Business Success Center
Becoming a Natural Networker
Networking. This word conjures
up an image of going to a stuffy function filled with people
you don't know, yet are forced to talk with for the sake of
your business. Sound familiar?
Strangely enough, most people
who say they are not very good networkers indicate they are effective
communicators. But when you think about it, networking is communication.
It's interacting with others for mutual understanding and sharing
of information. And, believe it or not, it's in our nature!
While we may have a natural tendency
to network, that doesn't seem to make it any easier or more
effective. However, there are many, many simple things that
you can do to make any networking situation more comfortable
and more effective.
First and foremost, determine
what you want to accomplish. Are you seeking potential customers?
Looking for referrals? Trying to spread the word about your
business or service? Often, folks are meeting and talking to
many others, but they leave no better off than they started.
Set specific goals: how many people will you interact with
to accomplish your mission? Make sure that you are not wasting
your time and make every interaction count.
Once you determine exactly what
you want to gain, be sure to prepare! Every minute you spend
preparing exactly what you want to communicate will make every
interaction more valuable and more comfortable. Be ready to
concisely communicate what you do and what makes you and/or
your business/service unique. Realize that you have everything
to gain from positive interaction and some of the best things
can come from rejection. When someone tells you they don't
have a need for your service, ask them if they know of anyone
else who may benefit from learning about your service. You
will be surprised how effective this can be!
Finally, remember basic rules
of communication. We all have met someone who breaks these
rules. They don't listen, don't make eye contact, interrupt
often, and give you advice and/or information that you don't
need or want. People want to be heard and understood. Be an
active listener and strive to have a mutually beneficial interaction
with everyone that you meet. Also, be aware that your attitude
and enthusiasm have a very important effect on your interactions.
If you aren't excited about what you are doing, why should
anyone else be?
Remember that networking is
communication in its purest form. Take advantage of the natural
networking skills that you already possess and go for it!
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