Paying It Forward:Paying It Forward:Making Connections MatterMaking Connections Matter

by Sandy Jones-Kaminskiby Sandy Jones-Kaminski

Sandy Jones-Kaminski

•Self-described networking enthusiast

•Author of “I’m at a Networking Event—Now What???”

•Former VP of Networking for a major chapter of a national professional development association

•Speaker, trainer, columnist, coach

•Founder of the Pay It Forward Party

Twitter: @sandyjk

Let’s set the stage: making connections involves networking. You can’t have one without the other……

Myth #1Networking means you’re looking to use people to achieve selfish goals, or opportunistically ask people for help.

Myth #1Networking means you’re looking to use people to achieve selfish goals, or opportunistically ask people for help.

REALITY The definition of the word network according to The Oxford Dictionary:

nétwerk n. & v. a group of people who exchange information, contacts, and experience for professional or social purposes.

Networking can, therefore, be defined as one’s efforts to create this group, and of course it can bedone honestly and considerately.

Myth #2You have to be a born networker or a “natural” at networking. Myth #2You have to be a born networker or a “natural” at networking.

REALITY The skills needed to be an effective networker can be learned by anyone. Just like management and leadership skills, networking skills can be taught.

You can start by getting comfortable with small talk.

Myth #3You must have above average charisma to be a good networker. Myth #3You must have above average charisma to be a good networker.

REALITY You merely need to be thoughtful, sincere and genuinely helpful. You get offered opportunities or introductions from people who have had a chance to become trusting of you. Today, you have to be willing to be open and giving to be part of most networks and communities.

Myth #4You have to be a good talker or an overly chatty “schmoozer” to be a good networker.

Myth #4You have to be a good talker or an overly chatty “schmoozer” to be a good networker.

REALITY The truth is almost the exact opposite. According to Guy Kawasaki, Forbes columnist, and best-selling author, “The mark of a good conversationalist is not that you can talk a lot. The mark is that you can get others to talk a lot. Thus, good schmoozer’s are good listeners, not good talkers.”

Paying It Forward: The key to making your connections matter

Tip #1Be Memorable

Get comfortable making small talk. Wear a smile. Have a clever intro.

Tip #1Be Memorable

Get comfortable making small talk. Wear a smile. Have a clever intro.

Doing the best at this moment puts you in the best place in the next moment.

- Oprah Winfrey

Tip #2Offer Help to Others Be the first to offer help. Offering to connect others = good “pay it forward”

karma in the bank.

Pulling a good network together takes effort, sincerity and time. - Alan Collins, author of “Unwritten HR

Rules”

Tip #3Always Have A Goal

Be specific and realistic, quality not quantity. Focus on others.

To tend, unfailingly, unflinchingly, towards a goal, is the secret of success.

- Anna Pavlova

Tip #4Be Sure to Follow-UpDo what you say you are going to do. Share post-meeting ideas. Make the intros you offered.

Pulling a good network together takes effort, sincerity and time.

- Alan Collins, author of “Unwritten HR Rules”

Tip #5Be ConsistentKeep your on-line and in-person personal brand in sync. Be clear.

Know thyself.

- Plato

Tip #6Don’t Be A Hit and RunStay in touch or occasional contact, keep an eye out for things that might matter to your contacts. Aim for meaningful connections.

....relationships take time, getting to know folks requires patience, and people are generally cautious – if not fearful – of Johnny come lately that is asking, rather than giving. - Jeremiah Owyang, Sr. Analyst at Forrester

Tip #7Be Present and MindfulBe attentive to the moment, listen intently, and slow down just a tad to be in the present or the now.

The more you try to be interested in other people, the more you find out about yourself.

- Thea Astley

Tip #8Embrace NetworkingGet excited knowing that in offering help to someone else, you’ll be providing some meaningful community service.Giving connects two people, the giver and the receiver, and this connection gives birth to

a new sense of belonging. - Deepak Chopra

Tip #9Get Involved

Join, attend, but then dig in and help with things - get your hands dirty.

Nothing liberates your greatness like the desire to help, the desire to serve.- Marianne Williamson

Tip #10Be Prepared

Nametags on the right side, firm handshake, biz cards,

pen and SMILE!Do that one thing you think you cannot do. Fail at it. Try again. Do better the second time.

The only people who never tumble are those who never mount the high wire. - Oprah Winfrey

Questions or tips

to share?

Thank you and enjoy making your connections matter!

Thank you and enjoy making your connections matter!

(415) 613-8508

linkedin.com/in/sandyjk

facebook.com/NetworkingKnowHow

@sandyjk

sandy@belladomain.com