Making it real

I have found the secret to successful networking.  Well, it's not really a secret, but a lot of people overlook this.  It's all about being yourself and being authentic.

I recently had coffee with an old friend, someone who I haven't seen in a couple of years.  I decided to approach this meeting as a conversation between two friends, an exchange of ideas rather than a meeting with a goal.  Of course, I had a goal for the meeting, I wanted his advice.

This new relaxed attitude helped make this meeting one of my most productive.  We really talked and exchanged ideas.  Ideas came up that probably wouldn't have surfaced if I had been so focused on the end result.

Sometimes, the slightest attitude shift can work wonders.

Nancy Loderick

Comments

[Mary Rettig]

I am learning the hard way about networking for my business. I found the key is relationship. It takes time to develop. I personally like a small group. I attended one today. I think how often you meet is also a factor in building relationships and referral partners.
Mary Rettig
New life story coach(TM)

[Nancy Loderick]

Mary, you are right on when you talk about building relationships being the key to successful networking and business growth.

Building and maintaining a relationship takes time and effort, but the rewards are worth it. Good luck in building your business.

[Lisa]

I love having conversations with people, but when it comes to networking, I just freeze up. I think of networking as this 'thing' I must do to advance my career.

I like the idea of viewing networking as a conversation, rather than something uncomfortable. Thanks for the suggestion.

Lisa

[Margy Rydzynski]

I think this is a critical distinction, particularly in this age of online social networking. People are wary of "pitches," but crave an authentic relationship. As businesses, we have to treat our potential clients and customers as people we know and care about. Isn't that the way we'd want to be treated?

[Nancy Loderick]

Lisa - thanks for your comments. Sometimes, something as simple as looking at a situation in a new light is enough to make it easier to handle.

Margy - you said it well. If we treat others as we would like to be treated, we can't go wrong.

[Paula Harris]

When you have a genuine interest in learning about others vs. talking about yourself, it never feels like networking.

Paula Harris
www.whcornerstone.com

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