Startup Spark

Get out there and network!

by ShannonCherry on June 20th, 2008

Get out there and network!

by Merci Miglino

Beyond the Business Card!

The best business networking groups operate as exchanges of business information, ideas, and support. They allow you to build trust and for people to get to know you. People do business with people they like and trust.

The most important skill for effective business networking is listening; focusing on how you can help the person you are listening to rather than on how he or she can help you is the first step to establishing a mutually beneficial relationship.

Preparing to Network

Start with a purpose. It does you no good to attend any networking function unless you define your objectives to know why you are there.

Know who will be at any event. What businesses and professionals will be there and how does your services or products relate to them?

Recognize and deal with the aspects of networking that bother you most. For example, if you’re scared of meeting people, begin by practicing with trusted friends. Tell them about your interests, training and abilities. Or, if you’re worried about becoming tongue-tied, role-play your meetings until you feel confident about what to say.

Take time out to replenish yourself. Plan your schedule so that you have periods of solitude that allow you to recharge. For instance, don’t schedule a full day’s activities if you plan to network at an evening event.

Networking: A Giver’s Game

7 Ways to Give to Your Network

1.      Ask

The best way to learn how you can help others is to ask them how. When you ask directly, they’re likely to tell you exactly how you can support them. Always listen to what they’re saying and try to discern their needs.

2. Be a Matchmaker

One of the most valuable things you can do is to connect people with each other. Consider which connections between members of your network would be mutually valuable: amazing things can happen.

Exercise:

Grab a sheet of paper and draw a circle in the middle of the page. Picture yourself in the center of this circle. Around you are all the people in your close professional network (you know them well and could call them at any time). Write in the name of those members of your close professional network randomly so they’re surrounding you.

Now look at each name individually consider who would benefit most from knowing each other. Draw lines connecting these people. Then, over the next week, make a plan to introduce or otherwise connect these people for mutual benefit. They’ll be thrilled you did and will be there for you next time you need a connection.

Visit for more information

http://goodadvice.www.theladders.com/archives/learn_from_experts/networking/index.html

3. Share Articles

When you read an article you think would be interesting to a member of your network, tear it out and mail it to them with a quick note. They generally appreciate the valuable information and thoughtfulness that come with it.

4. Bring a Friend

If you’re attending a conference, networking meeting, training course or any other type of event, invite members of your network to attend with you. You’ll have an opportunity to spend time with them and again, they’ll appreciate the thought. This is just another way to build stronger and more valuable relationships.

5. Send a Link

When you visit a web site, think about your network members who could do their jobs better from knowing about that site - then send a link. Many sites have ‘email this to a friend’ buttons to make it as simple as two clicks and a brief form. The internet is boundless, often making it nearly impossible to stay on top of useful developments. Sharing relevant sites is a valuable service you can provide to friends and colleagues.

6. Share Your Passion or Interest

Next time you finish reading a book, think about the member of your network who’d benefit most from reading it and share a copy.

7. Give Them A Lead

When you stumble on a business or job lead that isn’t quite right for you: instead of just clicking on to the next post, consider who in your network might be right for this opportunity. Share the job details along with some brief, value-added comments on how best to land it.

Before striking out on her own, Merci Miglino promoted ideas and people within the
New York political scene for nearly 20 years. A former teacher, reporter,
communications director, campaign manager, Merci now manages a successful practice as a career and business strategist and Certified Professional Coach for individuals and organizations. She has achieved a master level of coaching with over 2000 hours of experience and currently teaches certification courses for the International Coach Academy located in Sydney, Australia. She is the former Chair of the International Coach Federation’s Public Relations Committee and Chapter Leader for the Albany, NY Chapter. Visit her at http://www.mercimiglino.com

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