Seasoned networkers have established long term relationships with a wide range of people.
The role of networking is to enlarge your circle of influence ranging from friends who are like minded to potential business alliances.
The benefit of creating a strong network is to have a pool of people who can:
Assist to solve problems.
Mentor / advice to prevent setbacks.
Follow up on opportunities.
Exchange information.
Create strategic alliances
What is Networking?
Networking is…
Establishing long term relationships.
Remaining neutral with mutual friends and acquaintances.
Clusters of people you know from various areas of life.
Two way communication as well as benefit.
Balances over the long run, both parties have given and received.
Helping others to achieve goals.
Supportive with advice, resources, kindness, introductions.
Networking is NOT….
· Asking for a favor or one sided.
· Contacting only when in need.
· Engaging in gossip.
· Opportunistic, insincere, having an ulterior motive.
How to Network
First construct an Elevator Speech:
· Fine tune your introduction to 45 seconds.
· Include your name, title, business and a memory hook.
· Answers the question “Tell me about yourself” and “What do you do?”
Elements to your elevator speech....
o My name is…
o I am the …
o My company is…
o We (memory hook)…
o Our customers are typically…
Effective networking tips for introverts and “quiet” types:
Play to your strengths, be yourself.
Network with a colleague or spouse.
Meet someone, get a card and ask to refer them.
Have someone within your organization that “networks”.
Use social media to connect with people.
Make networking more effective by:
· Finding something of mutual interest to discuss.
· Remembering people’s names and business.
· Take an interest in the person your speaking to.
· Give 100% attention to who you are meeting with.
· Ask for what you need.
· Offer support and resources, refer their business.
· Keep in touch – Never stop networking!
copyright material: Rosa Smith-Montanaro can be reprinted in whole with credit given to author.
