Business Networking. We must do it.

 

     

     Most people hate visiting network groups because they feel uncomfortable or inadequate to be in the same room with successful professionals. They don’t know what to say and they don’t know how to make themselves engaging enough.

However, networking is a must, especially when you are first starting out. I tell my clients to go to as many groups as possible before they open their business and until their business has grown to the point where they can choose one or two groups to be a part of.  Make sure that the groups you attend have different people and business types in them.

Warning: If you are in a network group every day of the week, then you are not working in your business and bringing in the immediate dollars you need to grow and survive.

Understanding how networking works will help. The first hurdle is that networking is a hierarchy. Since everyone is trying to reach their own goals, individuals will actively seek out others who can help them achieve their desired results and everyone else will take a backseat (not always, but in most circumstances).

Consider this. When you look at a picture of your family or a group of friends, who do you see first?  The answer is that we typically look at ourselves because that is who we are most concerned with.

Sorry, human flaw, but it's the way people think. You can leverage this knowledge and be successful at networking.   You can gain traction by understanding the goals of the person you're approaching. Once you have this bit of information, then you can figure out a way to partner together and help them achieve what they are seeking to accomplish.

Start by visualizing what you would like if you were that individual. For instance:

·         If you're networking with an entrepreneur, that person wants someone who can bring fresh ideas and make the company money.

·         If you're networking with a HR rep, that person simply wants to fill a job with an employee who can perform the tasks required.

·         If you're networking with a sales manager, that person simply wants employees who are hunters and who can increase their territory sales.

I have found that my many years of networking and getting to know a lot of people in different industries has added value to what I can offer others to help them meet their goals.  

If you have just started out and don’t have a lot of contacts yet, instead of getting discouraged, use this as a motivator and eventually you will be of significant use to a lot of important decision makers.

The Unwritten Rule of Networking

Once you have attended a network group and you have gathered everyone’s business cards it’s time to reach out to them with a follow up email for phone call and request a meet up.

Do your research on the individuals before you reach out.  I look at their social media, their websites, and other sources. Write down 5 goals you would want to achieve if you were that individual.  Once you know someone's motivators, you know how to effectively approach networking. Have a plan, an agenda in place for how you can help them meet their goals before you meet them.

Your agenda could include those you know that would make a great connection for them, helpful suggestions, programs, grants that are available, etc.

The rule of thumb is that you can only contact a person once and that individual will typically take you off their radar if they don't find you compelling (or your skills compelling enough) ...instantaneously.

Think one shot. Be prepared and deliver results that individuals actively need.  If they like what you have to offer them, then the chances are they will be interested in working with you and helping you in the future.

It's okay to start small and work your way up.  It takes time to build an effective network.

In the End

The issue is that 100's of individuals are trying to network with the same people, but their approach often comes across as "I want something from you," rather than, "This is what I can do for you."

People who "want" don't become successful.  People who earn viable skills through hard work, passion and dedication are the ones that everyone bends over backwards to network with.

Here’s to your networking successes!

Debra Lee | Biz & Life Coach | Author | Keynote speaker

Find all my business services here!