Making THE Connection – Ideas and Strategies
Effective connectors are eager to give away their resources, expertise, contacts information, phone numbers, and ideas. Think about YOUR contacts and areas of expertise and be willing to share their value with others.
What you know is important. People are always looking for insight to grow personally and professionally.
Networking is NOT an event….It IS a process which takes time to develop. Networking isn’t appearing; it’s interacting. Connections are built through conversations and exchanges of information.. Pour your energy into creating valuable relationships. Show Up and be remembered. Why bother to participate for any other reason?
BE PREPARED.. It’s the Great Connector’s Motto
- Enthusiasm – tell contacts an experience/idea you are excited about!
- Discoveries – share news that can help someone else
- Resources – read a new book that you’d recommend?
- Expertise – offer help when you can provide a solution
- Referrals/Leads – “I know someone that needs your service/to meet you.”
- Reviews – give your opinion
- Ideas – Share similar experiences that can offer a new approach
- Trends – “Were you aware that….?”
- Support – Ask permission to offer help
- Shortcuts/Tips – experiences that can make life easier for someone else
- New Products/Services – Tell about a new business/service you found
Great greetings will grow into great connections..
Practice an innovative way to introduce yourself
“What is the best thing that happened to you today?”
I love your “tie”, “pin”, “hairstyle”, care to share where you purchased it?
“What do you love most about what you do?”
“In a perfect world, what would you be doing?”
“What do you do for fun?”
“Hi, how are you?”“Not bad. How are you?”“Not bad. What’s new?”“Not much. Been really busy.”“Me, too. We’ll have to get together sometime.”“Good idea. Give me a call.”“I’ll do that. See you later.”
Follow Up Ideas!
- Don’t wait. Don’t hesitate. Do Initiate!!
- Write notes on the back of EVERY business card you get IF intend to follow up/call/connect/give to this person.
- Invite a visit to your office/place of work where appropriate
- Put out a newsletter
- Invite for breakfast, lunch, etc to continue your connection
- Send a note, postcard, email to stay in touch
- Invite to another event, conference, seminar…to show interest in both advancing their network and experiencing something meaningful together
- Get feedback. Ask for advice on a plan you have, an effective way to do something, etc. Effective connectors are honored by someone asking for their opinion or expertise. It’s showing them you have confidence and trust in their judgment.
- Offer to bring someone somewhere, to save a seat, make the arrangements
- Do something unexpected
- Offer to speak where you can offer expertise, provide handouts, volunteer
- Be an initiator….don’t wait to be invited. Initiators ARE remembered, especially when they make someone else feel important, included, validated, comfortable.
