Networkers have a plan and are aware
Define specific goals for your networking activities – where are you going to your career and/or business and who do you want or need to build relationships with to achieve your goals? Then research and plan to participate actively in the groups, associations or meetings where you are most likely to meet your desired contacts. Who do you want to meet and build relationships with to facilitate achievement of your goals?
Networkers have a helpful attitude
Work on developing an attitude of contribution, service, possibility and opportunity. Look for ways to be of service and contribute. What can you do to be more helpful?.
Networkers hone their communication skills
It is primarily through conversational communication that you connect with others, learn about one another and share information. You generate respect and dignity when you communicate in an assertive style. Assertive communication requires that you speak in a way that honours your own needs while at the same time you respect the rights and needs of others. What can you do to become a better, more assertive communicator?
Networkers develop relationship-building habits
Considerate, respectful and caring behaviour builds strong relationships. These behaviours practised on a consistent and regular basis become the relationship-building habits that guarantee a long-lasting, fulfilling network. What can you do to build more and stronger relationships?
Networkers are always thinking about the first impression they are making
Malcolm Gladwell said that his N.Y. Times #1 bestselling book, Blink, is about the first two seconds of contact with others; a time when first impressions are made and people make accurate decisions about you. He says that we need to take charge of the first two seconds to control our first impressions. They are what make you stand apart from others and get you remembered first. There is no way you can sell your product this quickly. The first thing you’re selling and the first thing people are buying is you. If they don’t like you, they’ll buy from someone else.
What is the first impression you want to make to your potential clients or colleagues?
Networkers are persistent
Current research has found that people have to see you, see your name, or hear your name 6-10 times before they trust you enough to buy from you. And 71% of the purchasing decision is based on trust between the prospect and the customer. The same research found that 92% of salespeople stop calling on prospects after only three contacts, yet 70% of customers won’t even make an appointment or buy from you until after five contacts. If there is a magic number you feel you must stop at, make it five. How can you stay committed to your networking plan?