Whether you are looking to close a real-estate transaction or prospecting to teach tennis lessons, here are some simple rules to follow when Networking:
RULE #1 - The most important thing is to TAKE THE FOCUS OFF YOURSELF. Focus on helping others achieve their goals. Then, they will be more likely to help you achieve yours.
RULE #2 - Do not be long winded about what you do. On Sean Harry's December 19 blog, he outlines my 4 Step Process for an Elevator pitch, http://orcms.com/blog/?p=49. Four simple sentences in 30 seconds. No one has the patience for a dissertation.
RULE #3 - When you meet people for coffee, do not make the meetings too long. 30 minutes should be plenty of time to figure out how you can help each other.
RULE #4 - Starbucks can be a good meeting place because there are many centrally located. The downside is that they can be loud, music blaring, without many places to sit down. Finding a local coffee spot near your area that is not a chain usually gives more room with a relaxing, non-threatening atmosphere. A good example is the Beveland Street Coffee House in Tigard, Oregon located at 7387 SW Beveland Street. They have great muffins, coffee, and at a reasonable price. They even have a fireplace. There is probably something similar in other areas as well.
RULE #5 - Follow through on your commitments. If you say that you are going to make an introduction, follow through and do it. No one trusts a flake. Do what you say you are going to do. Also, after the meeting, write a brief follow up e-mail that you enjoyed the meeting and that you look forward to helping your networking partner in the future.
With that, we throw another log onto the fire.
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2 comments:
Noodles,
I wholeheartedly agree with the emphasis on asking questions and not keeping the focus of the conversation on myself. As a salesperson, I naturally like to talk about myself, my goals, accomplishments, etc. By making a conscious effort to really focus on the other person, you can make a hot of headway and understand the persons goals, ambitions, and also find out about personal things that can help you build a personal relationship. One of the ways that I can easily be sold to is by the salesperson asking me questions. I like to talk, so it's not too hard to do.
Hi Jim, YES! I wholeheartedly agree. And RULE #1 is and should be THE MAIN RULE. . . it will get you far! One way to take the TAKE THE FOCUS OFF YOURSELF is to ask questions and listen. So many of us feel that we are seldom heard, because so many of us do not listen to each other. If you follow the advice from a grandmotherly friend of mine you will, "listen twice as much as you talk -- that's why God gave us two ears and one mouth." If you become known as a good listener, you will set yourself apart from your "competition" -- be they other job seekers, other sales professionals, or other potential suitors. Listen twice as much as you talk. It will help you take the focus off of yourself.
Keep up the good work Jim!
Sean Harry
Career Management Solutions
www.orcms.com
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