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Networking Tips
One of the things I’m always being asked about is how to maximise the results of networking. Well lots have been written about this subject over the years, some I believe is right and others totally wrong. Here are just a few of my top tips to help you with your networking:-
The object of networking is to establish relationship with other people that will create trust between you both and ultimately lead to business for you both!
The objective of networking is to create a trusted relationship with other people. It is not about adding business cards to your card file.
Your contacts will not recommend you unless they believe you will NOT let them down! Their reputation is at stake - you have to protect it for them!
Networking is not something you do for two or three weeks and then give up! It takes time and effort to obtain results from business networking. I believe that you need to do it for a year at least and probably more.
It is not who you know that is of prime importance, it is those that they know. You may know two hundred people, and if they each know two hundred people you have access to forty thousand!
As a networker you are obliged to help other find contacts. Only then will they recommend you to others.
When building relationships with other people, it is important to listen to what they say, watch what they do, and listen to what others say about them.
It can take years to build your reputation - and minutes to lose it!
If someone asks you to do something for them and you agree - then you must do it.
Always answer messages people send you however frivolous they may seem. You never know what the other person is thinking.
Remember when processing messages, always look for the good in them. Never allow yourself to be offended - it will only come back and bite you in the bum!
The best way of building a relationship with someone else is to organise a 1-2-1 together. You should always allow at least one hour and preferable two.
When participating in a 1-2-1 remember that you have TWO ears and one MOUTH! Do not butt in when they are speaking, just keep to asking questions. As they answer use words to extract more such as saying ‘meaning ...’ and ‘so....’ or even ‘tell me more’.
There is not such a thing as a time waster when networking ... you just don’t know who they know!
Networking is about being pro-active. That means that you have to work at it - you have to take the lead - you have to make an impression.
Remember that People buy from People.
Never be frightened to ask the other person for information. But whatever you do, do not forget it or misuse it!
Make it your goal, to help at least one person every day of your life!
If you join any of the networking sites such as Ecademy, LinkedIn, Xing etc., be sure to complete your profile as soon as you join.
Never judge anyone - you never know who they might know!
Click HERE for special tips for Ecademy Members
Click HERE for special tips on holding a 1-2-1 Meeting.
Click HERE for some advice on Physical Networking.
Click HERE for some advice on Selecting Relationships.
Click HERE for some advice on Building Relationships.
I hope these tips are helpful to you.
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