who needs the service and the person who offers it and both of them will remember that and also think about how they can help you. The connections you make are strengthened by what you do to help other people thrive. Networking is a collaborative effort.
5. Follow up. After you’ve done your networking follow up with the people you met with an email or phone call to remind them of who you were and also to let them know you are thinking about them. Stay in touch with the occasional email and phone call and also make sure you keep going to networking events. And if you can help them out, help them out so you can stay fresh in their minds.
Thankful Thursday And Consciousness Comittment
I am thankful for the following:
Having enough money in my emergency savings to be able to know I can quit a job I don’t want to be at.
My clients and their belief in me.
Opportunities to grow as an individual
I consciously commit to:
Doing my first radio show on Wednesday Sept 3rd.
Helping my clients accomplish their goals
Becoming financially independent
Doing work I love.
What are you thankful for? What are you willing to commit to?
Imagine Your Reality Radio Show
When: Wednesday September 3, 2008 at 3pm-4pm Pacific Time
Topic: What is the connection between Imagination and Reality?
Summary: In this show we’ll explore the connection between imagination and reality as well as show you how consciousness awareness and intention can be used to direct your imagination and shape it into reality. Listeners are encouraged to call in to the show. It will be broadcasting on blogtalkradio which can be found at http://www.blogtalkradio.com.
Edit: Here is my blogtalk radio profile page
Call in Number (646) 652-2830
Taylor Ellwood
503-869-0163
http://www.imagineyourreality.com
Categories: Blog
Tags: Conscious Comittment, Imagine Your Reality, networking, Taylor Ellwood, Thankful Thursday
I tried to look for your BlogTalkRadio page to set a reminder to catch your show but I got a user does not exist error and when searching for your handle I got the show description for another show where you're a guest.
Can you provide the direct url to your show profile?
Thanks!
I tried to look for your BlogTalkRadio page to set a reminder to catch your show but I got a user does not exist error and when searching for your handle I got the show description for another show where you're a guest.
Can you provide the direct url to your show profile?
Thanks!
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