The best way to get results
What is the best way to get “results” from your networking efforts?
This question has come up in many ways over the past few weeks, so let’s address it today.
Here is the short answer: in order to get results,
- you *must* be clear about what exactly you’re looking for,
- you must *ask* for it, so people understand what you want.
What do I mean by this?
Well, here’s a story that I regularly share with attendees of my “3 Secrets for Effective Networking” workshop because it makes the point so well. (If you’ve attended this workshop or have the CD, you’ve heard this already. But it’s a simple yet critical detail, so a refresher may be a good thing!).
A few years ago, I met a gentleman at a business mixer. He came up to me and asked me for my business card.
“Certainly”, I said, “here it is. And out of curiosity, why do you want it?” (I *was* curious, because he asked me for my card before we even had a conversation.)
“Well, I learned at a networking workshop to collect 12 business cards”, he said.
“Oh, what will happen when you have 12 cards?” I asked.
“I’m not sure”, he said, “something magical, I hope!”
So, let me ask you:
- What would you say was the networking goal of this person? What results do you think he was he looking for?
- And what results do you think he’d get?
Let me share another example which will illustrate how and why being clear about what *specifically* you want is important.
I network for many reasons. One reason is to generate visibility for my business, and I have several strategies to address this goal. For instance, one strategy is to speak or present workshops (or tele-seminars via audio conference) at different organizations.
So when I’m looking for speaking engagements, I will network with certain people (such as people who are program chairs of their professional associations) and ask for certain things (like, what topics are of interest to their membership, and would they be interested in having me present to their group). If I didn’t know any program chairs, I might attend an event where I’d have the opportunity to get to meet some of these kinds of people.
My point is this: whom I speak with, where I go to find the people I want to speak with, and what I ask for, will be different based on what I want.
In other words, your actions are directly affected by your networking objectives. So the clearer you are about *what* you want, the easier it will be for you to get the results you’re looking for.
But that’s too simple, you’re thinking. Well, yes — it is simple! Like I always say, networking can really be effortless.
Well, I hope this has created a shift for you, in how to approach networking. I wish you success applying the concept.
And if you want step-by-step instructions on how to actually apply this concept in daily life, take a look at my comprehensive home-study program called, well, Effortless Networking.
Till next time,
– Sri
