What is the
purpose of networking? What kinds of net-working
are there? How should you conduct
yourself? What should you expect to get
out of it? How do you contribute to it,
and how much should you put into it? How
long does it take to help you in business?
Many are the
questions that come to mind with regard to business networking. The foregoing are just a few. Do you view
networking as a blessing or a curse?
WHY NETWORKING CAN BE CHALLENGING
For all the reasons you have
heard that you should network, there are some challenges that some people find
difficult to address and overcome, especially at first.
One challenge is that walking
into a room full of strangers is not always the easiest or most comfortable
thing to do. You can feel awkward,
nervous and unsure of yourself the first few times doing it. Because of this, sometimes people fall into
the trap of hanging around the people they already know the entire time because
it’s easier.
Another challenge can be the
thought of not knowing how to initiate or fully engage in conversation. “What do I say?” is a thought that can
hinder would-be networkers. Also, one may wonder how many people they
are suppose to meet in an evening; is 3 good, or should it be 15? Still another challenge is, once you’ve
started networking, how do you balance
your time between networking with prospects with taking care of other necessary
things to grow your business?
And then, of course, there is
follow up! Once you have a stack of business cards, how
do you turn them into business?
NETWORKING CAN BE REWARDING
Despite these challenges,
networking can be quite rewarding, and can actually be the biggest key to
growing your business!
Engaging in effective,
networking is a way to meet many people in a short period of time. You can meet CEOs and Presidents of companies
that would otherwise be very difficult to get in front of. You may meet someone who knows the inside person you need to see and can make a warm introduction
for you! You may find a joint venture
partner that will expand your business in a way that would never have crossed
your mind! Networking can also expose
you to opportunities you may otherwise have never become aware of. Networking with like-minded people can be a
source of encouragement, fun, friendships and support that facilitates growth.
Being willing to give first
is a critical component to effective networking. You should not go in with the attitude that
this is all about you and how much business you can drum up fast. You must go in with the attitude of helping
others first and developing relationships; then be patient about receiving a
return on your investment of time and money.
SO IS NETWORKING A BLESSING OR CURSE?
Perhaps the answer to that
question is … YES! It can be either
depending on how you view it and how you operate within the framework of what
networking is suppose to be.
There is much to be said
about the best way to be a successful networker, and there are many resources
available in the form of books and videos or articles online which go into great
detail about the dos and don’ts of effective networking. My suggestion to you is to learn all you can
about it so that you can use networking to your best benefit.
If you network with the
intention of building relationships, and you are willing to give first, you
will find networking to be an invaluable tool in growing your business!
To your Success!
Leanne Cannon
DREAM ACHIEVERS UNLIMITED
330-400-9814
