Do you assume that networking happens only at something called "a business networking event"? If you do, you're missing out! We've said it before and we'll say it again, networking is about connecting with people. You can do that anywhere - at a social event, at a group function, at your child's soccer game or at a neighborhood garage sale. The Networking Gurus make connections wherever they go and you can too.
Here are five ways we've recently made new connections and steps you can take to do the same.
1. Talk to people you don't know.
Even if you attend an event with someone, make an effort to talk to others. It's easy to talk to your friends or colleagues and harder to reach out to someone new. Yet that's how you will expand your network. At a writers' reception, Nhung talked to a woman who was standing by herself. She was a literary agent and after hearing about Nhung's book, she asked to read the first three chapters.
Here are five ways we've recently made new connections and steps you can take to do the same.
1. Talk to people you don't know.
Even if you attend an event with someone, make an effort to talk to others. It's easy to talk to your friends or colleagues and harder to reach out to someone new. Yet that's how you will expand your network. At a writers' reception, Nhung talked to a woman who was standing by herself. She was a literary agent and after hearing about Nhung's book, she asked to read the first three chapters.
Action Step: When attending an event where you know people, step out of your comfort zone and introduce yourself to someone new.
2. Talk to people you do know.
We often forget to make sure everyone in our sphere knows what we do. Our sphere is not just our business acquaintances, it includes our friends, family and social acquaintances as well. A social acquaintance contacted Donna to present an in-house company training. This acquaintance knew enough about Donna's business and services to contact her with an opportunity.
Action Step: This week, talk about your business with 5 or more people in your social sphere.
3. Always bring your business card.
At a social reception, Nhung met an interesting writer from Singapore. They chatted and she asked for a card, which he didn't have. She gave him two of hers - one to keep and one to return to her with his information written on the back of it. Donna was at a friend's birthday party where someone she met was interested in coaching and asked for her card.
2. Talk to people you do know.
We often forget to make sure everyone in our sphere knows what we do. Our sphere is not just our business acquaintances, it includes our friends, family and social acquaintances as well. A social acquaintance contacted Donna to present an in-house company training. This acquaintance knew enough about Donna's business and services to contact her with an opportunity.
Action Step: This week, talk about your business with 5 or more people in your social sphere.
3. Always bring your business card.
At a social reception, Nhung met an interesting writer from Singapore. They chatted and she asked for a card, which he didn't have. She gave him two of hers - one to keep and one to return to her with his information written on the back of it. Donna was at a friend's birthday party where someone she met was interested in coaching and asked for her card.
Action Step: Check your supply of business cards. Make sure you have a sizable stack of cards in your purse, briefcase, gym bag, glove compartment, wallet, jacket pockets, home and office.
4. Introduce yourself to the speaker or organizer of an event.
While attending an alumni event, Nhung introduced herself to the speaker afterwards. It turned out they had a lot in common and Nhungwent to hear the speaker the next night. During that conversation, they discovered that the speaker might be able to help Nhung with a project.
Action Step: At the next event you attend, make a point of introducing yourself to the speaker or the organizer of the event. You don't know where that might lead you.
5. Check out people's web sites and look for things in common.
Nhung was attending a social event organized through a sports club. The organizer included his web site in the signature line of his e-mail (a great networking and marketing tip). Nhung checked the web site before the event, which led her to tell the organizer about someone she knew who might be good for him to know. The
conversation started by that introduction led to a follow-up lunch.
4. Introduce yourself to the speaker or organizer of an event.
While attending an alumni event, Nhung introduced herself to the speaker afterwards. It turned out they had a lot in common and Nhungwent to hear the speaker the next night. During that conversation, they discovered that the speaker might be able to help Nhung with a project.
Action Step: At the next event you attend, make a point of introducing yourself to the speaker or the organizer of the event. You don't know where that might lead you.
5. Check out people's web sites and look for things in common.
Nhung was attending a social event organized through a sports club. The organizer included his web site in the signature line of his e-mail (a great networking and marketing tip). Nhung checked the web site before the event, which led her to tell the organizer about someone she knew who might be good for him to know. The
conversation started by that introduction led to a follow-up lunch.
Action Step: Make sure your e-mail signature line includes your web site (if you have one) and contact information. Click on other people's web sites if it seems you might have common interests.
Our challenge: Pick one of the five steps above and take action! If you do, you will find that you can network anywhere with anyone, whether it's attending a picnic wearing your most casual attire or going to a formal event wearing your business clothes.
Our challenge: Pick one of the five steps above and take action! If you do, you will find that you can network anywhere with anyone, whether it's attending a picnic wearing your most casual attire or going to a formal event wearing your business clothes.
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