Why Professional Networking Is Broken
Part 1
Why We Network
The #1 reason people network is to build their business, grow their brand, or build their individual reputation. Yet it still surprises me how many people have no idea how to really network so they don’t come off as self-serving or downright smarmy.
When I speak to business professionals or deliver training of any kind to corporations this topic inevitably comes up. People are truly lost when it comes to the fundamentals of how to network. In fact, most have never gone through any proper training on networking let alone been witness to someone who is a true master networker.
Sure, most everyone has an elevator pitch on what they do. Some have even practiced it so they can deliver it with efficiency and gusto. But have they taken the time to understand the words they are using, the message they are conveying; or what they hope someone who hears it might take away from it? Probably not. They just know they have to say something when they are inevitably asked “So, what do you do?”
If they can make it sound halfway impressive and even toss in a rhyme or two, all the better!
So What’s The End Goal?
Do people give any thought about how they are perceived by others when they do speak? I mean someone is giving you their attention for at least 30 seconds, why wouldn’t you want to maximize that opportunity to impress the other person. Wouldn’t any of us want to have someone walk away from a conversation with us saying, “I am so glad I met that person” and thinking, I’d really like to know more!
Yet, when you think about it, isn’t that the ultimate goal with every networking conversation? Impress someone enough they want to know more about you, your business and remain open to having more conversations.
The problem with most people is they don’t even realize that’s the only goal if they are going to be successful at the art of networking.
Differentiate Yourself
Every conversation in any business or social environment is an opportunity to make an impression. You can come either come across as Susie Salesyperson or Slick Talking Sam or you can do it differently. Network in such a way that people don’t walk away from your interaction feeling like they need a shower.
Because believe me, when you network with the sole purpose of pushing your agenda, selling your produce or service or treating each person as a possible prospect, that’s exactly how people feel when they walk away from you.
In the next post, I want to share some ideas on how to differentiate yourself from the rest of the networking world. I want to change your perception of the power of connecting and show you how to build your network the right way - through better connection!
So what do say, are you ready to learn how to Ripple and kick both your professional and personal networking efforts into high gear?
Can’t wait to get your Ripple On? Well, you don’t have to. Steve and his team are hosting monthly 8 Minute Ripple events to give people a whole new perspective on the power of networking the right way. Sign up for our notification list or hop on over to the 8 Minute Ripple page to lock in your spot to attend an upcoming Ripple.