Why Bother?

Do you want to get promoted? Do you want to earn more money? Do you want a new job? Do you want to be a part of a successful organization? If you answer yes to any of these questions, then I recommend that you hone your networking acumen.

You’ve heard the quote, “It’s not what you know, but who you know.” But, you do not have to know someone important.. What’s important is to know someone who knows someone.

It doesn’t matter if you are an introvert or an extravert, you can learn to enjoy and succeed at networking. Remember, the terms introvert and extravert refer to how you get reenergized. Introverts can be outgoing; however, they need alone time to recharge their batteries. Extraverts are usually outgoing and they require interaction with people to recharge. Extraverts may talk too much at networking events – introverts may be uncomfortable.

Effective networking necessitates both setting an objective and allowing for spontaneity. Be strategic. If you want to learn about an area in your company, identify people or events in that area and attend. If you are seeking a job and you want to work in a large corporation, do not networking at events for small business owners. And by the way, if you are looking for a job – limit the time you spend in groups of people who are looking for jobs. They can’t give you work.

Consider every event a networking event. I’ve gotten coaching clients on the tennis court and at the ophthalmologist’s office. Where do you spend your recreational time? At the soccer field or in the gym? If your organization sponsors a charity event, volunteer to help.

What do you do?

Yes, this is the question. Respond with statements that make you memorable. Not “I am a software engineer.” Tell them what you do and have several options.

*I coach executive and professional women to “be one of the boys”, without being one of the boys.
*I work with executive and professionals who occasionally feel frustrated because they don’t feel that they are heard or that their ideas are implemented.
*I coach executive and professionals to get control of their time and their life.
*I coach professionals who are job hunting to get the job of their dreams.

100 hundred words.

That’s how many words you have to explain how you do what you do.

When I work with my clients, the first thing we do is to identify their strengths using an online assessment. Next we focus on their goal and get very clear on what they want. We write that goal with great specificity and create a step by step action plan with accountability measures to help them achieve the goal by maximizing their strengths. Most clients develop strategies for dealing with being overwhelmed, communication and presentation skills. At the end of our engagement they fell that they have control of their time and their life.

Build your network one person at a time. Remember, networking is a marathon – not a sprint.

In next month’s newsletter I will share strategies to engage people in conversations, strategies to follow up on conversations and strategies to find the right place to network.

If you need a speaker for an event or if you are ready to network for success, contact me for a complimentary coaching session.