Archive for the ‘Networking’ Category

January 17th, 2012  Posted at   Networking
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There are numerous tasks one might undertake or goals one could attempt to accomplish. For whichever reasons, some people wish to overcome shyness and network like a pro. It’s really a comparatively frequent choice. There’s very good news for those who decide on this goal. It is really not at all challenging to attain when you know just what you are doing.

The aim of this article is to make it easy for you to succeed and triumph at overcoming shyness and networking like a pro. Do you want to overcome shyness and network like a pro? Keep reading to learn the best way to do so in only three simple steps.

The 1st step is to promise yourself that you will overcome this issue no matter how uncomfortable it is. The reason that this is very important will be that you are making a firm no frills commitment with yourself to be successful at this. Tell yourself and believe that you cannot lose. Simultaneously, you’ll want to avoid any stimuli that will harmonize with you going backwards and not being brave enough to conquer your fears. Should you not accomplish this initial step correctly, then you are limiting yourself to continue with the lack of abundance of all of the new opportunities that come with meeting enough people to achieve your goals.

The 2nd step is to make a good review of your business goals and figure out the ideal people you need to meet and build relationships with in order to get where you want to be. Here you’ll want to avoid thinking in a limited manner and in addition thinking bigger than you normally would. Remember that there are no limits to what you can achieve through the proper relationships. (more…)

January 15th, 2012  Posted at   Networking
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As a new year kicks off, it is a perfect opportunity to set goals and focus on effective networking activities. The beginning of the year generates a freshness and newness which can spark any agenda. The main purpose is to stay consistent, committed and active. Show enthusiasm and establish accountability for your networking progression. Surround yourself with a supportive and proactive team or network. Evaluate, analyze and streamline a functional networking process. Step outside of your comfort zone and expand your diversity for more opportunities.

Resolutions are sometimes referred to as broken promises but this year can spark a totally new outlook. Be positive and specific about your resolutions. Be creative, open minded and flexible about the things you plan to achieve. Celebrate your small and big networking victories.

Listed below are helpful ways of developing, implementing worth while business and social advancement for networking.

The End Goal

As you set these resolutions, focus on the end result. See yourself crossing the finish line, wearing the gold metal or winning the big trophy. Imagine what your success will appear to be in the future. Answer these following questions: “What would my network look like in three to six months?”. “What type of organizations will I have a membership or affiliation with for business?”. “How will I add value and impact my sphere of influence?”. “Where will I be networking and meeting new people?”

Measurable Results

As you are creating and developing your resolutions, make sure they are scalable and measurable. Be able to track down results, evaluate problems and identify trouble spots in your networking. Consider creating a networking plan which is similar to a business plan. It identifies the reason for networking. It also displays ways of networking through professional groups, highlights the methods of networking and includes a workable budget. Be strategic and purposeful in your endeavors to support consistency and commitment. Reach out to mentors, trusted advisors for further help and guidance. (more…)

January 13th, 2012  Posted at   Networking
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For the upcoming savvy networker number one on this list might sound silly, but it is really crucial to the whole game and some people do miss it, believe it or not!

  • Show up!

What? Is it really that simple? Yes it is. If you are not there nothing can be done. Here where I live for instance, we have tons of opportunity to network in the early morning. That means you have to get out of that comfy bed and be there in time to mingle around, get the breakfast, hear the lecture, presentation, discussion, interview, whatever is on the agenda, and make sure you have the number two with you!

  • Have a business card!

Some of you might think I’m kidding with this list of mine, but oh now! This is a problem I have encountered so many times. Either people don’t have a card or anything at all, or they come with things that really are too big to be practical for the receiver. And it is the person on the other end that is important, not yourself.

When I get brochures, postcards, papers, magazines, booklets etc. I might not have a bag to put them in when I’m there, but above all they are very impractical to file when I come back to my office. If you have big things to hand over to the prospect it is ok, but do have a regular business card too.

  • Start talking to people!

This one is usually quite a challenge to the newbie. It was for me! The talking to people is what this whole game is all about. Like it or not, it is a question of practice and getting yourself out of you comfort zone. Standing in a corner looking around or just staying with someone you already know is not networking. As with every new endeavour you will make mistakes and that has to be ok. You can regard it as experiences that you can look back at later with a smile.

For now it is only about talking to people but do not, and I mean NOT pitch you opportunity! You are not there to pitch you are only there to find new contacts that you might help in the future, if you like them and they like you. (more…)