Article
Networking
Copyright © 2003 Lynne Bullen
Networking: What is it? How does it work? Why should you do it?
The word "Networking" often conjures up multi-level-marketing (MLM). The very phrase "multi-level-marketing" can strike fear into the hearts of even the bravest of souls. Isn't it funny how a word used some years ago, had a meaning all of its own. Networking and MLM were sort of "married" together.
Well, let me assure you that the word "networking" has finally shrugged off its unwanted partner. It is now back in its own right. So, let's go explore the world of Networking!
Start by sitting down in a quiet room, pen and paper in hand, and take yourself back to your very first job since leaving school. Remember how enthusiastic you were? How excited? Your first job! Who was it you worked for? In what trade, industry or profession
did you work? Who visited your employer?
I bet you can recall the name of the fellow who was your regular courier. What about the Sales Reps who came selling their wares? You would probably even remember the name of the girls and fellas behind the counter where you bought your lunch. Then there are all the other businesses in your street or on your block. You probably got to know some of the people working there. You may have even struck up a friendship that has grown stronger as the years passed by.
Got you thinking? OK.
Write down all professional and personal contacts you have made from way back then to the present day. Depending on your age, I bet you've managed to list at least a dozen people. Some of you will have listed upwards of 100. Not hard when you start.
Now, why are you doing this? It might not seem to be a relevant exercise, but believe me it's very helpful. Look at the names in your list. You'll probably be drawn to several names on the page. Why? Because each of those people left an impression. Some good, some bad.
Let's think about those who left a good impressions.
What stood out about those who left a good and lasting impression? Think about the moment. Take a fresh piece of paper and write down the names of six from the first list who left a good impression. Beside each name, write down what it was about that person which impressed you. Was it a word, a gesture, the clothes?
We'll move on to the not so impressive people, those who probably left no impression worth dwelling on, unless it was something so bad that people are still talking about that poor soul! Write them down as well. Just six, and the reasons they left that not-so-good impression.
Now that you have your good list and your bad list, pick out the the top three from each who left the greatest impression, good or bad. Take your time. Try to capture the moment and write it down.
There's a phrase coming up that is very pertinent to the exercise you've just completed.
Look at the six "finalists" and what it was about them that left such a lasting impression with you.
Now, think about these eleven words; this sentence which is guaranteed to leave an impression on you.
"You never get a second chance to make a first impression!"
Those words make up the heading to Lesson Number One in the art of networking! Live by this when you're networking. When you're doing anything. It's the rainbow with the pot of gold at the end of it! If you remember this phrase when an opportunity presents itself, you'll have taken your first step into the world of Networking. How? You'll have just made an impression on someone. Hope it was a good one!
Many business people have an advantage if, in their younger years, they were on the school debating team. Some will have had the lead in almost every school play. There are others who are just plain extroverts! And there are those who seem to shift effortlessly through life, making good impressions without even trying!
But for many of us, just having to begin a conversation with a new acquaintance, let alone speaking in front of even a small group, scares us straight! If you fall into this category, don't give up.
Find your local Toastmasters International. These groups are wonderful, giving their members encouragement, teaching and showing them their potential. You'll be able to give your "stage fright" a swift kick, and carry on with confidence.
Click on this link: http://www.toastmasters.org The information on this site is well worth a look.
Look for Networking Clubs that are set up specifically for the purposes of marketing your business and broadening your horizons. Most of the good networking organisations give members support and encouragement in their business endeavours. Many offer mentoring, motivation, inspiration, friendship, information, business referrals and problem solving strategies. Some offer courses on-line. There are others that have physical locations. You may find one or two in your own neighbourhood. Whether you choose to do this on line or on land, make sure the groups you choose are offering what you need.
My suggestion would be to look at many and choose a few. Find out who runs those you've chosen and let them know you're interested. Most will invite you along to a meeting or two. If they do, go! It will cost you only time (unless it's a dinner or breakfast meeting), and it's time well spent. You'll learn to be discerning, and you may even discover your hidden talents. After you've been along to a few, you'll know whether they're what you're looking for.
Here are some links you might like to try:
Belfast: http://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/businessclub/
UK: http://www.surreybiz.net/
Australia: http://www.enterpriseclubs.com.au/
Canada: http://www.superstarnetworking.com
Australia: http://www.womensnetwork.com.au/
New Zealand: http://www.nzwomen.com/site/content/business_redletter.html
You'll find that being a Member of networking group, on line or on land, will also give you ideas to build not just your business contacts, but build your confidence as well.
Another way you can network is to go along to industry specific forums, seminars and workshops. By "industry specific" I mean those functions related to the service or product you intend to provide or sell. You'll not only learn more about your chosen field of business, you'll also have the chance to meet others in similar or allied businesses.
You'll soon learn that almost every day, there's an opportunity to Network, and an opportunity to make your First Impression. Go get 'em!!!
Lynne Bullen is a successful businesswoman whose talents include Public Relations; Editorial and Commercial Copywriting; Design and Facilitation of Seminars, Forums and Workshops, Mentoring Services and Secretarial and Administrative support
She is a specialist in Digital Transcription
Contact Lynne via email:
or visit her website at http://www.lynnebullenstrategies.com.au |
