Our Love/Hate Relationship with Networking
by Sandra Vogel
It Never Fails
There's always another function you must attend. The agenda states: "Registration and Networking" from 8:00-8:30am. So you decide to arrive at 8:25am.
We all know networking works, but sometimes we need to get motivated to just do it!
Deal or No Deal
Are you really willing to do the work that net-WORKING requires? Think about that question as your new bottom line.
Networking is not: "net-eat", "net-drink" or "net-sit". It’s called "Net-work" for a reason. It is work. In fact, many professionals have found that it’s network or NO-work!
Spending Time
We are all busy! We want to make more money, meet more clients, and secure our futures. But, you must remember Rule #1 of networking is that you must SHOW UP! Most people won’t do something for you, which you are not willing to do for yourself.
Monologues
"Networking" means interacting or engaging in informal communication with others for mutual assistance or support. The key word is mutual.
If your goal is to hand out business cards to everyone and give them minute details on your product, YOU have missed the point of networking. It is not about you.
Your purpose is to meet people, ask questions and build relationships. You are not there to make short-term sales or “throw up” on others about yourself or your services.
Basic Bs
You may need to get away from someone who monopolizes you. Try these Basic B-Gone statements: "I need to go to"... the Buffet Bar Bathroom OR "I have to call/answer my Blackberry Babysitter Boss Broker Banker." You get the idea. Move to a new space! Exit stage right.
Reality Checks
In an ideal world, our services would generate calls. But competition is such that we need to overcome our reticence to network. In fact, research on networking indicates that the longer an individual participates in a business development network, the greater the number of referrals.
Delayed Gratification
Networking is like farming. Seeds are planted, then we hope for a bountiful harvest. Nothing happens without faith, a little sunshine, and also a little rain.
Networking is also like a capital investment. There is growth or recession, depending on the wisdom of your initial investment.
Networking also provides social currency. A well placed word at the right time and place can give you immeasurable credibility. You will reap rewards from sources you barely knew. Indeed, many women in our network have.
Bottom Line
Some people say, "It's not what you know, but who you know." But experienced networkers know something deeper: It's not who you know, but WHO knows YOU.
So, show up! Get ahead of the competition. Make a plan and rediscover your love of meeting new people, learning about them, and networking.
Cincinnati publisher, Erla Badger once told me, "If you are not everywhere – you are nowhere." How prophetic those words were. Thank you Erla!
Sandra Vogel, BSEd, MA, Phd (abd), Vogel Class Concepts, Inc, Executive Managing Director- eWomenNetwork– Cincinnati.
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Copyright 2006 Sandra Vogel. All rights reserved. While you may copy this publication, its content may not be modified. You may, and are encouraged to, share the publication with others who may benefit from receiving it.
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