Lies People Tell Themselves about Networking
Brenda Trott
Helping family owned businesses who are frustrated with marketing results so they can spend more time servicing clients than chasing them.
Networking Tips
There is a lot of value to networking. When done correctly networking can help you grow your list, creates traffic to your website and even helps you conduct market research. If you resolve to add some networking to your schedule, you’ll grow your list with people that have met you in person. Those people check out your website, creating traffic and when you LISTEN, you’ll hear what they need from you.
Even if you know all the reasons you Should network, you may find it a challenge to put on your calendar. Here are some of the lies people tell themselves about networking:
- Its too expensive
- The events are at the wrong time of day
- There are no networking event closeby
- I don’t have enough time to network
Do any of those look familiar?
Its too expensive
Ok, well some of the networking places like BNI or even the local chamber of commerce can be pretty pricey but there are lots of other places that are completely free. MeetUp.com lists business owners, marketers and lots of other types of groups which host networking events. You can even go to family oriented events, bring the kids and go play board games because anything that gets you in front of other people while doing the things you like to do can be considered networking!
Wrong Time of day
If you are a morning person.,you can go to an event before the sun comes up but there are others hosted any time of day or night. There are networking events all over the place, even if you live in a little town, if there isn’t anything called "networking", there might be something called a garden club. Find out where people are meeting and try them out.
Not enough time
There really isn't much to say here except that if networking is really a big business builder, can you carve out 2 hours a month? That’s all it takes to get to a networking event, mingle, and get back.
Networking-It's Not About You
Its about getting to know others.
Now once you get there, realize its not about you! Its about getting to know others. I have a lot of fun being the connector. Meet someone and find out what they do before they even ask you what you are doing. When you meet someone else that might be a good fit for them, make an introduction. Now you are someone that really listens! Be the listener not the person who has a great opportunity for people.
When you don't have business cards
If you don’t have any cards yet, tell a new connection that you are printing new ones and ask for one of theirs. Then follow up with an email and your information, or connect with them on Facebook or LinkedIn.
Resolve to find a way to put networking onto your calendar this year and watch your circle of influence and business grow!
Click here to find out how to get found online without spending hours per day.
Photo image by André Koehne
Executive Marketer at TAS ( ART & FASHION )
9yNetworking is huge in Vietnam, where I do most of my work. It's everywhere at all times of the day. There are networking clubs. Small ones are held in bars. No place is off limits. The 'Not About You' concept is an excellent tool especially to someone new to networking. Many times they'll know who you are and are so excited to tell you of their latest endeavor that you'll want and need to be a good listener. Getting all the info you can, because who knows? This may be to your advantage later. I love this, Brenda. Short, to the point, well written and very accurate. Thank you, and please more articles from you.
KartHost LLC - Security & Support for Your Business
9y'Not about You' is spot on. We we started networking we had no clue what we were doing. But the people we met at were so kind and helpful and not critical but understanding. Because guess What every one of them had to attend their very first meeting and felt just like we did. Hope it's OK to mention the websites of a few groups. NetworkTexas.biz TBPW.net (Tomball Business & Professional Women) and TomballChamber.org (The Greater Tomball Area Chamber Commerce). If you plan to attend any of them let us know and we will help introduce you. Psst that is how I met Brenda Trott :-)
Product Specialist
9yAwesome article - thank you for sharing. On point and very realistic
Retired. .. whoopee! 😎
9yAll very good points Brenda Trott. Networking is often feared the most by would-be business builders and entrepreneurs, We all have Insecurities when it comes to "face to face" networking, which is why Linkedin is such a valuable resource for those insecure types who use their computer screens as a shield from embarrassment. I suppose it depends on the type of business you want to promote, though any networking is better than no networking "face to face" networking... actually meeting people... will open up all kinds of valuable conversations which just don't happen through a broadband connection. To see someones face, to hear their voice, to listen to their personal stories, these are things which we can not experience on Linkedin or other online networking sites. So you are right Brenda Trott - "There is a lot of value to networking". Thank you.