Working with Refer-On
We are looking to work with Hub leaders
and
Someone who can help the company grow
John’s networking tips 2011-12-3
Finding who is outside the room and you can help is a must if you are to find compliant relationships. Think – Out of the room
I am constantly amazed by some approaches to Networking. “What are you looking for?”, I ask. “Larger companies, I don’t think your network is suitable”, comes the reply. By and large; bigger companies do not network regularly. They may be on the look out for suppliers. My respondent just does not get it!
The truth is that no one knows what they will find at a “Network meeting”. Often because the wrong questions are asked.
Are you too eager to “get the business?”
Do you realise that the 15 small business in the room have, maybe, 6000 contacts.
What odds are there that there are one or two, or even more, “larger companies” in that list of second level contacts.
Networking regularly with the same group of people has huge benefits. You will create a team of loyal friends and mentors.
Old networking: Look, talk, business card, followup – or more likely not – is dying. Europe and the United Kingdom will have to find new ways to do business. A network is a more mature way of networking, more focussed than Twitter or Facebook, because you know or someone knows the person you seek. Building relationships and giving has never been more important. Go to iPlayer and listen to Stephanomics, Radio 4 15:00 last Wednesday. No more time for dreaming, we must work together to move forward. There is no silver bullet!
If you go to a networking meeting, just looking for business, you probably will not find it!
If you go wanting to find ways of helping – you might!
The journey promises a deeper and richer relationship. A quick “close” so often leads to remorse. Think help, support, encouragement and shared learning.www.refer-on.com
I sense a vacuum within the marketing arena, especially in networking. The vast number of networks are still focussed on the outcome.
I am starting a journey here, which will probably never finish!
Thoughts about networking and conduct. Not just any conduct but Refer-On conduct!!
Business cards are great, but they should be used as a punctuation point to a relationship, not scattered to the wind. Ask before you give. “Would it be helpful if you had my business card or shall I email you with some details? Allow your conversation space to breathe; let the person you are talking with to make the decision. Then: are you happy for e too follow up? Or would you like to have author talk over coffee next week. This allows a cooling off period.
Do you ask the question first?
Do you answer direct or reply with a question?
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