I am still amazed at the amount of people who miss the true meaning of networking. They go to every meeting collecting business cards from individuals at Chamber meetings, social networking meetings, trade shows and on and on. They make small talk, ask a few questions, then load you up with an ear full of themselves and say those words, “Let’s get together sometime and talk more about how we can help one another!” Sure. This is the same person that will take the business card they received from you and think that they now have your permission to add you to their eblast list of things you do not wish to see nor would agree to sign up for. For the majority of people, this is not the outcome that was expected from attending the networking event. Whether you are a business owner, manager, leader, community organizer, or student body president, this should not be your mode, method or motivation for networking.

Here are some rules you should follow:

1. If given a business card, ask if you have their permission to send them your eblast or other forms of communication. Anything else is unsolicited and will probably be placed in the virtual trash or circular file cabinet.
2. When participating in networking events or activities be willing to hear more about the services of others. You will prove yourself to be of greater value being a person who has more information about others and their products or services than just pushing yours.
3. Be willing to connect people to solutions that go beyond what you have to offer and you will be surprised at the interest people will take in you. First as a person, second in what it is that you do and offer.
4. Present yourself as a difference maker and not a money hunter. If you are just hunting money it will very soon become obvious.
5. Don’t talk badly about competition. If people buy from you because of a negative report you gave to them about your competition it won’t be long before they leave you too at the first sign of something negative.
6. Know your stuff before you start talking about it. Don’t be one of those people that wing it and make it up as you go. Confidence is important and will present you as wise. However, random talk will show you to be desperate and lacking direction.
7. Take a genuine interest in the people you meet and talk with regardless of outcomes. The power of networking is not getting stuff. It is getting to meet extraordinary people that do things we cannot do and need things we have to offer.

Time will be kind and rewards favorable to those who subscribe to better networking modes, methods and motivations.

Tim Pecoraro

Tagged in: challenge, Change, Entrepreneur, Help, Networking