Whether you love it or hate it, networking plays a role within your business, either a significant one or a minor one. It’s just part of the gig.
Over the past year I’ve seen a number of “experts” present guidelines around how to network well. Some advice I’ve taken on board and used, which has been great and others I’ve done a hard pass on.
Why? Well, the one thing that always comes up for me is the quality vs quantity factor.
One piece of advice which I did not take was that you “needed to build 10 strong, meaningful and impactful relationships every week.”
I think my definition of a strong, meaningful and impactful relationship is quite different to this suggestion. Perhaps I should have asked for a bit more detail? If I’m lucky I can probably count on my two hands those strong and meaningful relationships I have built in my entire life. How do you build 10 every week?
If you can achieve that, then I take my hat off to you. I know I can’t. And perhaps that is were the difference lies.
For me, it’s not about the quantity of people you connect with on a weekly basis, but more so the quality of the connection you make.
So what makes a quality connection? I’ll be the first to admit I’m no networking guru, but these are my suggestions:
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BE GENUINE
People are not stupid and they can pick up fake from a mile away. If your initial intention is to see what you can get out of someone, then you are not being genuine. Simple. You may win a few points now, but in the long run, this type of approach is not going to serve you.
These tips can help you become more effective in becoming more genuine –
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Practise active listening. Instead of thinking about your next line, just listen to the other person.
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Don’t interrupt the person
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Give them 100% eye contact when they are talking. Looking at your phone or watch does not keep you engaged.
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Going into the conversation, ask yourself “what am I going to learn here?” instead of “what am I getting out of this?”
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Paying lip-service is also not recommended. Insincere comments or creating a false image of support will backfire on you.
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GIVE FIRST
It’s not just about you. In any strong and meaningful relationship our focus is on the other person and how we can help them. We need to give our focus and attention first, before we ask for something in return.
The one golden rule and question I like to apply when networking in person or online, is asking myself this “Would I treat my best friend in this manner?”
Nicole is a certified professional coach as well as a certified trainer, advanced assessor and coach mentor. Based in Auckland, she provides a range of coaching options, from individual business owner and management coaching, group and team coaching workshops to personal coaching. Her coaching practice is aligned to the ICF ethos and ethics. Need to hire a professional coach? Contact Nicole [email protected]
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