What should and should not be done on the network

I always enjoy speaking at networking events. I arrive an hour early to prepare everything for my presentation and then I stand in the back of the room and watch people enter.

This is the opportunity for them to rub shoulders with other professionals, and yet the most common thing to do … a hesitation upon entering, a “glance” for anyone they recognize, and then a straight line to that person and a turn. of a napkin on the back of your chair to ensure a “safe seat.” What a bad investment!

The goal of networking is to EXTEND and EXCELLER opportunities to be of service to others. By far, being a resource of knowledge to connect others with those who can help is a much better position to hold than the “salesperson” who is pitching your stuff.

The business has changed dramatically. In a meeting this woman had 4 different business card holders and had to decide which one to give me. At this same meeting, a man came up and confronted me with his brochure in my face and quickly told me all the features of his business. I was looking for a plug that I could pull to stop recording! So in honor of them … I wrote this poem …

The Unproductive Networker

I am an unproductive networker

I have cards on the wazoo

Nobody wants to talk to me

Or ask me what to do

I just can’t understand it

I do not know what is the problem

I have letters of many colors

For that and that and this

I sell insurance and juices

I have vitamins in abundance

I set up websites on the side

And I sell candles in my store

I teach yoga in my spare time

And help smokers who want to quit smoking

I fix puppies on weekends

And even clean … sh ….. oot

I work hard all day and night

And I also dedicate myself

I want to have that real success

For me and also for you

So won’t someone help me please?

And tell me what to do

I am open to advice

I am listening to you

So let me give you a few dos and don’ts to prepare for networking.

DO – Think about the PURPOSE of the meeting you are attending. Who will be there? How can you be a resource for that audience of people? Have that card ready to hand out and only that card.

DON’T – Pull out all the cards for each business you represent. It just seems like he’s scattered and not focused or serious about doing business.

ASK – Ask more questions about what the other person is looking for and why they came to this particular meeting.

DON’T – Present your product or service. No one’s going to pull out their checkbook and order and pay tonight. Be patient and know that people do business with people they like and know, so focus more on getting to know that person and the product they represent.

To follow! I’m amazed at how many people stack their cards and put rubber bands on them and that’s it. Can you remember who you saw when? Did you call, write or email them to maintain a relationship with these people?

I believe that if you breathe air you bring a gift to the party of life. When I walk into a room, I can’t wait to unwrap those gifts to find common ground and THEN do business. Give it a try – it makes networking exciting and FUN!