|
|
The
Top Ten Qualities of a Superstar Networker
©1997-2004 Edie Pereira Hulbert
and Spirit of Small Business. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.
One
of the most often overlooked methods of increasing and growing your
business is through the power of networking. Networking was definitely
the buzzword in the mid-1980's through mid-1990's and all the hype surrounding
it turned many people off. However, I strongly feel that's it's one
of the most powerful tools you have at hand for connecting with other
people and letting them know what you do and how you might be able to
assist them.
Notice that it's netWORKing. It's not netSITTING, or netDRINKING,or
netEATING. You may or may not have a formal networking group in your
area. Even if that option is not available to you, join organizations,
such as Chambers of Commerce, professional groups, civic groups, etc.
and any type of organization to which your target market might belong.
Attend community events like business open-houses or neighborhood picnics.
You really need to work the room or your contact list. Never pass up
an opportunity to meet someone new. Remember --- if you want to be interesting,
be interested. Successful networking is definitely a two-way street.
Regardless of whether you get any new clients, you'll have made new
business acquaintances.
Here are the top ten qualities I believe are present in a super-star
networker:
1. Great ATTITUDE.
Have a love for people. Increase your attractiveness to others by actively
listening and showing a sincere interest in what they have to say.
2. Strong BELIEF.
You must have a strong knowledge of and belief in what you are promoting.
If you don't believe in yourself and your business, why would anyone
else?
3. Passion.
Do what you love and love what you do. Once others can see that, the
money really does follow.
4. Ability to reach out and touch someone.
Look for the groups of three or the single person to talk to at events.
It's pretty easy to join in a conversation already in progress of a
group of three and get to know them. The single person at an event is
just as eager to find someone to talk to as you are--strike up a conversation.
5. Ability to ask questions.
Once upon a time teenage girls were instructed by their mothers to keep
their date talking by asking questions to find out more about him. At
the end of the night, they were told, their date would find them so
irresistible, when, in reality, the date had done all the talking. Well,
now that we're in the 21st century, that advice seems a bit dated and
sexist, but we can borrow the theory and apply it to networking. Let
the person with whom you're speaking do the most of the talking. Here's
a couple of ways to break the ice:
--How did you get started in your business/profession? Listen when they
tell their story. They have to know that you are truly interested.
--What do you like most about your job?
--What is unique about your business?
--What advice would you give to someone starting a business like yours?
--What do you see as the newest trends in your business?
--What was the funniest or strangest thing that happened to you in your
business?
6. Ability to be unique.
What makes you different? This is not only a key to successful networking,
but will be a key to your business success. Be able to articulate first
to yourself and then to others about why someone may want to utilize
your services rather than your competitor just down the street.
7. Ability to always have a gift.
Give more than you expect to receive. Remember the Law of Reciprocity--no
matter how small, they won't forget it. I'm firmly convinced that those
who give receive other gifts in return from others in great abundance.
8. Organized.
Be a true Boy Scout or Girl Scout. Always be ready for every occasion
and be organized in your workplace. At a minimum, bring along a pen
and lots of business cards for exchange or to write yourself notes for
follow-up contacts.
9. Ability to say "thank you" sincerely.
How many times have you heard "Let's get together" or "I'll
call you" and the contact ends there? Take the initiative! Send
a note or give a call. Always make it from the heart.
10. Ability to be real.
Most people have their own internal lie detectors and can spot a phony
a mile away. Don't activate one--get out of your head and get into your
heart!
|
