Mom and Dad may have told you otherwise. And in staying safe as a child, they were 100 percent correct. But when it comes to networking, you absolutely want to talk to strangers. Business owners and B2B professionals attend networking meetings or functions with the intent of networking to find people with whom they can share leads, referrals and perhaps even do business. Yet how many times do you find yourself at a networking meeting talking most of the time to somebody you already know … [Read more...] about Networking tip: Forget what Mom and Dad said
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Who’s the best networker you know?
That’s probably a question you have never been asked or even thought about. We are asking you now, specifically what do they do that makes them a great networker? Do you know? Have you ever asked them? Imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery, but it also provides a lit pathway to success if you are willing to follow. So, here’s an exercise for you if you want to grow as a networker. Target one or two of the best networkers you know. Invite them to have a one-on-one. Then, instead of … [Read more...] about Who’s the best networker you know?
What’s the best referral you ever gave?
That’s a question we have asked at several My Pinnacle Network meetings this month. The response from one of the attendees at My Pinnacle – Plymouth caught yours truly off-guard: “The best referral I ever gave was you,” said John Adams, of Adams Communications. “I introduced you to Steve Dubin.” (Footnote – Steve and I have now worked together for over 10 years to build PR Works, a full-service public relations and advertising company. Additionally, we launched My Pinnacle Network … [Read more...] about What’s the best referral you ever gave?
Listen: It’s not who you know, but what you hear
Think about the referrals you have passed. What was the genesis of that referral? It involved your listening skills more than anything else. First, you probably heard a friend, colleague or peer talk about his or her business what their needs. If you were truly listening, that registered in your memory on a certain level. Next, in your travels, be it at your place of business, networking group, coffee shop, etc., you heard somebody express a need for a certain product or service. You … [Read more...] about Listen: It’s not who you know, but what you hear
The secret killer of networking groups – resentment
Last week’s topic discussing the correlation between gratitude in elevator pitches and success in networking groups struck a real chord with readers. This week’s topic is essentially the opposite of gratitude: resentment. And it can be a death sentence to not only leads, but can cast a cloud over an entire networking group. If you have been in a networking group for any length of time and done your share of one-on-ones, you might hear grumblings from fellow members about certain members not … [Read more...] about The secret killer of networking groups – resentment
The networker you know
When searching for a networking group, many people seek out groups where they don’t know any of the members, the logic being why network with people you already know. Knowing at least a few people in a networking group is precisely what you DO want for any number of reasons. First, a familiar face or two makes your transition into any group smoother, particularly if the people you know have established relationships with others in the group. So, when setting up 1-1’s you’re not “the new guy” … [Read more...] about The networker you know