Networking Insight

Social Networking Humor - Has This Happened to You?

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Xing Understands Importance of Networking While in College

Networking should be ingrained into your mind and routine as early as possible in your life. In fact, relationships should be built while you are still in college so you have a good network to bring with you to the professional world.  For me, I started networking while a freshman in college. This was the beginning of my relationship building activities, which have led me to where I am today (check out my Personal Business Timeline to see all of my activities related to networking - scroll down the page to see this timeline).

The popular international networking site, Xing, has recently announced that they have a new service tailored for students and graduates.

"Professional networking should start before university ends," said Lars Hinrichs, CEO and founder of XING AG. "A profile on XING can ease the often difficult transition from student life to professional life."

I completely agree with the above statement. I believe that universities should be teaching more about networking so students are better prepared when they graduate. Networking blogger, Scott Bradley of Networking Effectively, completely gets this because he is a seasoned college networker who started relationship building and his blog while in college.

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Follow Up, Consistent Communication Both Critical to Building Relationships

Below is the latest article that I wrote for MidwestBusiness.com.

Follow Up, Consistent Communication Both Critical to Building Relationships

After you meet someone for the first time, it’s important to capture tidbits from the conversation along with the person’s contact information. Once you finish your discussion, write notes on the back of the person’s business card. By doing so, you will remember some of your dialogue.

Make sure to capture both business and personal information. Also, if you mention that you will do something for this person (such as make an introduction or share a Web site), then write this information down as well. This will help you remember and follow through.

The next time you return to your office or home, you need to organize all of the new contact information along with the notes. Input everything into a contact management system such as from Microsoft Outlook, Google or Palm. Organize this information so you can search for certain people fairly easy.

You can categorize contacts by industry or competency. After you organize your contact information, you will be better equipped to follow up with people because you will have your information neatly organized. Also, keep track of conversations and meetings so you can see the history of your relationship.

Immediately Reach Out to People

Within 48 hours of meeting someone, you should make a move and contact the person. As most people never follow up, take it upon yourself to make the first move. Whether you follow up via e-mail, phone or mail, it’s necessary to do so fairly quickly. If you wait too long, people may not remember you. A critical element of networking is you want people to remember you.

Make sure you’re not lost in the sea of business cards. Whatever method of communication you use, make sure you reference what was discussed when you met. By doing so, this will show people that you were paying attention and you take the relationship seriously.

At the same time, schedule a follow-up meeting so you can continue your conversation.

Early on, relationships are best built with face-to-face interaction. Technology tools such as LinkedIn, Facebook or e-mail are good for maintaining and building relationships. However, they are not as effective in the beginning stages of professional relationship building.

Stay Top of Mind With Consistency

In order to continue building new and existing relationships, you need to consistently get yourself in front of your network. Technology is a wonderful tool to maintain these relationships.

Create a newsletter, blog or e-mail list and send out regular and valuable information to people. By doing this on a consistent basis, people will remember you. Also, find touchpoints to reach out to individuals such as birthdays, events or important industry information.

When you reach out to people, they will appreciate that you were thinking about them. As mentioned above, face-to-face communication is important and you should make it a habit of inviting people to lunch or coffee each week. This is a great technique to maintain existing and new relationships.

Become a Resource

The more you communicate with others, the more you will become a resource. As you start to develop relationships, you will be sharing information and resources based on your expertise. As you discover your subject-matter expertise, you will begin to brand yourself as the go-to person for this topic.

After a while, people will come to recognize you as this expert and will approach you. As people approach you, be open to helping them.

Try to not turn people away. If you can’t help, then find someone who can. The more you help others, the more you will become highly regarded an expert and resource for others. Once you reach this status, you have taken your relationship building to the next level.

People will remember you, which can open up doors for your future personal and business success. With the right amount of time, effort and passion, you can achieve this type of success with networking.

Final Thought

Take the time to build relationships by following up and following through with people you meet. Otherwise, you will be like 90 percent of the people out there who aren’t proactive and have lost out on building many new relationships. You will be amazed at how many new relationships you will develop if you take the time to make it happen.    

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My ONE Secret for Successful Networking

The following article was written by networking expert Liz Lynch of Center of Networking Excellence.

My ONE Secret for Successful Networking

People always want to know about my one technique for networking successfully. Is it joining an online community? Writing a blog? Going to bigger events?

The answer is, none of the above. More important than any one technique is having the right APPROACH to building relationships. I can teach you how to get started on Facebook, but if you go in with all guns blazing and a "me first" mindset, you're not going to do very well. On the other hand, the right approach can guide you through any networking situation you come across. Even if you don't know exactly what to do, you'll have an intuition about how to handle yourself.

I've noticed three approaches that people take with networking. Each ties into a different objective which in turn influences how they interact with others.

1) The Sales Approach

Objective: Finding a buyer
    The way many people think about networking traditionally is with a sales mentality. That's why they don't do it until they need something. They sit studiously in their offices, day in and day out, doing their jobs but not going beyond that to expand their network with new contacts or strengthen ties with current ones.

