One of the most important “rules” of networking is something I learned years ago in a fundraising workshop—the facilitator explained that you just can’t just a book by its cover and that you NEVER know who you might be talking to—whether at a networking event or on line at the grocery store. That scruffy looking person may turn out to be your best customer or connect you with a great vendor or client. Learning how to be an effective marketer and networker, means we have to realize that every human interaction is purposeful.
I know this can seem like I’m saying that you can never let your guard down and “just be yourself”—unless your true self is rude, snarky, and lacking in the ability to be kind, pleasant and open this isn’t really the case. I know that none of us is perfect and there are those days when we just want to throw on a hat and go to the grocery store—there’s nothing wrong with that, it is really more about HOW we interact with people and less about our physical image or what we look like.
Here’s a tip—when you’re at a party, a networking event, or even the coffee hour after church, just remind yourself that you never know who you might end up talking to—but you have the opportunity to find out. This means that instead of “talking” and “telling,” focus on asking questions and making an effort to find out more about the person across the counter, sitting next to you, or holding the closest coffee cup. This is how you’ll start to really benefit from what networking and connecting are all about. Instead of pre-judging or letting your own mood or distractions prevent you from fully being present, put on your manners and dredge up those people skills—you never know you might end up talking to!
Also: Make Time for Networking
Acquiring Lists From Networking Activities
Networking With Writers–Share Those Leads