How NOT To Network!
I was looking through the websites of all the experts I’ve interviewed for my expert interview series YES Interviews (Wow said interviews alot there, lol).
And on Rob Brown’s website I found this and had to share it.
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Just came across this great comedy clip via top networker Will Kintish which illustrates beautifully how some people get it all wrong when they’re networking.
The good news is, you reap what you sow! Have a look at this 2 min clip and you’ll see what I mean!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGCMtk695Cg
Three quick tips to help you avoid messing up the complex brain surgery that is networking!
- Make ‘what do you do?’ your second or third question rather than your opening. It pigeon-holes or categorizes people too quickly and can close down rather than open opportunities. It’s better to ask some general small talk questions before requesting their elevator pitch.
- Remember it’s not what they do, it’s who they know. Just because someone isn’t your target market, doesn’t mean they don’t know your target market. By exploring what other events they go to, where their network is strong, what kind of clients they deal with and who they have around them, you begin to see them as a door that’s opening rather than one that is closing.
- Use job titles only if you want to soothe your ego. People are actually more interested in what you do than who you are. It might sound grand being a consultant, lawyer or accountant, but it’s the difference you make that counts.
Good networking is not rocket science, but it does take a little thought! If you could use some help with doubling your revenue through better networking and referral marketing, leave a comment!
And this is where I network with great people. www.iBusinessMastermind.com
Regards,
Dwayne
Filed under Blog by on Dec 16th, 2009. Comment. 
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Comments on How NOT To Network!
Brilliant Dwayne, sadly most of the people with job title live behind them.
Jonathan, you’re right about people hiding behind their titles.
DK
Yep…really good! May have to borrow that one from you!
Rocket scientist? It’s not exactly Internet Marketing is it!
It’s amazing how people lose track of why we connect. Networking is more about creating something new than reinforcing what has already been.
Years ago, there was a TV documentary in which someone was stopped by the Police for driving up the inside of stationary traffic on a motorway (ie using the hard shoulder). When the Policeman told him that they were going to charge him, he replied; “But I’m a Chartered Accountant.”
Joy!
LOL!
I may have to bring back the knockout networker training, as Rocket Scientists, Internet Marketers and Chartered Accountants seem to hide behind their titles.
Dwayne