Effortless Networking

A reader emailed me this question recently: “How do I get other people to show up and network?”

That’s an interesting question.

My immediate response was, what do you mean by “show up and network”? Show up where? And “do” what?

In other words, what “action” do you want and expect these other people to take? What exactly do *you* mean by “networking”?

These questions are important, because let’s be clear: you can’t get anyone to do anything they don’t want to (or aren’t able to).

However, if you can explain to someone what you want from them, they can tell you whether or not they’re willing and able to do
what you’re asking for.

So if you’re having trouble getting people to “network” with you, here’s what you do:

1. Be clear in your own mind about what you want these other people to do. What specific action do you want them to take?
2. Approach people who you think may be willing and able to do whatever it is that you want. And ask them.
3. If they agree, you’re on a roll. If they aren’t able to do what you want, ask if they can suggest or introduce you to someone else who can. Then repeat step 2.

If you think this is too simplistic or generic, I dare you to try it out!

Often, the simplest things are the most powerful and effective.

For more on this topic, check out the “3 Secrets for Effective Networking” .

Till next week,
– Sri

Are you able to get the most out of your conversations? Especially when you only have a few minutes of the other person’s attention?

Well, to do this, you must be focused.

Here’s what I mean:

Several years ago, I attended a networking event at which there was a speaker who quite impressed me.

I went up to speak with him afterwards. There were many others who also wanted to speak with him, so my time with him was limited.

I did manage to have a brief conversation with him, but I walked away feeling disappointed.

As I drove back home, I wondered why I felt this way.

I realized that it was because I didn’t get the information I wanted from him.

“What did we talk about?” I wondered.

That’s when I realized that I had wasted my precious minutes with him.

Although I had a specific question I wanted to ask him, I didn’t actually ask it!

Instead I meandered around and hoped he would “get it”. Well, he didn’t.

So our conversation ended and I lost my opportunity.

Ever since that incident, I am very particular about formulating my question or simply making sure I’m clear about why I want to talk with a person, before I start any conversation.

It helps me focus.

And it helps me get what I want from the conversation.

When I work with private clients, we can spend months on such topics.

However, this is one very simple thing you can do to get started right away, towards getting the most out of any conversation, no matter how brief.

Comments? Please post them using the form below. Thanks!

Till next week,
– Sri

Do you feel like a “pest” who’s out for her/his own gain, when you network?

Well, let’s take a look at how not to feel this way.

But first, the truth: You *are* out for your own gain when you network.

If you didn’t need anything, would you network?

I think not.

(And if you say that you network simply because you like to help others, I’d say you’re still out for your own gain — except in this case, you “gain” something at some level by helping others.)

Now, even though you are networking just to get something you want, it doesn’t make you a “pest”.

Here’s why:

Others are networking for their own gain too.

However, you can’t know what they want, unless they either tell you about it or ask you for help.

So go ahead and ask people what they’re looking for.

Offer to help in whatever way you can. (More on this topic and how not to over-extend yourself is covered in module 4 of the Effortless Networking program.)

Leave it up to the other person to take you up on your offer (or not).

And I bet this very simple action on your part will take care of this problem — the one about you feeling like a pest, I mean.

In fact, try it out.

Then come back and post a comment below to let us know how it worked for you. Is that a deal?

Till next week,
– Sri

I’ll let you do the writing this week (that’s what I’ll do differently!) since I relocated earlier this week and I’m still working on settling in.

So tell me,

• What’s the ONE thing you’ve done, or done differently, as a result of reading “Effortless Networking”?
• And how has it affected you and your business?

Please post your comments below. I’m eager to find out!

And if you’ve done nothing (yet), what’s ONE thing you will do over the next week or so?

(Go ahead, make a public declaration and post it below — you’re more likely to do it that way! )

Till next week,
– Sri