You know the most important part of networking? It’s giving something. Anything. You see if all you ever do is show up and expect to get something, that comes through to everyone. It’s transparent, and not in a good way.
However, then the question is begged, how do I have something to give? If you truly want to network, then it’s really about getting to the bottom of a couple of questions. First, for the people you network with:
Who do you really want to meet?
Who do I already know that I can introduce you to?
Do I like you enough to introduce you?
If you do a couple of thirty minute coffees or lunch you start to get a feel for people. And it’s OK if you don’t want to use them. But if you go for coffee and just chat enough for you to get the answers to those three above questions, you are well on your way.
The second part is a little harder but really in the same way is just about a couple of questions.
Have you already hired the next person in the food chain? If you talk to me, have you already hired a realtor, an attorney, a home inspector? Let me introduce you. But you have to ask!
Second, how do you build a reputation as “that guy” or gal? We all usually know one person who “knows everyone”. The goal is to make yourself into that person. Once you are, it gets really easy.
The final question is what do you need, that I know you don’t know you need! For example, if you work with startup businesses you know that at some point, they may need a banker, a bookkeeper, an accountant, a payroll provider, a website, that website designed, a communications plan to implement it etc. Especially if you have to work with that professional once they are hired, take a stake it introducing the competent professional you know. It will make your ability to serve your client that much easier.
If you keep these questions in mind, you will become a far better giver of leads and as a result of all your giving, your partners will be looking to return the favor, many times over!
