Lessons Learned: Networking
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Networking is not just a fundamental part of your business, it’s the mainspring of your business. My good friend Google defines it as “the action of interacting with others to exchange information and develop professional or social contacts.” It comes naturally to some of us, and becomes a learned skills set for others…but don’t neglect it and expect your business to grow.
The Harvard Business Review offers some basic suggestions for those of us who line the walls at social events. I am one of them, so I read these ideas and fount them less than helpful. “Focus on learning.” “Look for others with common interests.” Both suggest you already gab a lot to begin with, and if I gabbed a lot, I wouldn’t need help, would I?
Instead, I turned to Chamber superstars when it comes to networking, members of the Connectors Team. I am a member, but a subdued one. They excel at exuding friendliness and network with ease. Here are some of the gems I picked up.
Trish Totta gave me a very basic definition of networking. Networking=Connecting. She added, “Being kind is free.” She’s right, you know. When you network, you not only help your own business, but you help others who need to grow as well.
This was a theme Buddy Young elaborated upon: “Find a shy person and help him.” This makes it easier, doesn’t it? Many of us shrink from self-aggrandizement and find networking for personal gain distasteful. Yet when you are helping a start up, connecting businesses who could help one another, or just including a shy person in the conversation you are also enhancing your own business. It’s one of the rewards of networking—when you help another, you help yourself in the process.
The next time you’re at a Chamber event, spend some time with Cheryl Martinek. Her pep and engagement in promoting their chiropractic business has been a hallmark of their success. She says, “The more you get into the community, the more your business grows.” You’ll find her at practically every community event, and she’s there helping others learn how to be healthy. We appreciate that, don’t we? It’s called networking.
If you’re needing to grow your business, listen to Joey Zarrillo’s suggestions on How to Network Like a Pro:
· Get a Google My Business page—it’s free!
· Develop a 30-second elevator speech about your business.
· Don’t force feed your business cards at events, share them with purpose.
· Wear a name tag.
· Learn about networking from the Princess Bride: It should include a greeting, your name, your purpose and your plans. “Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.”
· Employ the 80/20 rule: Listen 80% of the time, talk 20%.
He included a caveat. “Business moves at the speed of trust.” You must build trust through social interaction before your business takes flight.
Loretta Polzin is a seasoned businesswoman who never needs to advertise. “The clients you have are your best source of referrals.” Look at networking as a noun. They are the network that holds your business securely in place. Cement those bonds. I like the way she thinks!
Networking is basic to business growth, and you won’t find a better place to network than Chamber events. As busy as you are, as inadequate as you may feel, whether you feel like you need to be there or not—come! Help our community grow. “Be a giver,” as Trish would say. Let me just end with a Joeyism: The opposite of networking is not working.