Networking Insight

Ten Actions of Great Networkers

Like anything in life, you can learn from the success of others. Networking is no different. We all know great networkers. Unfortunately, we also know bad networkers. Separate the good from the bad.

Below are ten actions of great networkers that you can start to utilize to make your networking more effective:

1. Follows-up within a day of meeting a new person
2. Lets others talk about themselves
3. Doesn’t interrupt others when talking
4. Continuously finds ways to provide value
5. Regularly connects people together
6. Doesn’t keep score
7. Willing to talk to anyone
8. Demonstrates an expertise
9. Maintains a positive demeanor at all times
10. Thanks people

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Developing a Plan for Professional Networking (video)

Position Yourself as an Expert to Grow Your Network

One of the most important aspects of relationship building is garnering trust and credibility.  Once other professionals are comfortable with you, your network will grow. 

Take the time to build up an expertise around a particular subject or skill.  Most of you will already be well versed due to your profession.  Spend time educating yourself so you know all there is to know about your area of choice. 

When communicating with people, make sure that they know about your expertise. Consistently communicate your knowledge during meetings, emails, blogs, Twitter, etc. Make sure that people associate you with this subject matter expertise.

As your name gets associated with your expertise, people will start coming to you.  Therefore, your network will grow. Opportunities will come your way such as guest speaking or writing, which will give you more exposure.  At the same time, your existing network will better remember you.

Take the time to brand yourself around a particular expertise and you will be rewarded with a bigger and more diverse network. As a result, you will be seen as someone who others should get to know.

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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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Business Networking Humor

Why You Should Pay Attention to Your LinkedIn Profile

Your online brand is extremely important. One of the first places people go to find out more about you is LinkedIn.  So, pay attention to your profile and how you utilize this extremely important business tool.

Your profile should match your brand in the offline world. Be consistent in how you portray yourself across all mediums both online and offline. Without consistency, you will confuse people and potentially damage your brand.

Your profile should not be an online version of your resume. Rather than just bullet pointing your experience like your resume, summarize your experience for each role.  In addition, add some client or success stories.

Craft a good upfront summary of your background.  The summary section, is a key component of your profile. In this section, you should craft a compelling overall summary of your background and specialties. In essence, this is your personal elevator pitch so make it compelling enough so people want to read more.

Create a compelling professional headline.  One of the first items that people see about you is the professional headline underneath your name.  These keywords are how you will initially position or brand yourself on LinkedIn. So, make sure that you accurately portray yourself.

Frequently update your status. Let your network know what you have been doing professionally. So, a couple times a week, update your status to reflect your activities or thoughts. Make sure to only include items that are consistent with your brand.

What other features of LinkedIn are important for your personal brand?

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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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Funding Feeding Frenzy - Chicago Event on November 2

The Funding Feeding Frenzy provides an opportunity to get connected with loads of Investors, CEOs, and Founders of fast growing companies. 

• Secure all the critical resources you need to grow your business in a single day. 
• Present your business to real investors that can help grow your company NOW. 
• Engage one-on-one with Investor Panelists at the exclusive "Meet the Money" VIP luncheon. 
• Connect with the Midwest's Top Investors and Entrepreneurs at the "Big Splash" Cocktail Party. 
• Meet hundreds of prospects that can be converted to real $$$ 

Event Details 

November 2, 2011 

5:30--9:30pm 

Grossinger City Autoplex, 1500 N. Dayton St., Chicago 

To receive a 20% discount off of registration, use the code "JasonJ" and sign up at http://fundingfeedingfrenzy.com

How to Build Your Professional Network - Networking in Your Community (video)

Book Review: The 11 Laws of Likability by Michelle Tillis Lederman

The 11 Laws of Likability was written by Michelle Tillis Lederman.  She is the founder and CEO of Executive Essentials, which provides customized communication and leadership programs.  In addition, she teaches at NYU’s Stern School of Business and is a faculty member of the American Management Association. She has delivered seminars internationally to Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, and universities.

Below are the major sections of the book:

• Before the Conversation: Get Real
• The Conversation: Always Have It
• After the Conversation: Build Relationships

Here are a few of the laws that can be found within the major sections:

• The Law of Authenticity
• The Law of Perception
• The Law of Listening
• The Law of Giving

The whole premise of this book is to educate the reader about how likability is an important component of relationship building. Let’s face it, people do business with people they like.  So, why not become liked by more people?

The book will help you to identify and leverage your most likeable characteristics.  In this book, the author shares real-world examples that will demonstrate how you can interact with others in a more natural and authentic way.  As a result, you will have a better foundation for building relationships.

In this book, you will also learn how to:

• Start conversations and keep them going with ease
• Avoid coming across as manipulative or self-serving
• Convert acquaintances into friends
• Tweak your own personal style

If you want to learn how to more effectively build relationships, then this book may be for you.  Your personal brand is very important for your likability. Make sure that you do what you can do build your brand in a positive manner.

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