It’s Not Who You Know, It’s Who Knows You – How to Network

It’s Not Who You Know, It’s Who Knows You – How to Network

Every major city has a wide array of business networking opportunities Rotary, Chambers of Commerce, Kiwanis, professional associations and more. These represent a wonderful source for meeting people in business.Those seeking employment or new clients attend these meetings, pass out their business cards to as many people as possible and collect equally as many as if there was a prize at the end of the lunch for the most cards in hand. I encourage you to build relationships, not a Rolodex.

Spiritual venues may also serve as good sources to meet people who may have traveled a similar journey to yours. Church choirs, bible study groups, and church event groups are comprised of people with a calling to a spiritual purpose.

You may have special interests that are not as well known as those listed above but are important to you none-the-less. You may be interested in reading and seek a book club. You may be interested in gardening or politics and seek a club for those interests. All of these serve as good sources to build relationships.

Small talk is important at any event where you want to meet new people.Aim to spend a maximum of five minutes with each person.

Rule Break: Don’t just network connect. Traditional clubs and organizations are good sources for meeting people with similar interests.But I say that everything you do everyday presents an opportunity to meet people who may be part of your new road. When you are standing in line at the coffee shop, the person in front of you or behind you may have a
background similar to your own and has built a successful empire. A person in your workplace cafeteria may have dealt with challenges similar to yours but you never knew it. How do you get to know these things about people? Genuinely show an interest in them. When they hear your name you don’t want them to say,I’ve met her. You want them to say,I know her. Orshe’s my friend.

How to Make the Most of a Networking Event:

1. Look for events where you can meet people from whom you can learn.Look for topics of interest to you where there will be a breadth of talent.Local newspapers generally have lists of various types of meetings throughout th week or month.

2. Be there when the event begins. Most of the socializing occurs at the beginning of these events. Introduce yourself with a solid handshake. Repeat their names for your own memory purposes.Hello, Jack Monagal. It is nice to meet you. The sweetest sound to someone’s ear is the sound of their own name.

3. Where your name tag on the right side of your chest. This way when you shake hands people can see it prominently.

4. Drop theWhat’s in it for me. perspective. You are there to offer assistance to others and build relationships. It’s all about them.

5. Have plenty of business cards and treat other people’s cards as gold. When you take someone else’s business card, be sure to have a special place to put it.

6. Don’t dismiss someone because you think they may not be able to help you. Chances are they know someone who can.

7. Help them first. Make sure that you are first to offer something to someone else before you ask for advice, a referral, their time or anything back.

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Mary Lee Gannon is a career advice expert who went from being a stay-at-
home mother with four children to divorce, poverty and then on to become a
newspaper reporter, trade association executive director, public relations
consultant, and foundation president and CEO. View Mary Lee’s free career
tips, worksheets and Blog on her website at www.startingovernow.com.
Contact Mary Lee at info@startingovernow.com.