Encounters & Connections
Building genuine business relationships by taking notice and engaging with those around you. Focus on just one or two people who have similar goals or complementary target markets. Be aware of where they are in their business in relation to you.
Contributor: Beth Bridges The Networking Motivator
Beth Bridges Author of “Networking on Purpose,” Keynote Speaker “Love, Loss, and Networking” and Business Networking Coach
www.TheNetworkingMotivator.com
Summer vacation travel, destination conferences or long creative/working breaks can all bring us together with amazing people we've never met. When we're in the moment, it seems as if these new connections are momentous. They're huge! This could be a business relationship that could make everything come together.
And then... we return to the real world and that intensity and immediacy fades against the daily grind of getting work done. You hear from a few of them, but most of the people you met go back to their lives, too. Instead of thinking that you've failed or being disappointed in those people, here's how to make it work.
First, realize that most of them don't have a clear networking plan or strategy for staying connected, so the responsibility is on you.
Second, be okay with knowing that they may not have had the same feeling or that they just aren't willing or able to keep the connection going.
Third, have a concrete action or activity that you can do together - brainstorming sessions, idea-sharing or collaborating on a project but don't just let it be let's stay in touch!
Fourth, calendar your time with them in advance especially if you're not local to each other. Make it a video conference or phone call, not just a random email once in a while.
Finally, focus on just one or two people who have similar goals or complementary target markets. Be aware of where they are in their business in relation to you. Those who are far, far ahead or behind you in their business size or ambition may have a hard time relating to you. For your business growth, choose those who are a little further down the road and learn from them. For personal growth, choose those who are a little behind you and help them build. For business growth, choose those who are ahead of you that you can assist while they also advise you.
Too Many Networking Event Invites? When is it worth your Time?
#1 Identify Your Purpose for showing up:
One of the most critical aspects of obtaining value from networking events is identifying what you have to gain. Recognizing your weaknesses is an effective way to identify how you can benefit from a networking event. Pinpointing areas of improvement in your business model can aid in discovering what takeaways you should seek out. Once you’ve identified where you have room for growth, whether it be operational, managerial, or even personal you’ll be able to identify what you have to gain. Identifying areas for growth can assist in deciding which events will be most beneficial. If technical aspects are your bread and butter, but interpersonal communication is your weakness, seek out the latter. Once you’ve recognized what you need to learn or improve on, being excited and motivated for your event should come naturally.
#2 Build Relationships:
Business professionals need to be reminded of why the best business relationships are built on trust and accountability. By placing these values at the forefront of your mind, you’ll be motivated to familiarize yourself with attendees personally before seeking out a business relationship. Getting to know attendees before trying to build a business relationship will help you decide to recognize the value of building relationships in relation to developing their careers. Before attending a networking event, take time to think about the values you would seek out in a co-worker, business partner or employee. By focusing on what values are important to you, people are sincerely aligned with your values and business ethics. If not, you should decide if it is truly the best idea to make future business decisions together.
#3 Get Out of Your Comfort Zone:
Truthfully, if attending a networking event isn’t pushing you outside of your comfort zone, then you likely aren’t benefiting from it. If the idea of attending a networking event alone makes you nervous, then that is exactly what you should be doing. Going to networking events alone may spark a sense of excitement, even if it is accompanied by nerves. Excitement and nerves are better than boredom or absent-mindedness. By attending networking events outside of your normal social circle, you may find yourself more receptive to new ideas and with a refreshed sense of energy.
