NetWORKING

Who doesn’t love networking? Oh, I know, plenty of you don’t.  But I think you are approaching it all wrong if you are not enjoying it or getting anything out of it.  First of all you should think of each networking event as the opportunity to either: 1. Meet a new client, 2. Meet a new business partner or 3. Meet a new referral partner.  Worst case scenario you don’t meet any of those three and you just see some folks you know and get touch base with some others.    But, I find that at just about every networking event I go to, I will meet one of the 3 aforementioned individuals.  I go with a positive attitude, I go with a willingness to learn about others business’, and I go willing to make connections where I can.  I almost never leave an event without at least one appointment set in the calendar and a few follow-ups to make.

I try to use my 2 ears and my one mouth proportionately meaning I listen more than I talk.  People love to tell you about themselves and their business. I generally can offer at least one connection to just about anyone I meet. I keep things light by joking a bit and building a little rapport with each person I talk with (not to, very important distinction).  Most of all I ask how I can help them.  Most people are not shy about telling you how you can help.  Once you have helped them, then they are in the frame of mind to help you.

And one more thing.  At evening or after work networking events, I never drink.  It’s called netWORKING. That doesn’t mean I am one of those people who only talks business, but my primary purpose in being there is business.