    Then when the day comes that they need help because they've lost their job or the market has dried up for their product, they show up at events with an air of desperation because they need a buyer, fast! "Will you hire me?" "Will you buy from me?"

    Those who approach networking with a sales mentality have unrealistically high expectations. Again, perhaps that's why they wait so long. They think every encounter should turn instantly into a job lead or warm prospect. But then who's really at these events looking for people to hire or products to buy? No one, or at the very least, a very, very small minority. That's why this approach is the least effective. Your objectives aren't lining up with anyone else's.

    If your objective is to get someone to buy something from you, then what you're doing is "selling." Don't confuse everybody (or yourself) by calling it "networking."

2) The Business Development Approach

Objective: Creating something new
    In my first job in business development nearly 10 years ago, I was charged with finding partners for a new service my employer was creating, and had to look for companies willing to participate under a very specific set of parameters. If the company had another idea for working with us that would better serve their goals, that was beyond the scope of my job to address, and I had to move on, rather than see if something bigger and better could develop. I look back on this now as more of a sales role.

    In contrast, my last job in business development was more about partnerships. We had a goal of increasing revenues and were open to talking to anyone about creating new products and services that would help us do that. The process typically started with both parties learning about each other's goals and strengths, and then brainstorming a range of possibilities for working together.

    This latter approach is the one I take in building relationships today. I may not know exactly how we can help each other, but rather than viewing them through a filter of what I want to do, I really want to get to know them individually and what they're looking to accomplish. Hopefully there is an intersection with my goals and we can create something together. But if there isn't, maybe they're a fit for someone I know, or perhaps they'll be a fit in the future.

    Either way, the reward for me is in the journey of getting to know someone and being exposed to new ideas. A business development approach takes into account both parties' needs and tries to come up with a solution that addresses both. It's more fun because it requires creativity and vision on both sides.

3) The Marketing Approach

Objective: Getting noticed
    A third approach to networking is more marketing oriented. In this case, it's about generating awareness of what you do and giving people a sense of who you are so they can decide whether to network with you.

    I've always found that networking is easier when people approach you, and social networking sites are great for accomplishing this. They give you the ability to share your expertise, and make it easy for interested parties to interact with you.

    But often when I talk about Facebook as a networking tool, people will ask me what business I've gotten from being a member there. That's the sales mentality talking. I'm not selling anything on Facebook. I'm trying to build a network of savvy social media folks who I can learn from (and wow, there are lots of them!), but who also get to know me and my work over time.

    Facebook lets me have a consistent but unobtrusive presence in other people's lives. I'm regularly adding new content, mainly videos and blog posts, to share what I know and stimulate conversation. When my friends are logged onto the site, they can see what I'm doing and interact with me, but they can also lurk in the background. It's completely their choice.

    For those who like my stuff, I have no doubt that when my book comes out in November, they'll help spread the word. But the important thing is not to show up the day before trying to build support from scratch. You'll get noticed, but not in a good way.

Best Two Out of Three?
To sum it all up, it's important to understand the sales approach to networking so you can stay away from it and adopt a more business development approach of collaboration instead. Then turbo charge your efforts by incorporating social media tools to help market yourself in a low-key way, and generate interest from potential networking partners. In a sense, you're saying, "Here are the cool things I'm doing. Anyone interested, come and play." Most important to remember is that the right approach to networking is platform agnostic. It should work equally well whether you're in person or online.

Liz Lynch is a business networking expert whose products, programs and seminars help entrepreneurs and professionals get clients, build their businesses, and reach their goals through networking.   If you're ready to start networking smarter, get your F R.E*E business networking tips now at www.NetworkingExcellence.com.

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15 Ways to Leverage Your Appearance for Success

You appearance is very important for your personal brand. People judge you on the way you look so make sure that you make a good first impression.

Therefore, you need to be very serious as to how you look in every situation. Below are 15 ways that your appearance can position you for success in the business environment.

1. If you don’t know what to wear, then always wear professional attire

2. Wear name tags on the right side and high so they are visible

3. Polish your shoes regularly so they are professional looking

4. Dry clean your clothes regularly so they are not full of wrinkles or stains

5. Check your clothes for stains or rips before you decide to wear anything

6. Don’t wear bright colors and odd patterns

7. Wear limited jewelry

8. Use light make-up and perfume/cologne

9. Keep your nails manicured

10. Check your teeth for food before entering a room

11. Walk into a room with a warm smile

12. Keep your hair under control after you enter a building from the outside

13. Carry a nice business card holder 

14. Carry a nice pen for note taking

15. Carry a nice portfolio

What other ideas do you have?

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LinkedIn Valued at $1B!

With a recent investment of $53 million, professional networking site LinkedIn is now valued at a whopping $1 billion. This is one of the largest valuations for online networking sites. In comparison, Facebook was valued at $15 billion after a Microsoft investment last year.

