Networking Insight

Focus Your Energy on Meeting More Targeted People

It is relatively easy to meet new people each week. Every night of the week, you have the opportunity to choose from multiple events to attend.  Also, you can reach out to your network to ask for introductions, which can be done online or offline.  

Regardless of the method, you have endless opportunities to meet new people. One problem is that you may be taking more of a shotgun approach to meet new people. When this happens, you will meet vary random people who may or may not be valuable to add to your network. In most cases, you will be meeting many of the wrong people. While it is possible that many of these people could introduce you to the right people, it is still not s an effective approach.

So, consider taking more of a targeted approach to meeting the right people. Research events and pick the most appropriate ones that will have the right audience. Also, join private networking groups that will allow you to get to know various complementary and like-minded individuals.

Take the time to review a contact’s LinkedIn network and ask for targeted introductions. LinkedIn is a great business tool so leverage it to expand your network.

Focus on meeting fewer people versus collecting as many business cards as you can. It is better to have a smaller but high quality network than a large network of vary random people.

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10 Motivating Words about Networking for the New Year

With each New Year, we need to start out recharged and sometimes need extra motivation. Below are ten words to think about as you ramp up your relationship building this year.  The below words are bi-products of good networking.

1. Revenue

2. Partners

3. Funding

4. Friends

5. Job

6. Employees

7. Growth

8. Development

9. Credibility

10. Access

What other words can you think of?

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Seven Words that Describe Your Reaction to Meeting an Uninspiring New Contact

Each month, we have the potential to meet both good and bad contacts. Most of the people who we meet will not be worth integrating into our network. In fact, some of these people can be uninspiring. Therefore, we generally steer clear of them.

Focus your efforts on meeting people who inspire and excite you. Take the time to build relationships with these people. However, you need to be reminded of how you feel after you meet an uninspiring person so you don’t focus much energy on the next one who you meet.

Below are seven words that may describe your reaction to meeting these uninspiring people:

1. Depressed
2. Unhappy
3. Uninspired
4. Upset
5. Insulted
6. Discouraged
7. Demoralized

What other works can you think of?

Similar post: Seven Words that Describe Your Reaction to Meeting a Great New Contact

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11 Relationship Building Tips for the Holidays

While the holidays are generally a time to relax with family and friends, don’t let it completely take you away from your relationship building. The holidays are a good time to meet new people and further build your existing relationship. 

Below are 11 tips for the holidays that will help you to stay focused:

1. Attend holiday parties – Way to meet to meet new people and re-connect with others

2. Host your own holiday party – Allows you to bring your network to you

3. Send holiday cards – Good reason to reach out to people whether electronically or regular mail

4. Meet one-on-one – Slow time for many so good time to sit down with people

5. Catch up on emails – Take the time to catch up on your relationship building emails

6. Accept hospitality from others – Show your respect by accepting drinks, food, etc. 

7. Help others – Good time of the year to lend a hand

8. Drink in moderation – Don’t drink too much while attending parties

9. Give holiday gifts – Send gifts to those who you really appreciate in your network

10. Plan events – Start thinking about which events that you would like to host in the new year

11. Plan New Year’s resolutions – Make a list of what you would like to accomplish with your relationship building in the upcoming year

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Why Your Network is Your Greatest Personal Asset

Throughout your professional careers, you will amass a good sized network. Don’t take this lightly. Your network is one of your greatest personal assets for the following reasons:

It is Portable

Relationships are built between individuals not companies. Therefore, you can take your network with you no matter what company you work for or start. If you are in sales or business development, then this is a key hiring decision for many employers.

It Defines You

Your network to a certain extent defines you because it is a reflection of who you associate yourself with.  Your personal brand resides with your network so they are your most important allies.

It Opens Up Doors

Having a sizable and diverse network can lead to new opportunities.  As long as you stay in front of  your network and provide continuous value, certain people will approach you with new opportunities.

It is Your Life Line

In times of need, you should be able to reach out to certain people in your network for assistance. It is good to have a diverse network so you always can find someone to help you.

