Networking.
Some of us thrive while networking. For others, well, it’s a bit more of a struggle!
Whether you fall on either side of the networking ditch or land somewhere in the middle, you can always refine the way you collaborate with other business leaders, entrepreneurs and professionals.
Here are some things we’ve learned to help you prepare for that next big conversation and take some of the pressure out of the equation:
1. Reframe Networking to Connecting.
Aren’t they basically the same thing?
We often use these words interchangeably, but here we want to show a specific difference between the two.
Networking is the exchange of information or services among individuals, groups or institutions. Specifically, the cultivation of productive relationships for employment or business.
Connecting, on the other hand, has several definitions and connotations. One we like is simply to become joined.
When networking, it’s easy to think in terms of getting and giving. Get a business card and give a business card. Get a lead on a new client. Give others a taste of your business’s services. We, sometimes subconsciously, create a quota in our heads and feel defeated when we don’t meet it.
Connecting shifts our focus. We’re not there to give or to get. We’re there to meet, to hear, to share and to grow.
2. Focus on building meaningful relationships.
Picture this. You’re attending a conference or a networking event. You hear from a speaker in your field or learn a business professional with decades more experience is in attendance.
Whereas networking implies a give/get relationship, connecting is a simple step.
Ask them if they’d be willing to meet for coffee or connect on a phone call so you can hear their story or ask questions about their industry. In your approach, make it clear you aren’t trying to get a job offer or a client or a lead.
Your opening line could simply be: “Hello, I’m _____. I enjoyed learning [specific lesson] through your career. I would love to ask you more questions about your experience.”
If they say yes, approach your coffee meeting, lunch or phone call with the expectation to learn. If a job offer or a lead grows from this connection, that’s simply a bonus!
Whether a standard transaction occurs — you get a job lead, your new contact fills an open position — or you simply leave with more knowledge, you’ve improved personally and professionally.
3. Look for local coworking spaces or business alliances that organize opportunities for connection. And actually go!
At every event, remember you’re there to build relationships. Giving out your business card would be the cherry on top!
Meet with other leaders in your space, even competitors. Meet with other business leaders in completely different fields. Their passion, progress and point of view might just be the push you need to make a change or take the next step in personal and professional growth.
For the next few weeks, try reframing your view of networking from a transaction to a connection. Let us know if you see a difference, not just in your conversations but also in your attitude toward building the connection!
While we’re on the subject, we’d love to connect with YOU!
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