LinkedIn is one of the few networking sites that has a proven business model that doesn't rely on advertising as its majority of revenue. The firm generates about $100 million in revenue from premium subscriptions, blue-chip advertisers, job listings, and corporate services.

For more information about LinkedIn, go to Professional networking site LinkedIn valued at $1 billion.

What do you use more, LinkedIn or Facebook? And why?

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The Battle for Social Networking Dominance: Facebook vs MySpace

It was just reported by ComScore that Facebook has finally unseeded MySpace as the worldwide leader in unique visitors. For the month of May, Facebook pulled in 123.9 million unique visitors while MySpace pulled in 114.6 million unique visitors.

However, it is important to note that MySpace still has the lead in the U.S. with 73.7 million unique visitors the versus Facebook's 35.6 million. As is evident, Facebook's main growth is overseas but it will have to face competition from other social networking sites such as Orkut, Hi5, and yes Friendster, which has gained traction in several Asian countries.

For the complete article of Facebook vs MySpace, go to ComScore: Facebook is beating MySpace worldwide.

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Should I Wear Flip-Flops or Dress Shoes to Work?

Below is a humorous but very real email that was sent to several employees of a Chicago firm. This was sent to me from a person who I know works at this firm. You should take the words in this email very serious and dress appropriately in every professional situation.  Your appearance is part of your personal brand.

What were they thinking?

Chicago Professionals:

Yes, it is that time of the year when we ride the elevator and sometimes wonder “What were they thinking?” The weather gets warm and the dress guidelines appear to be long forgotten.

So, if you experience any of the following situations, you probably did not make the right choices for the workplace:

·     Your stomach got sunburned on your way to the office.

·     Somebody places an iron at your workspace.

·     Everyone knows you are just around the corner as you flip-flop closer.

·     You don’t need a change of clothes for your post-work visit to the water park.

·     Your shorts are pressed nicely.

·     Somebody asks “Why did you come in if you are on PTO today?”

·     You are thrilled that your company baseball hat camouflages your bad hair day.

·     The client asks you what time the car wash starts.

·     The rain doesn’t affect you on the way to lunch because apparently your outfit doubles as a swimsuit.

·     You get an Outlook invitation from a colleague with the Subject line of “Executive Presence.”

Our intent is for you to be comfortable, but still look like you mean business. Most of you follow the guidelines, look like the professionals you are, and clearly understand that you never get a second chance to make a first impression. If you struggle with your clothing choices on occasion or would like a refresher on the policy, please refer to the Business Casual description in the Midwest Dress Code Guidelines.

And — the next time you have a moment when you think “Should I or shouldn’t I?” ― I encourage you to pause and make the right choices for your personal brand.

Thank you for your time and have a great summer.

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Focus on Quality with Networking Accessories

It important that you always focus on quality when building relationships. Quality can range from your conversations to follow-up to clothing to accessories. You want people to view you as professional and someone who they want to get to know.  Not many people focus on some of little details about networking, which really are bigger than they may think.

The below items are very important and can make or break your image.

Carry a Nice Pen

Most people don’t care what type of pen they have with them as long as it works. This is the wrong attitude because a pen is an extension of your brand and professionalism. So, it is recommended that you only use a quality looking pen in meetings and at networking events. Spend the money to buy a nice pen and only use it for these occasions. You will stand out if you carry this type of pen.

Carry a Nice Business Card Holder

Rather than putting a pile of business cards in your pocket or bag, it is suggested that you put the cards in a nice business card holder.  Carry this holder with you at all times so when you need to hand out a business card, you are organized and come across as more professional. It can be a turn off and show that you are disorganized if  you don’t have a good card management system.

Carry a Nice Portfolio

We all have received many free business portfolios from clients or at conferences. While it is great to get these, most of them are not professional enough to carry to important meetings because they usually have another firm’s logo on it. So, it is recommended that you invest in a nice portfolio that is neutral and one that you are proud to carry around.

Create Nice Business Cards

If you need to create your own business cards for whatever reason, then you should take the time to create very professional looking cards. It is recommended that you have a professional firm create the cards rather than you trying to create them at home. Your business card is an important self-marketing tool so you need to get it right.

What other networking accessories should we pay attention to?

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Learn How to Be a Master Networker

Networking expert and BNI founder, Ivan Misner, shares the following list in his recent blog post: 10 Traits of a Master Networker.

   1. Follows up on referrals
   2. Has a positive attitude
   3. Is enthusiastic/motivated
   4. Is trustworthy
   5. Has good listening skills
   6. Networks always
   7. Thanks people
   8. Enjoys helping others
   9. Is sincere
  10. Works his or her network

According to Misner, the above traits all tie in long-term relationship building. I am a big believer in building relationships over time and not trying to sell right away. If you don't possess all of the traits above, then take it upon yourself to work towards that goal.  It is important that you take networking serious for sustainable success. The above list is a great starting point.

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