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There Are
Opportunities All around – From A to Z
“NETWORKING”
By Zahra Aprili
Soulcial Scene Contributor
What do you think of when
you hear the word networking? Are you the person who gets a
horrible taste in your mouth when someone suggests the word?
You have had bad “networking” experiences and made the
decision that you want to avoid events centered around that
word at all costs.
No? Oh, are you that
person who hears the work ”networking” and a possible
opportunity to “network” and gets excited? You place an
order for more business cards and start practicing your
elevator speech.
Do you mind if I share a
secret with you? It does not matter if you fall into one of
these categories, a combination of the two or none at all.
The important thing is that you understand that having a
network means having relationships.
Every day provides you an
opportunity to connect with people. Some of these people you
may know and some are complete strangers. There is a rich
circle of people around you who may or may not know what you
as a professional, entrepreneur or community member are
doing. So why not tell them?
Places such as work
events, community functions, or even email and social media
sites are great vehicles for growing your relationships.
Find an opportunity to share your information with
coworkers, service providers, friends, and associates. It
is up to you to communicate clearly and nurture each of
those relationships.
Yeah, yeah, but how do I actually start building my network?
All right, if I had to
give a step-by-step list of building a rewarding and
effective network it would be in three parts. FIRST
CONTACT, EVALUATION, and MAINTENANCE.
FIRST CONTACT
1.
First things first! KNOW YOUR PURPOSE. Networking is
all about making connections with people who you can help
and who can help you. If you have no clue as to what you
are doing professionally, no life direction, scared quest or
personal journey, not even an internal mission statement of
why you are trying to connect, STOP NOW!
2.
Since you are reading Number 2, I am going to assume that
you KNOW YOUR PURPOSE. So now it is time to SHARE
INFORMATION. Whether meeting someone for the first time
or getting reacquainted, it is important for you to ask them
about their business or personal endeavors. Remember
networking is relationship building and you do not get very
far in construction with half of the foundation poured.
3.
Next, SHOW GENUINE INTEREST. Everyone you speak with
is not going to appeal to you or your needs. However, it is
important that you approach each conversation with genuine
interest. You may not be able to help the person you are
speaking with directly, but that does not mean that you
there is not someone you know who can.
4.
The last step in part one is EXCHANGE CONTACT
INFORMATION. You just had a great conversation with
someone, don’t leave it at that. Make sure you walk away
with a phone number and email address to follow up. This is
the appropriate time to pull out your business card or phone
and ask to exchange contact information.
Over the next few months,
I challenge you to step out of your comfort zones and become
acquainted with someone new. How about the lady you see
every day in passing on your way to grab lunch. Invite a
Linked In connection out to coffee, catch up with a Facebook
buddy. You never know which person is one conversation away
from being the MVP of your developing network. Remember KNOW
YOUR PURPOSE, SHARE INFORMATION, SHOW GENUINE INTEREST, and
EXCHANGE CONTACT INFORMATION. Give it a try, what have you
got to lose?
Zahra Aprili is a
professional consigliere. She works with individuals and
businesses that have ideas for growth and change, helping
them to get organized and connecting them with service
providers who can help them on their journey. |
