Sep
9
Giving, Taking, and the Fine Balance Of Both
Posted by the Networking Goddess in Types of Networking, Networking Tips, Networking Defined, General
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Giving, Taking, and the Fine Balance Of Both
Networking requires giving and taking to be mutually-beneficial. It’s common to see people who are more comfortable with either one aspect or the other, but good skills in both arenas are imperative for successful networking.
“Giving” comes first- or at least should. In building relationships, it’s easier to break down barriers to trust, respect, and reciprocity by being the first one to extend help to a potential networking partner. “Giving” includes, but is not limited to:
1. The sharing of industry information that is helpful to the potential partner.
2. The sharing of resources and suppliers helpful to the partner.
3. The sharing of new technology with these partners.
4. The sharing of information about the potential partner’s competitors.
5. After a level of comfort has been established based on your own business ethics and standards, the sharing of business leads.
At some point in time, you can reasonably expect some of the same type of help in return. You are entitled to get help, or the relationship isn’t mutually-beneficial Many people find it uncomfortable to take the following steps when there is no information coming back to them after they have given more than their fair share.
What do you do when you aren’t getting anything in return?
1. Make sure that you have made your needs clearly known. Is your 60-second introduction presentation precise enough? Have you asked for specific information that the potential partner would be likely to have access to and gotten no response?
2. Ask the potential partner WHY there has been nothing coming back from their side. This can be tough but doesn’t have to be. I teach people to ask the following:
If there were something about me or my firm that would prevent you from feeling comfortable sharing information with me, would you tell me about it, or would you keep it to yourself?
This approach works MAGIC!
3. After exhausting the above options, it’s time to walk away. Don’t be discouraged. Start the process again and again and again. There are far more people looking to share than just to “take”.
For the very few people who are ONLY “takers”, you can do nothing more than you have. The reality of it is- you are entitled to give and get. And any relationships that don’t>
encompass both aspects, will never be mutually-beneficial.
Nancy
Your Networking Goddess
Aug
24
Personal Networking
Posted by the Networking Goddess in Types of Networking, Networking Defined, General
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Personal Networking
Much of what I have written about networking involves networking in a structured, business environment. If fact, those functions are specifically hosted for that purpose. But many, many important contacts are made on the golf course, over coffee, at day care, even in the grocery store.
And networking goals can be for personal achievements as well as business ones. Persons looking for a job, looking for a mate, trying to find creative funding, even looking for homes for stray dogs and cats have done so through the networking process.
I have found it helpful to have both personal and professional networking goals. For personal goals, instead of having a certain number of people in mind that I’d like to meet, I have a certain situation I’d like to satisfy. For instance, right now, I have a friend dying of cancer who runs an animal shelter. I’d like to find homes for his animals. I have been able to find interested people through networking.
Personal networking has less “rules” than business networking. If you tell someone about a movie you saw that you liked or a restaurant that you ate at that was good, you are networking. It is not important to dress appropriately, have a good 60 second commercial, or be concerned with qualifying questions. The exchange of information and resources, on a casual basis like this reaps rewards just as much as the structured environments we have discussed.
Certain things are true about both personal and professional networking. It is essential to get into a networking frame of mind. That frame of mind is simply the desire to help others as much as possible. Once that is the focus , the rest is easy. When someone mentions that they don’t like their current baby-sitter, your mind instantly starts thinking of anyone you know who might be able to help in that situation.
Personal networking starts by being friendly and approachable. It involves talking and listening, just like in professional networking, but it is much more relaxed. Personal networking is an excellent way to expand your circle of contacts, which invariably leads to more business contacts as well. Once that happens, networking has become a way of communicating- no longer a process that needs to be learned, but an avenue of effective communication.
Nancy
Your Networking Goddess
Jun
23
Networking In Online Communities
Posted by the Networking Goddess in Online Networking, Types of Networking, Networking Tools, Networking Groups and Functions, Networking Defined, General
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Networking In Online Communities
For the purposes of this article, an online community is defined as a group of business professionals who have a place to “meet” that satisfies certain specific business criteria. These online forums are often newsgroups and e-mail lists. It is here where there is a chance for the reciprocal exchange of questions and information. It is also here where we, as a small business community, will learn ways to communicate, and build relationships without the benefit of seeing , hearing or touching those we associate with.
Here are some tools that can be used to get and give the most in this community;
S-A-V-E works wonders:
1. S-Share information. Specific information that helps people who post questions and general information about business development. When sharing information about your field, “less” is better. Little bits of information shared with the group will be easier for them to remember. It will also aid in their ability to focus on the faces of those people they know who can help you, or who can help them. Sharing information also helps position you as an “expert” in your field.
2. A-Applaud the efforts of others. Even if you do so in a private message to them. Recognize what each person has something to offer, and what each person has to learn. The community is stronger when people feel comfortable to ask for assistance and to give assistance. Accolades are appreciated and can be great marketing tools if used properly.
3. V-Venture into new ways of thinking. Look at what you believe and why you believe it. Online communities are an excellent forum to learn the many sides to any issue. Participation in these communities will increase your chances of success when working online. The views and ideas expressed will give you a glimpse of what the Internet small business community thinks. It is a great testing ground for what works and what doesn’t work, and why.
4. E-Expect it to take time. No way to shorten the relationship-building process has been found. Humans being humans, the chances are good that no way WILL be found. The time needed to build mutually-beneficial relationships is well worth the wait.
Online communities SAVE you a lot of research time. They SAVE you a lot of expense. And networking in them is as easy as S-A-V-E.
Nancy
Your Networking Goddess