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Seven Words that Describe Your Reaction to Meeting a Great New Contact

Each month, we have the potential to meet a lot of new people. We meet these people at events, at work, in public, online, or via referrals. Very few of these people end up becoming contacts that we stay in touch with on a regular basis. 

In fact, very few become “great” contacts. You know when you meet someone who excites you because you see the possibilities of how you can help one another. You are excited to have this person in your network.

Below are seven words that may describe your reaction to meeting these great new contacts.

1. Ecstatic
2. Excited
3. Elated
4. Refreshing
5. Energized
6. Inspired
7. Motivated

What other words come to mind?

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Seven Actions that Will Make People Turn Away During Conversations

When getting to know new people in conversations, you want to put your best foot forward. Make sure the conversation is positive and for relationship building purposes. Business can come later.

Below are seven actions that may make others want to walk away during a conversation:

1. Hard selling of your product or service – Get to know people first before trying to land them as a client
2. Bringing up controversial topics such as religion and politics – Try to only talk about neutral topics that doesn’t cause anyone to take sides
3. Failing to listen to the other person – Give good listener cues and don’t interrupt
4. Wandering your eyes – Stay focused and engaged during discussions
5. Being rude – Be friendly and cordial during conversations
6. Having an egotistical attitude – Don’t act like you are better than the other person
7. Showing an unhappy face – Smile often to make others more comfortable

Related post: Seven Actions to Make People Smile During Conversations

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Why You Should Care About Your Shoes at Networking Events?

Your appearance is very important for first impressions.  You will get judged within the first few seconds after meeting someone. Don’t let your appearance cause people to think negatively about you.

Therefore, take your attire very serious. Take the time to make sure that you are presentable and professional. You should even pay attention to your shoes. Make sure that they are polished with no visible scratch marks or faded color.

In addition, pay attention to how well you are groomed. Your hair should be well maintained and your mouth/teeth should not show others what you just ate. It is amazing how many people come to events looking like they just rolled out of bed or just ate lunch.

The little details about your appearance, such as your shoes, all add up to your overall package.  People tend to do business with others like them. Dress appropriately for each situation.

Spend time on how you look from head to toe. You want people to see you in a positive manner. If you don’t already, then start to pay attention about how other appear in public. You will get a good sense of works and what doesn’t work.

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Nine Ways to Embarrass Yourself in Front of Your Network

When building and managing your relationships, it is important that you send the right message about your brand and professionalism. It takes time and effort to maintain your network. Mistakes can happen since we are stretched too thin and doing multiple activities. Pay special attention how you interact with your network. Below are nine ways to embarrass yourself in front of people in your network:

1. When making an introduction, you forget or mistype/mispronounce someone’s name
2. You attend an event not dressed in the appropriate attire for the environment
3. You say something that is controversial, which may cause people to become upset
4. You are branding yourself around a subject matter that you don’t know much about
5. You are rude and disinterested during conversations
6. You constantly interrupt people when they are talking
7. You make consistent mistakes in your communication channels such as newsletters, blogs, etc.
8. You talk bad about other people behind their back
9. You are only one-sided in your interaction with others

What else can you think of?

Related post: Nine Ways to Embarrass Yourself at a Networking Event

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Proactively Reach Out to People Who You Want to Meet

In order to build your network, you should not take a passive approach. Don’t expect people to come to you.  In fact, if you want to build a strong and diverse network, then do some research on those who want to meet.

First, figure out what types of professionals you would like to meet and in what industry. Next, do some research to find the names of these people. Lastly, find ways to get in touch with these people.

LinkedIn is a great place to start. Leverage your connections to get an introduction. Also, you can send an InMail directly to anyone (with a paid account).  Most professionals use LinkedIn so you have a good chance to reach someone this way. 

Also, find out if anyone will be speaking at an industry event.  By attending these events, you can meet in person.  If you don’t get a chance to meet at the event, then follow-up and mention that you saw this person speak.

Further, ask your network if they know the person who you want to meet. If so, then ask for an email introduction.  With a personal touch, you have a good chance to connect.

What other methods do you use to get in front of people you want to meet?

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