7 Deadly sins of Networking ~ How not to Network Part 4 Paul M Johnstone

The last in a short series on networking sins, and how to avoid them. A how to guide including Network Strategy.

Letting Fear Get The Better Of You
So you feel nervous about going up to a complete stranger and introducing yourself, you feel apprehensive, this makes you normal. We were all taught as children not to talk to strangers. As a kid this strategy was given to you to protect you. In certain situations or circumstances today this may be advisable however in most cases it definitely does not apply now. In business, however, talking to complete strangers is a way to generate interest and contacts for your products and services.

If you only talk to the people you already know and deal with, you will miss out on opportunities to make new connections. Set a target for yourself before you attend any networking event. Decide how many new contacts you want to make or how many strangers you want to meet. Above all make it fun, turn it into a game and take yourself out of your comfort zone and I promise you that with practice, determination and action you will look back and think what was I worried about, you will also find it to be one of the best business decisions you've ever made.

So what next? Well that it is up to you, but I would encourage you to find a professional business networking organization, which can help you become more successful and improve those skills. I firmly believe making networking part of your marketing activity will be one of the best business decisions you can make and it will be fun too.

Here is a quick recap

1. Don’t Judge a Book by looking at the cover
   Be real look beyond the image
2.  Your Mother told you not to
   You know you should follow up ~ so please do.
3. An Own Goal
   Have a goal when you network but keep it simple
4. I’m all ears or not
   You are blessed with 2 ears and 1 mouth, use them in the proportion
5. The Four Most Useless Words In Networking.
   Use opening lines that get you a meaningful answer
6. Short Term Thinking
   Grow your networking relationships
7. Letting Fear Get The Better Of You
   Be brave and put your best foot forward

You can ask any questions regarding this blog
Please comment on this or any of my earlier Blogs. All feedback is great feedback.
To keep in touch with Networking techniques just click the ‘Join this site’ button.

About the Author

Paul M Johnstone is a Professional networker, and executive coach.  He has build two businesses by using the power of the network and with almost no other marketing. He has worked for 3 of the largest networking organisations in the UK and is a network mentor. He can be reached at +44 (0)7711 324362or through his website at http://www.paradigmshakers.co.uk/ and http://www.pmjohnstone.co.uk/

P.S.  I’m reading a great book The DNA of success by Chris Norton, which is full of fascinating stories from leading figures from sport, politics, business, the military and the arts from some of the most influential business and thought leaders in the UK today.  So far I’m getting lots of real good information. Anyway please take a look and it would be nice if you fed that back to me. I hope you enjoy it.

© Paul M Johnstone founder of The Paradigm Shakers Ltd.  For more information e-mail him at Shaker@paradigmshakers.co.uk

7 Deadly sins of Networking ~ Or how not to Network Part 3

The third part of the how to network series


The Four Most Useless Words In Networking.

The number of times I have heard these words makes me cringe.  When you Network you want people to open up to you.  And you do that by asking open questions. So why do people inevitably ask a closed one?

The four most useless words in networking I mention is “What do you do?”

What you get is I’m an accountant / Printer / business coach which does not start a conversation naturally.  There are lots of ways to start a conversation that will suggest to the other person they have a few moments to express themselves. 

Try these as an alternative

What are you business passionate?

What drives you in your business?

Why do you do what you do?

And you will find many of your own once you practice.  Anything is good as long as the other person feels involved in the conversation and not reacting to a predictable question.

I want it all NOW!
You will benefit from nurturing connections rather than hunting or chasing that next deal.  To get the best results from your networking activities you need to take a longer term approach.  You will be best served by helping others.  Think how can I help you or how can I serve. Go out there to make a positive impact on someone's day.

The best networkers take a farming approach, they focus on cultivating relationships.  Growing relationships for mutual long term benefit, because they definitely do not chase deals or instant sales. You may attend a networking event and get business first time and that's great, but it should not be your objective.

Your best strategy for getting introductions to business will develop over time and as part of a know like and trust strategy.  When you get a introduction you want to know, that it is the type of business you want and importantly, that when you make that call it is expected.  Here are 3 simple steps to show you care:

Step one get to know your networking colleagues know what they do, know what they like and don't like, know what they stand for and what they are about.

Step two get to like them, get them to like you and build a relationship whilst developing rapport.

Step three build trust and make sure they're reliable and test their reliability on little things first. I cannot stress how important it is to know like and trust your networking colleagues, because you cannot afford to introduce the wrong person, solution or Company to your valuable network, clients, contacts or customers if they cannot perform and also more importantly you cannot expect others to put you in front or introduce you and your company to their valuable contacts if you cannot perform and successfully deliver on your promises. People who you recommend represent you so don't cut corners.


Part 4 the final part will be published shortly

Please comment on this or any of my earlier Blogs. All feedback is great feedback.
To keep in touch with Networking techniques just click the ‘Join this site’ button.

About the Author
Paul M Johnstone is a Professional networker, and executive coach.  He has build two businesses by using the power of the network and with almost no other marketing. He has worked for 3 of the largest networking organisations in the UK and is a network mentor. He can be reached at +44 (0)7711 324362or through his website at http://www.paradigmshakers.co.uk/ and http://www.pmjohnstone.co.uk/