Giving and Receiving
Is networking your main source of new business?
Are you one of the many who don't respect the basics?
In the run up to Christmas we find ourselves invited to many networking meetings with festive jumpers galore. We enjoy networking; having the chance to meet new people and catch up with clients and contacts.
Some of you may be experienced pros at networking, and for others it may be new, or perhaps daunting. In either case, it is important that we do not forget the true value and purpose of networking.
Why Network?
Hopefully this won't come as a shock to many of you, but networking is not the place for selling!
Google's definition:
"interact with others to exchange information and develop professional or social contacts."
Exchange and Develop are key words here. Exchange tells us that information should be flowing in both directions - not just one way. We should be trying to understand what the other person has to offer or what they are looking for. To Develop a relationship with new contacts ask how we might be able to aid that person in finding their ideal contact, and identify the useful connections between people you know.
For this to work effectively, there are some simple questions to get you started:
- Who are you?
- What's your company name?
- What do you do - what's the problem you solve?
- Why should people use you?
- Who are you looking for? Ideal client or contact?
From your own experience you may have additional questions that help develop a new relationship further, or that helps you create stronger connections between your contacts.
We are great believers in the power of a good question - always be on the look out for questions to strengthen your networking skills.
By networking effectively you can build a large base of contacts, which makes it easier to find useful connections when meeting new people. You may not provide the service they are looking for (at the moment), but if you can identify a contact that will solve their problem, you will have strengthened two relationships.
Remember: The more you give, the more you will receive in return.
We are great believers in the power of a good question - always be on the look out for questions to strengthen your networking skills.
By networking effectively you can build a large base of contacts, which makes it easier to find useful connections when meeting new people. You may not provide the service they are looking for (at the moment), but if you can identify a contact that will solve their problem, you will have strengthened two relationships.
Remember: The more you give, the more you will receive in return.
***
Don't miss out on expert business advice - every month!
No comments:
Post a Comment