How NOT to Network

Today, I had the experience that makes me a really, truly, seasoned networker. After meeting a women at a networking event, I followed up with a note thanking her for chatting with me, and asking her if she would like to meet for coffee.After a bit of phone tag we finally spoke. Her response to my invitation to chat over coffee was a real surprise.Kid’s don’t try this at home!Me “Thanks for calling me back! We met at (name deleted to protect the innocent). I was calling to find out if you’d like to meet over coffee and chat about business.”Her “No, actually, I called to tell you I wouldn’t be interested in meeting. You do “those” parties, don’t you?”Me “Well, yes. We do a lot more than that, but yes we do parties.”Her “No, I’m not interested in one of those, so I don’t think I’m interested in meeting with you. Oh, and by the way… you weren’t the person interested in what I have to offer, were you?”Me, “Um, no. But – er, thanks. I don’t want to waste your time, but I do want to let you know I was not calling to sell you. I’m genuinely interested in meeting and networking with people. You have a nice afternoon.”Click.Sheesh. Wow.She was in no way obligated to have coffee with me of course, but we DID meet at a networking event, and she had even indicated interest in meeting up to chat previously.The More We Get Together, the Happier…What I didn’t mention (because she never gave me the chance) was that in addition to belonging to several professional development and networking groups, I also chair the membership committee for a local Chamber of Commerce. Oh, and I wanted to invite her to a couple of upcoming networking events.In my business I meet a TON of other women, some of who may have been interested in meeting a woman in her industry (which is mainly populated by men). Oh well.You see, she didn’t look past what I do, and whether we could do business immediately. And that is not, not, NOT what networking is about. It is about getting to know other professionals and creating a blend of connections you can depend on, happily refer to your clients and friends, and hopefully do business with. But the value of your network does not lie in just how much money you can make by selling directly to them.You never know whom the person you are meeting knows, or what else you may have to offer each other, beyond an immediate sale, if you don’t take the time to find out.So, if you wish to expand your own professional network here is a quick list of 4 things you should NOT do when networking:1. Hand your card to everyone you meet, immediately. Don’t ask for theirs.2. Spend a lot of time telling people about what you do, and don’t ask any questions about what they do.3. Try not to remember names, or learn about what people do, when you make a follow up call to see if they want to do business with you.4. Don’t waste time getting to know someone if they do not want to do business with you immediately. 2008-05-27T04:50:46Z

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how-not-to-network-0

2008-05-27T19:53:38Z

Advice to ensure you never expand your network of business connections.

How NOT to Network

2009-02-24T09:44:33Z