Networking Insight

What Kind of Networker Are You?

Everyone has a different reason to connect and build relationships. We each have our own agenda and goals. Some of our goals are shorter term than others. What kind of networker are you? 

The Taker

When you meet this type of networker, you are usually asked to provide some help.  These networkers are more focused on themselves so they are more interested in how you can help them. They may or may not ever ask how they can help you.  It is okay to often help but make sure that it goes both ways. You don’t want this kind of networker to take advantage of you.

The Giver

The flipside of The Taker is the networker who is always asking how he/she can help you. Some of the more successful relationship builders are givers and don’t expect anything in return. However, it is important that when you do need help that you ask for it. 

The Salesman

When talking with this type of networker, he/she is trying to sell you on his products or services. Most often, this person only cares about making a sale before getting to know you. These types of networkers can turn people off from the process of relationship building.

Long Term Builder

In order to build sustainable relationships, you should be thinking long term. This type of networker takes time to build a relationship because he/she wants to keep in contact with you for years to come. Therefore, you won’t be sold and this person is more of a giver.   

What other kinds of networkers are there?

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Take the Trauma Out of Networking Events -Video Tips by Ivan Misner

Greater Chicago Networking Extravaganza - Almost Here!

The 2011 Greater Networking Extravaganza is comig up on May 5, 2011. This is the 10th event that we have hosted.  Below are the details:

Date: May 5, 2011

Time: 5:30-8:45pm

Location: The Metropolitan Club, 233 S. Wacker, 67th Floor, Oak Room, Chicago

Hosts: Lillian Bjorseth and Jason Jacobsohn

Sponsors (so far): The Metropolitan Club, Send Out Cards, Chicago Art Leasing, Universal Restoration Services, Keller Graduate School of Management, Small Business Advocacy Council

For More Information / RSVP:www.greaterchicagonetworking.com

The annual Greater Chicago Networking Extravaganza is the premier business networking event in Chicagoland, bringing together the business community for an incredible evening of mixing, mingling, education and fun.  The 10th one in 2011 will feature an abundance of business-development opportunities and informative presentations from two of Chicago’s preeminent relationship-building experts.

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How Do You Follow Up?

After you meet someone, you should be following up if you want to build a relationship. It doesn’t matter what method you use for follow-up as long as you do so right away. Regardless of your method, you should communicate with people within a couple of days of your first encounter.  You want to stay top of mind with people so don’t let too much time lapse.

During your follow-up, make sure to reference items you discussed. This not only shows that you were listening, but also gives you a reason to connect.

Below are several follow-up methods:

• Phone call
• Email
• Snail mail
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Blog comments

Nowadays, we are very connected via technology. Pick the channel that makes the most sense for each contact. Go where they will be. It is okay to connect multiple ways.

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Social Networking Humor

Book Review: We by Rudy Karsan and Kevin Kruse

We: How to Increase Performance and Profits Through Full Engagement was written by Rudy Karsan and Kevin Kruse. Rudy is Co-Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Kenexa, which is a global provider of business solutions for human resources. The firm studies human behavior and team dynamics in the workplace. With offices in 20 countries and more than 2,200 employees, the firm’s products and services have affected the lives of more than 150 million people around the world.

Kevin is a serial entrepreneur, CEO of Kru Research, and Co-Founder of the e-Patient Connections conference.  He speaks around the world to organizations about business excellence and the new world of work.

The book is divided up into the following parts:

• Part One: Career-Life
• Part Two: The You in We
• Part Three: How Great Leaders Harmonize Teams
• Part Four: Manager’s Toolkit

Chapter 5 is of special interest because the authors discuss the power of personal branding and relationships. By taking the time to develop your brand with your network, you have the opportunity to become a thought leader in your industry, which has benefits to your employer as well.

This book is based on research from Kenexa and the authors’ experiences leading business teams. In today’s world, life and work are blended rather than balanced. We don’t have financial security and job satisfaction is at a record low. Therefore, organizations have more disengaged workforces, which lowers productivity. At the same time, our emotions at work spill over into our entire lives, thus, affecting our health and relationships.

In the book, the authors discuss the nature of work in the modern organization and how to achieve full engagement at work.  The solutions discussed come from their understandings of the Kenexa research (10 million worker surveys in 150 countries) and from their experiences leading fast growing firms. As a result, they show the linkage between the success of the individual and the success of the organization.

According to the author’s, the below factors drive one’s level of engagement the most:

• Growth
• Recognition
• Trust

For managers, the book describes the leadership behaviors necessary to generate buy-in and commitment from employees.  Throughout the book, the authors share case studies, individual stories, and actionable steps that will enhance engagement and leadership within organizations.  If you want to have a better understanding of today’s organizations, the employee/employer dynamic, and how to improve the work environment, then We may be a book you want to read.

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10 Phrases that Describe Successful Networking

The process of networking takes time to see results. Don’t expect your efforts to pay off overnight. Building relationships is a long term activity. Below are 10 phrases that describe successful networking:

1. Continually connect with new people

2. Build new and existing relationships

3. Follow-up with new people who you meet

4. Follow through on what you promise

5. Personally brand yourself as a subject matter expert

6. Always offer to help others first

7. Consistently stay in touch with your network

8. Make introductions to bring people together

9. Always be genuine and attentive to other people’s needs

10. Be yourself and have fun

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Feeding Funding Frenzy - May 4 in Chicago

Title: Funding Feeding Frenzy

Date: May 4, 2011

Time: 8:30am-8:00pm

Location:  Grossinger City Autoplex, 1500 N. Dayton, Chicago

Cost: $87 early bird

(Use the discount code, JasonJ, to receive 20% off for Attendees, VIP Attendees, Presenting Companies and "Fish Bowl" Demo Companies)

More Information/RSVP: http://fundingfeedingfrenzy.com 

The Funding Feeding Frenzy is the place to be for CEOs and founders of fast growing companies to get connected with a group of investors who just may be waiting to sink their teeth into their winning idea. For business owners raising capital, this is an opportunity that cannot be missed. The Funding Feeding Frenzy is a unique opportunity to network with those ready to recognize the potential their company holds. Attendance at this event could be a tremendous step forward in securing the funding needed to rapidly grow their business.

Each company will present to a panel (including angel investors, private equity investors and venture capitalist) whose investing interests match the company’s profile. The Funding Feeding Frenzy is the ideal opportunity to snag investors who are ready to back growing companies.

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Be Yourself When Interacting with Others

 
When you are interacting with others, you want to be yourself. Don’t get caught up in the hype or situation and pretend to be someone else. In other words, don’t embellish or alter your accomplishments. Be authentic as you can.

Over time, as you get to know people, they will see the true you. Make sure that they see this from the beginning of your relationship. You don’t need to please others because of what you think they will want to hear.

Your personal brand is a key component of relationship building success. If you misrepresent yourself, then you will have to rebuild your brand, which could end up hurting you in the long run. 

It is a lot more comforting to be yourself when dealing with others. Be consistent across all channels whether in person, on LinkedIn, or via other online methods.  

On the flipside, you should hope that others are authentic back towards you. If they are not, then how does it make you feel? Chances are that you know which people in your network are altering their accomplishments. 

Authenticity on both sides of any relationship will allow you to become more successful in building your network of supporters. Seek out these types of people.

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6 Good Reasons to Join A Business Network