With the renewed emphasis on networking and it being included in all facets of our lives, I think sometimes we forget just how “simple” networking can be. We’re so concerned about having the “right” business card, appearance and introductory message, also known as Elevator speech, we don’t pay enough attention to the basics. So I thought I’d share 5 of those basics, which all came from/have been reinforced by – my kids.
1. Don’t give up after the first try – everyone has days where the “right” side of the bed ended up being on the opposite side when compared to the side you used to get up. If someone doesn’t respond to you initially – give it another try. See if you could meet at a different time, another place or maybe you could change your approach? What’s the saying?
Different strokes for different folks.
You decide how much effort you want to expand and how important this is to you.
2. Find like-minded people, start with common interests and goals and a relationship is much easier to develop from there. Many kids are naturally drawn to others involved in activities that they would enjoy too. Be it play catch, draw, sports, etc – whatever is appealing. Why not apply this to your networking strategy? Network at your club, the gym etc?
3. K.I.S.S. – Keep it simple sweety. Ask questions – about the OTHER person. No one wants to listen to you talk about yourself – wheteher you’re playing at the play ground, meeting in school or working together. What do you think, like, do or enjoy? What are you looking for? How can I help you? All those replace the former “What are you doing?” quite nicely within a business setting.
4. Share – don’t hold back. Who knows what your new best friend will bring with him/her tomorrow. Todays shared apple could be tomorrows shared pudding or pie. Shared Knowledge does not diminish in importance and helping someone else be successful does not take success away from you. Remember the Golden Rule that we try to teach our Children? I also applies to adults AND in business/networking situations.
5. Recognize a “lost cause”. The only other kid in the neighborhood might just NOT become your firend – regardless of how much you’d like him to be. If you can’t built relationships or connections, look for other opportunities. This seems to be contrary to not giving up – but it is not. Not giving up applies to the “one try, you’re out” mentality – while the lost cause requires effort. If someone has not interest in connecting with you – for whatever reasons – eventually you have to get to the point of moving on. Not by admitting defeat but by remembering that little word that moves us into the future: NEXT!
Filed under: Colorado Highlands Group, Networking | Tagged: Networking, Small Business Owner
