Building relationships is an integral part of success in your personal and professional life. It is essential however that you connect with these people at some point and that happens through some type of networking – whether it is through a professional referral, in attendance at networking events, social engagements, or through the ever-so-popular social media. You simply cannot grow your business without engaging in this process at some level; it is a key strategic development process and the lifeblood of new business.
It's never just about you...
If you have been “in the field” for very long, you know that you simply cannot attend any function, collect a handful of cards and go home to wait for the phone to ring. It just doesn’t work that way! When you are engaged in meeting new people, keep in mind that your conversation must be focused on them, keeping in mind that your mission is to determine what you can do for them.
Learn to focus on their needs first as you seek to recognize opportunities where you are able to help support their success journey – whether that be in products or services you can provide – or in valuable connections you may be able to make for them in the way of referrals. I have peers I met over ten years ago that I have never done business with, but… I am always mindful of sending along a new product or service I think they would enjoy or a referral of a potential client whose needs I think they can support. Over the years, their reciprocity has proven that my attention has been recognized and appreciated.
Read more on the basics of networking...
Success starts with who you know…