<p>I have found that a lot of time, networking is just that. Networking. You’re in with a bunch of people, you may not have much in common with, looking to quickly develop relationships. These people will hopefully bring you business. And better yet, bring you lots of business. Unfortunately, I run into the same kinds of people all the time, promoting products or services that I don’t need or I already have. And if I’m not going to give them business, why should they do business with me? I end up discouraged and wondering why I spend my limited time on these not-so-fun kinds of events?</p>
<p>So, my new thought on networking is to just get out and do the stuff I like to do and I’ll meet the kind of people I want to meet eventually. At least I’m doing something of interest to me and get something out of it regardless. For instance, I play tennis on teams and around town and meet people there. I have been in a dog play group, because I love dogs, and have met some company execs who I could do business with. I have joined a rowing club and met great people through that. One guy even became my business partner for a year. </p>
<p><strong>Common interests are relationship builders.</strong></p>
<p>When you have an activity in common there is a reason to talk, and the talk is usually interesting. If your eyes roll up into your head while someone is talking about the way they work, you probably aren’t really that interested. It’s hard to be engaged in some elevator pitches. But if that same person is talking dogs, or kids, or tennis strategy or about a common interest, you may decide to do business because you like him/her without even hearing their business philosophy. What I have found is that it is easy to talk with people when you’re actually doing something you have in common.</p>
<p><strong>Know what you’re looking for.</strong></p>
<p>I think that the bigger clients and CEO’s are for sure not hanging out at networking events. Why would they be? After work hours, they are at their clubs, gyms, playing sports, riding bikes, volunteering, running in charity events or sponsoring them. This is where I find I need to hang out if I’m looking to meet people at large companies. And what’s good, is I’m not just there to meet them, but because I am genuinely interested in doing the activity. For example, I sign up for team tennis and garden in a community P-patch and I have no regrets about this kind of networking. I am out doing what I want to be doing, and I think a good vibe generally shows through. </p>
<p><em>“The best way to get people to do stuff with you, is to first join them in what they are already doing.”</em> — DigitalBuzzBlog “2009: What’s Next in Marketing & Advertising”</p>
<p><strong>Another Thing - Keep in Touch Just Because.</strong></p>
<p>I have gotten most of my business through much longer relationships, like getting referrals by doing good work and building a reputation over time. So whether work comes in from a past place of employment or a new client, most of my new clients come through people who already know me. But the key is staying in their face, either by a common event, e-mail updates, or a quick note just to say “hi” or “I saw your article.” The idea is to keep in touch even when you don’t need something. Compliment people on achievements with a few sentences or give them a call. It could pay off way down the road.</p>
<p><strong>Business is still a numbers game.</strong></p>
<p>Don’t get me wrong, getting business is still a numbers game. So I still think it’s important to go to “networking events” as well, and talks, and meet ups and gatherings where people are holding a glass of wine or bottle of brew. But I go in without big expectations and hope to just connect with someone on something, not to land the next big client. I’m there to get my face out there, ask questions, and learn about good business ideas that have worked for others. </p>
<p><strong>Bottom line.</strong></p>
<p>With the limited time I have in my day, I will meet people while doing activities I am genuinely interested in. Or if I want to meet a particular person, I waste no time in contacting them directly. I read up on them, and shoot them a note. It could be about something they have said that resonates with me, or has inspired me in some way. My genuine interest shows through and I have a better chance of building some kind of relationship with them in the long run. </p>
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2009-10-07T07:28:45Z
2009-10-07T14:29:03Z
Do the stuff you like to do while meeting the kind of people you want to meet.
No-regrets Networking
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2009-10-07T14:29:03Z