The Forgotten Art of Networking

Ever attend a networking event?

Ever walk away with a bunch of business cards and nothing ever transpires from your collection?

Ever hand out your business cards but you never get a call?

If you're able to answer "yes" to any of those questions, then you're in the "Land of the Lost Networker".

There is a difference in handing out a business card and making a connection. In my own experience, the "art" of networking has been sacrificed for being able to amass the largest collection of business cards. And all those cards become useless since there is no face or connection to provide a motivating reason for the receiver of the card to connect with the giver.

Of course, we all want to have people call us who are interested in our business and who truly want to do business with us. So, what could the challenge be?

The point of networking is to meet people with whom we can share our stories and our services so we can continue to reach our personal goals. Handing out your business card only shares a name and, occasionally, it scares some people from actually calling you even if they have the greatest need for what you do because of the impersonal feel.

What we need to remember is we are all doing the same thing and the networking party has now become a "me" event. That is, the only reason you have the card is for you to call them and benefit from their service and not the other way around!

The "art" of networking should be about what we all bring to the table, for what we can do for someone and also for what they may be able to do for you. When I network, my goal is to build goodwill; I want to know about your business, your ideal customer, how I may help you. My expectation is to build a solid relationship to help you reach your audience, and, let you get to know me so you feel comfortable referring me to people you know.

By the way, "goodwill" is an asset on your balance sheet which improves your net worth especially in the marketplace. If large organizations can use good will to increase their value, why shouldn't small businesses?

Granted, it isn't the fastest way of making money but it gives you more credibility. Our reputation is more more valuable than our business card collection! The next time you attend a networking event, spend time speaking with a few people and getting to know about them rather than trying to be the one to collect the most cards.

For more information, there is an awesome resource of material from Bob Burg, a renowned author and speaker on the subject of networking.

Let's bring more success to the Art of Networking for all us!


TTFN~Jax