Networking: Connecting is the Key to Magical Networking

Networking: Connecting is the Key to Magical Networking

Something strange happens to many women when they approach networking opportunities. They suddenly forget how to connect, simply going through the motions of shaking hands and exchanging business cards. Networking becomes a chore part of a business plan that is carried out with apprehension and some degree of loathing. It doesn’t have to be this way. Networking magic happens through your connections – and your connections are what create a fulfilling life.

Your First Step Start With Your Heart

Real connections come from true, heart-felt, and honest interactions. Shed your business persona and be yourself. If you’ve got a line drawn between your personal and business connections erase that line. Start connecting with others as if each person might end up as your best friend. The formula for connecting from your heart is simple: you’ll like who you’re being and you’ll naturally attract like-minded, quality people. People you meet are more likely to introduce you to their friends and associates if they like you.

Honest curiosity and vulnerability are key. Intimate connections are the foundation upon which we build satisfied lives and the best connections are heart-centered connections. Don’t think for a minute that success in business requires a stoic business persona. Nothing could be farther from the truth.

Maintain an attitude of service

Great connections are the ultimate life and business builders and all great connections are based on a positive attitude of serving. Sure, we can’t stay in business for long if we give everything away. But, there’s a fascinating paradox I’ve discovered in my many years of networking and creating connections. The more I give, the more I get.

Approach each interaction with a eye toward providing service. Find out what she needs, and if you can’t provide the answers, then steer her towards someone you know. You’re not giving your business away, but you are always thinking of ways you can be of service to others. A service-oriented attitude is perhaps the most magical networking tool available. You’ll be amazed at how swiftly and abundantly it comes back your way. Simply put – the more you give, the more you get.

It’s not who you know, it’s who knows you

Those with the largest database of business cards don’t necessarily win. Unless you’ve honestly connected with the most influential people in your database, having their names will do you little good. Put your energy toward creating close connections with those who can have the most positive influence in your life and don’t limit your search to business connections.

Think in terms of how you can help these people: by connecting them with others you know, by providing a unique service, or simply by being a friend. Make yourself available and they’ll respond in kind when you’re in need. Ask yourself: Who are the most influential people in my industry? Who are the people with whom I’d most like to associate? Then, start developing strategies to meet those people. What’s most important is to connect with those who are most like how you want to be. And don’t for a moment believe that some people are out of your reach. Aim high and you’ll reach high.

Connecting isn’t a solo trip

Great networking isn’t about out-maneuvering your competition. The best networkers think in terms of collaboration, not competition, even with their fiercest competitors. How might two or three of you band together to provide products or services to more high-end, high-paying customers? How can you enlist the help of people around the globe in your R&D efforts?

Connecting by its very nature is collaborative. Instead of collecting business cards and sending out brochures, seek out people with whom you might collaborate and build strong connections. You might meet someone with a brilliant idea who’s looking for a partner with your expertise. Or, you might form a mastermind group to brainstorm innovative ways to improve your business while holding each other accountable for implementing these new ideas. Best of all, you’ll create new friendships that enrich your life.

Ten quick tips for successful connecting

I’ll leave you with my ten top tips for successful connecting. Keep these in mind as you venture out into the wonderful world of networking. Hundreds, if not thousands of new friends await you. We’re all ready for the real you to come out and play.

The ten tips:

(1) Connection begins within so start from your heart

(2) Build a personal support system to help you stay focused

(3) Remember that your connections benefit everyone

(4) Connect for the long term, but allow for changes not all connections are for a lifetime

(5) Start from where you are and take it step-by-step

(6) Aim high

(7) Do your research and be ready when you meet with the people on your list

(8) Be vulnerable, personal, and your unique self

(9) Be open to possibility

(10)Give, give, give

Jill Lublin authored the bestselling book Get NoticedGet Referrals: Build Your Client Base and Your Business by Making a Name for Yourself (McGraw-Hill 2008). She is also the coauthor of two other national bestselling books, Networking Magic which rose to #1 on the Barnes and Noble charts and Guerrilla Publicity, the PR bible. Jill teaches Crash Courses in Publicity in cities throughout the United States and Canada. Jill hosts the TV program, Messages of Hope, and the nationally syndicated radio show, Do the Dream. Jill is a popular international speaker who teaches powerful publicity, networking, and how to be influential techniques. As the CEO of the strategic consulting firm, Promising Promotion, Jill has trained companies in innovative techniques to improve bottom line results. In the past twenty years, she has worked with ABC, NBC, CBS, and other national media, and knows what the media wants. She can be reached by phone at 415-883-5455, by email at info@JillLublin.com or through her website, www.JillLublin.com.