Plan and Execute a Strategy to Expand Your Network
Plan and Execute a Strategy to Expand Your Network
The n-word! All of us agree that networking is important and believe that we should do more of it. Unfortunately, the very concept of attending an event where we'll be forced to socialize with strangers is enough to send many of us running for cover until it's done! When we go to a potentially excellent conference, we're so focused on networking that we miss out on having a good time. It's a shame!
As with many things in life, networking can be a breeze if you know how. For this reason, I named it "Sowing and Growing Your Network," since it consists of two different but equally significant components.
Sowing the Seeds of Your Friendship
Numerous individuals have informed me over the years that networking is something they no longer "do" since it doesn't provide the results they want. That's when I know they've violated at least one, if not all three, of the networking cardinal sins.
Selling is the first network sin. What a pity. Is that what you were hoping to accomplish? There is a major difference between networking and the selling process, though. At a networking event, have you ever been approached by someone who is attempting to sell you mutual funds while you're in the middle of your conversation? That's a heinous crime!
Whenever you come across someone who seems to be a good fit for your company's services, offer to meet with them or talk with them on the phone later to discuss any information you may have. Make sure to acquire their business card and contact them as scheduled if they're receptive to this. At this point, it's a good idea to put yourself in the selling mood.
Asking for or proposing a job is the second cardinal sin of networking. Certainly, networking is an important aspect of the job-hunting process, but it's just a small portion of it. The same steps I've outlined above apply if you meet someone who appears to be a good fit for a job you're trying to fill. Neither you nor the other person will have a chance to mingle and meet other attendees if you start talking about the employment opportunity in depth.
Assuming your new buddy is capable of offering you a position, you should not commence a lengthy job interview at this time! Make a phone call once you've shown your interest in conversing.
It's a common mistake in networking to spend a lot of time talking to the folks you brought along or the people you see every day at work. It's understandable that it's simpler to communicate with friends than to meet new people, but it's not the same thing. When I've been to conferences, I've seen too many individuals use the networking time to meet their friends, and then sit with those same people in the education sessions and at mealtimes as well. What a squandered chance!
Don't complain afterwards that networking didn't work if you were there to make business connections and spent all of your time with your buddies!

A business card is a little piece of paper that
Even though there is absolutely no need to attend a networking event without a business card, it happens all the time. From forgetfulness to new employment to leaving them in the parking lot, there are a variety of excuses. People may conclude that, if you admit to having forgotten your cards, you are just as careless when it comes to running your company, and this might lead to missed chances. In the absence of your fresh cards, a temporary supply may be generated on your computer. While they are free, you might note that they are just temporary and offer to send them their replacement as soon as you get your hands on one. That's a great excuse to get in touch with them again! Keep enough business cards on hand at all times as a vital networking tool.
The most challenging part of attending a conference is meeting new people, and entering into a room full of strangers might be nerve-wracking for some. Inside the front door, we all stood and watched as hundreds of individuals crowded around a table, all of whom seemed to know one another. Those that came five minutes earlier than you and already had a conversation with a stranger are just a few minutes ahead of you. So how can you get a piece of the action?
The food service line
There will always be some kind of refreshment available, no matter what time of day it is. In most cases, we scan the area and go straight towards the food table, avoiding eye contact with anybody in the process. Following that, we quietly enter the line, our gaze fixed on the food and drink on either side of us.What a crock of nonsense! Your first chance to meet each other!
To start a discussion, you don't need much creativity. For today, you will talk about how hungry you are, the enticing aroma of the muffins, or the fact that you know you should stick to your diet. In either case, the person with whom you're conversing will answer, allowing you to exchange names and carry on a conversation as you travel along. Once you've reached the end of the table, you may all make your way into the crowd together. You've just been part of the commotion!
Starting conversations with strangers
Breaking into groups and joining ongoing discussions is one of the most frequently requested topics during my networking sessions. You must acquire the technique of "hovering" in order to cope with this circumstance. The first step is to decide on a group you'd want to be a part of. Stop a few feet away from the group, but not too close that anybody can see you, and act interested in what they're saying. As long as you keep smiling and nodding, someone will notice you and encourage you to join in the fun.
The next step you take is critical. You don't want to interrupt someone who is trying to get a word in edgewise. You might add, "Don't stop Stan—I'd want to hear the rest of your tale, too." "( Now that Stan is done, you may introduce yourself and join the club. Wasn't it easy to understand?
I've seen individuals get themselves tangled up in a discussion only to get it over with. They'll see someone they've been looking for, or they'll realize they have to make a phone call—they'll even wave to an imagined friend over the other person's shoulder! You don't need an excuse to move on since networking is all about making connections!
Describe the situation as follows: "Having met Janice, I think we both need to go on and meet additional people. I hope the conference is a success for you, and I hope to see you again later. " It's done. You've eliminated any implication that you're leaving her by providing her with a chance to meet others.
Growing your network after the event
You need to get in touch with everyone whose card you have as quickly as possible. Getting other people's business cards is more crucial than handing out your own. Those you wish to get in touch with for a particular reason should go in one pile, while those you just met should go in another.
The second group might benefit from a brief remark, maybe on a postcard, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to meet and expressing the hope that you will cross paths again in the future. If you can, send them out as soon as the event is over, and then input the data into your computer's database.
For the first group, if you promised to call on Tuesday morning, make sure you do so. Isn't it apparent now? It is, however, something that most people don't do, so you will be noticed since you fulfilled your promise. You can now shift gears and go from networking to sales to job hunting as needed.
Take advantage of the opportunity to meet new people, but don't waste it by ignoring them thereafter. A network is a live and breathing creature. When it's cared for properly, it will be there to support you for the rest of your life.
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