“Have a bid toward action-let’s see something happen now. You can break that big plan into small steps and take the first step right away”
— Richard Thalheimer, The Sharper Image Founder.
Smart networkers are always prepared to network. They know that at any time, at any place, they could meet someone they know or whom they would like to get to know. So, whenever they’re out, they’re always ready, they are never caught unprepared. Savvy networkers never lose sight of their purpose, they what they want, and they are always neat, well groomed, and appropriately dressed. Successful networkers understand the importance of making the best impression and they always expect and are prepared for the unexpected.
Know Your Purpose
Whether you go to the store, to a club or to the White House, know your purpose. Know why you’re there and exactly what you hope to achieve. Never leave anything to chance or wing it; always be ready to give your best.
Behave accordingly in any given situation and bear in mind that you never know who might be observing you, observing your actions, and how that could impact your future. Regardless of your awareness, individuals are constantly observing you. They are scrutinizing your appearance, behavior, concentration, and determination. They are forming opinions about you, opinions that could have consequences for your life.
Expect the unexpected. Know that when you least expect it you will encounter someone or something that can change everything. The next time you go to the movies, be prepared to see that elusive guy who never returns your calls. When see him, be ready to strut your stuff. When that moment comes, you may decide that it would be inappropriate to pitch and that it may be wiser to just say hello. But be prepared because he might just ask for what you were polite enough to withhold.
Be Considerate
We have all experienced the relentless pursuit of individuals who refuse to accept “no” as an answer. These determined individuals possess an unwavering focus and a remarkable insensitivity that makes it impossible to shake them off. They appear fearless, unaffected by clear rejections, and it takes extreme measures to deter them. It’s as if you must metaphorically hit them over the head to keep them at bay.
Be considerate of contacts. Don’t intrude or overstay your welcome. “People who overtly network or overtly ty to sell themselves to others are usually not very successful.
Before you attend a networking event
- Know your purpose. Clearly define what you hope to accomplish and set concrete goals. Challenge yourself.
- Decide how many people you want to meet.
- Identify precisely who you hope to meet and have a backup list.
- Set financial goals. Quantify the exact monetary value of the business you aim to generate. Tell your projections to friends; it will increase your resolve and help them to spot leads and opportunities for you.
- Determine what you want to learn. Clearly identify the areas where you need more knowledge and ask those you meet for their ideas of the best ways to attain it.
- Have a list of questions that you can ask other attendees, speakers, or members of the host organization.
- Allow yourself to have fun. Keep in mind that networking events are not all business, they have a social component. So, make it a point to have fun and enjoy yourself. When you are having fun people will be attracted to you and you will network more successfully.
Business Expertise
As mentioned before, to effectively network, it is crucial to possess a deep understanding of your field and be considered an expert. Business expertise is not a static accumulation of knowledge that can be acquired and then disregarded. On the contrary, it is an ongoing journey of learning, staying updated, and pushing the boundaries of your industry. To engage with top-tier professionals, it is not enough to simply keep up with the latest trends; you must strive to be at the forefront, among the elite, leading the way.
If you go to an event and can’t promptly provide great answers to inquiries about your interests, you’re committing networking suicide. You’re placing a big black mark next on your name, on your reputation, which those present will remember and may report to their friends. Overcoming negative impressions is murder because most people won’t give you a second chance: they won’t waste their time with someone who has already been proven unworthy.
So, if you’re going to network, know your stuff and be able to clearly articulate it. View every question as an opportunity and be ready to make the most of each.
Personal Expertise
Increase your knowledge by getting into the habit of constantly reading. Knowledge is power. Read everything: national and local newspapers, magazines, and a wide variety of books. Read about your business, your interests, other people’s businesses, and their interests as well as new subjects. Expand your horizons.
Engaging in reading acts as an investment in your knowledge bank, generating continuous compounded interest.
Jill Lublin — Short Bio — (Pronounced Loob-Lynn)
Jill Lublin is an international speaker on the topics of Publicity, Networking, Kindness, and Referrals. She is the author of 4 Best Selling books including Get Noticed…Get Referrals (McGraw Hill) and co-author of Guerrilla Publicity and Networking Magic. Her latest book, Profit of Kindness went #1 in four categories. Jill is a master strategist on how to position your business for more profitability and more visibility in the marketplace. She is CEO of a strategic consulting firm and has over 25 years of experience working with over 100,000 people plus national and international media. Jill teaches a virtual Publicity Crash Course and consults and speaks all over the world. She has spoken on many stages with luminaries such as Tony Robbins. Jill also leads an intentional kindness community.
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