Networking, it’s more than just “Friending”

What is Networking?

What isn’t Networking?

It’s not some neat little check box

It’s not a Facebook invite

Or a LinkedIn requestAnd it most certainly not handing someone your business card (or resume)

Networking is…

… Messy… Random… A conversation… A physical, often real time interaction… Online Interaction… Sharing your expertise, answering a question or helping someone… Connecting with people

In short, Networking is…

LifeThink about that for a few seconds and you’ll realize that it’s true,

we are always Networking

OK, so why should I be so concerned with this?

Because You do it everyday

Networking becomes a function of your role (groups, memberships, fundraising, raising awareness etc.)

You tend to do it subconsciously or even unconsciously

You want to be considered for the next opportunity… ( keep that one handy, we’ll come back to that one later)

So how do I get started?

Let’s start with a simple question…

…What are you trying to accomplish?

WIIFM?

I want to meet someone

That’s what I’m trying to accomplish?

I’d like an introductionI’d like some (more) information

I’d like some help with my job search: People on the inside to make an intro. People on the inside to keep me in mind for my perfect

role!

It’s time to get REAL

R = Results – What outcome do you want?E = Expertise – What do you want to know about?A = Access – Who or what do you need to find?L = Leads – Who do you need to meet?

Source: Make Your Contacts Count, Anne Barber & Lynne Waymon, AMACOM 2007

You’re gonna have to talk about yourself

Now’s a great time to use that Elevator speech

Don’t be arrogant, but share accordingly. It’s your time to shine

Make a positive impression

Names: Learn theirs, teach yours.

Double dip

Ask their name, repeat it, ask a question about the name

Separate (pause) & Articulate

Make it memorable (mnemonics)

Combat the Awkwardness - Introduce yourself to someone

Source: Make Your Contacts Count, Anne Barber & Lynne Waymon, AMACOM 2007

Reciprocity

No, it’s not your grandma’s key lime pie recipe

It’s about being able to pay it forward

When you give people something, they will insist on giving your even more back

Source: Make Your Contacts Count, Anne Barber & Lynne Waymon, AMACOM 2007

Give MORE

M = Methods – Can you make life easier for your contacts?

O= Opportunities – Can you alert your people to an opportunity?

R = Resources – Can you offer someone or something?

E= Enthusiasms – Are you excited about something?

Source: Make Your Contacts Count, Anne Barber & Lynne Waymon, AMACOM 2007

If you’re gonna fail, do it spectacularly*:

Tell all the details Monologues

Interrogate One Up Me

Look for some “Free” Advice

HideSpew Dogma

Give me some unsolicited advice

Be a bigot Whine

Hard Sell

Refuse to play the “Game”

Take without giving

Confuse contact with friendship

Source: “Make Your Contacts Count, Anne Barber & Lynne Waymon, AMACOM 2007 & “How to Self Destruct by Jason Seiden

Whatever you do, please don’t forget this:

People like to do business with & hire people they know, like & trust

It’s not about instant gratification, it’s about building “relationships”

Re-Ce-Proc-ity - Get REAL & Give MORE