Effective Networking

Networking is not about dropping business cards and just showing up at a lot of events. It’s not about scheduling a coffee or lunch with every Tom, Dick, or Jane you meet. It’s not about hoping that you’ll meet a client. It’s not about someone doing something for you.

What do I mean by effective networking? It’s associating with people who you like, trust, respect and hold similar values and intentions with. These are people who are clear about why they are meeting: to be intentional in helping one another to build their business and to do that by looking for opportunities to connect each other to potential clients or work together in a collaborative arrangement with a client. Effective networking is made up of people from your ‘A’ list of contacts. These are people who you feel are a cut above others you meet, real pro’s and high in integrity. They have the morals and ethics you agree with.

I’m in a number of professional networking groups:

One has consultants and both employed and between employment executives.
Another has a variety of professionals across diverse categories.
Still another is made up of consultants only and acts as a consortium.
Another is an executive lunch group that meets monthly.
And finally, one is a mastermind group where each member shares best practices and brainstorms on marketing ideas for small businesses.

Is five groups too many? Probably not. Just be careful that you don’t spread yourself too thin. Your networks are people you can really count on.

One mistake that I see in the various on-line social networking websites, is people trying to get connected with someone they don't know at all. Now, why the heck would I want to have a professional connection with someone I have never met? Why would I want to put my name in association with someone whose work may or may not be at the high level I expect? Don't do it- don't accept any invitations from people you have not met face to face or have had a meaningful phone interview/conversation with (and can verify their story).

So, if your networking isn’t producing the results you want, rethink what you’re doing and who you’re meeting and connecting with. The Return On Time Invested (ROTI) has to be high for both parties.

Posted Feb 25, 2008.

Learn more about the author, Pete McDowell.

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Posted by Roberta MacLaren, Gresham, Oregon | Feb 26, 2008
Pete, Great article - I am in full agreement. Most people who call themselves business people have no idea how to network, or what it means to network.

Intentional networking, "how can we best help each other" is an enlightened mindset. Which also takes commitment and time.

Networking goes beyond just building the relationship, but truly wanting to engage with the other person or business. We at ZebraGraphics.net let each and every client/perspective client know that we share in the excitement of their business growth, and that it is a wonderful and rewarding experience to us to see them grow and prosper.

Having this outlook towards our networking and our clients business allows for many positive returns such as:
1. business relationship sustainability
2. referrals, buzz, and happy clients
3. organically becoming the expert in your field
Thanks for your post Pete, and I hope more business people seek a deeper networking connection.

Roberta

http://www.ZebraGraphics.net
Posted by Pete McDowell, Clyde Hill, Washington | Feb 26, 2008

Thanks for sharing what you are doing at your business, Roberta. You are on the right track and in the right mindset!

Pete McDowell
Posted by Marianna Paulson, Surrey, British Columbia Canada | Mar 10, 2008

Great article, Pete: I am new to business and have had wonderful role models from people with whom I've dealt. The reason? Exactly what you were saying!

One of the nicest compliments was paid to me at a networking meeting by a new member. She used the word 'genuine'. First and foremost, I believe that people need to recognized as people - not just customers.

www.changeofheart.ca
Posted by Dan McComb, Seattle, Washington | Mar 10, 2008

That's an awesome compliment she paid you, Marianna. That, and "authentic" is a what I aspire to.

Biznik Business Networking
Posted by Marianna Paulson, Surrey, British Columbia Canada | Mar 17, 2008

It sure was! That was months ago and I still bask in that one comment, especially when things get a little rough and I wonder what the heck I'm doing!

Judging by the caliber of this site, it would appear that you are on target, Dan.

www.changeofheart.ca

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