Networking… It's Not All About You

What does networking mean to you? Does it mean that you'll shove your card in as many faces as possible at the next chamber event? Does it mean that you'll tell every person you meet what you do, how you do it and why they should use your product/ service?

Insert the sound of brakes squealing here and make sure it's loud and obnoxious.

OK, gang. Networking is not about you. Hate to burst your bubble, but it isn't. Networking is about relationships. It's about getting to know other business people and helping them out. There's no agenda, no in order to and no "you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours." You connect with people and "work" together with each other whether you're going to do business with each other or not.

Where do you network? Everywhere!

You don't just network at networking meetings, but you do it everywhere. Yes, it more than likely starts at a networking meeting but it continues outside of that. When you go to a meeting, you probably get cards, right? What do you do with them once you get them home? Do they take up space in a drawer and get banded together never to be seen again? Why take one then?

How about you take the cards, you scan them into a database and then you send the contact either a nice handwritten letter or at very least, an email? Is that enough?

No. You still need to take it a step further. Meet with them. I know, something crazy. But, do it! No questions here. It is still necessary to meet people face to face and make that connection with them.

You're thinking, 'Well, Lisa, what if I have no intention of ever doing business with them?' No matter. You are making connections and broadening the reach of your network.

Let's back up a bit to cards. What do you do with them before they even make it home only to retire in a drawer somewhere never to be seen again? Make a note on them that will remind you where you met this person and how you'll remember them. When you scan it, make sure to add notes in their file.  Cards. That is all.

After you get to know someone, I ask you to consider looking at the new contact like this. They are now another service or product you can offer to your clients. They are also now another member of your sales team. I'm not suggesting you just refer away, but when you do find someone that you feel good about doing so, then get to referin'!

We have merely scratched the surface here. There is so much more to networking. What cool tactics do you have? Share 'em here, and let's connect at the biggest virtual networking meeting around…LinkedIn!

Happy networking!