Maybe you have been attending a networking event regularly either weekly or monthly and you feel like you are just not making the most out of it that you can. Alternatively you could be starting out on networking and find it daunting to make the impression that you want to make.
The answer may be that you haven't found ''the key'' to networking yet.
So, you may be asking yourself ''what is the key to networking?''. I did just that when I first heard about it.
Take a moment to imagine that you are in a room at your networking meeting/business lunch or event. Think of the other businesses in the room........
Take another moment to think now about what keys are on your key fob. Keys to your home, your business, your car I guess will be 3 of the top answers.
Now think about the people that you meet regularly with in your meetings that you would freely, without any second thought, hand over that set of keys to.
Just to reiterate
who would YOU hand YOUR keys to amongst your business contacts without feeling even the slightest hint of worry? The answers will vary ....
Its just the same with the KEY to the contact that your contacts have. Until there has been a period of getting to know, like and most importantly TRUST another person, it is unlikely that someone will let you in on the contacts that they know.
Sitting in a room regularly, be it weekly, monthly or quarterly isnt enough on its own. You need to work on the relationships and build trust with your contacts. This takes time and is one of the reasons why networking is no get rich quick scheme.
Try it, and see the difference.
To start this process, firstly identify who you need to build relationships with. At the next event that you attend, take a look around and see if there are any business people who you would NOT give your own keys to yet. These are the people who are unlikely to give you theirs. There is the starting point.
Look for businesses that compliment your own who you can work well with - these are often referred to as strategic partners. Work on these relationships first.
Arrange to meet outside of the normal meetings - grab a coffee, lunch or visit each others businesses. From there, the relationship will start to grow. At the point where you know like and trust each other, you will be more likely to start introducing your trusted contacts more freely.
When we refer one of our contacts or clients to another business, we are giving away a little bit of our reputation. If the business transacts well, then thats great, but if it doesnt?.......thats the risk and the reason that trust is SO important.
Don't worry, you may not always get on brilliantly with everyone, networking, just like life, is like that.
The great thing is, the more confident and experienced you become at networking, the easier you will be able to identify those with whom you want to work with first. But if you can, always give everyone an hour of your time. You never know what may come of it.
If you are new to networking, take your time, and attend your groups regularly. if you are there, you will be remembered and take your time to get to know, like and trust those business people who you want to work with.
email me if you would like any more information.
