Networking

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A large part of many businesses (if not all) is to be able to network effectively. It is about getting to know others in all areas of business. To find new collaborations, new business and new contacts. Networking is a large part of my business and new contracts have come from various meetings. I am going to a new event this evening. And conveniently for me, it’s at my local pub : )

But getting anything out of these meetings is not always straightforward and you have to remember a few things. So the next time you go to a networking event here are a few things I have learnt.

Arrive early. The reason for this is the place is likely to be quieter, calmer and people won’t have settled into groups already chatting.  It’s easier to find other people who don’t have conversation partners yet. Breaking into a new conversation can, sometimes, be harder.

Forget the sales pitch. The purpose of networking is not about ramming your business down someone’s throat within minutes of meeting. It is about building relationships. Get a conversation started. People will want to do business with people whose company they enjoy. BUT if someone does ask you about what business you are in be ready with an easy description of your company. Before the event, create a mental list of recent accomplishments, such as a new client you’ve landed or project you’ve completed. Also, don’t just say (for example) I’m a web developer. Try to show them why you are unique. Try instead; I help small and medium sized business make the most out of their presence in the digital world. I update maintain and create bespoke websites for these companies.

Don’t forget your business cards. It is still the best way to give someone your contact details that they can take away. It also portrays a more professional image if you have a well-made, good quality card. Many people judge the quality of a business through their card so it may be worth investing a little bit more on yours.

Smile. Simple. Effective. Massively underrated in terms of importance. Don’t forget to smile. You will seem more welcoming, more approachable, more relaxed. The list of positives goes on.

Share your passion:.  You like your business right? You love it right? You have a burning passion that cannot be extinguished right? Share this. Leave a lasting story about why you started your company. Why you  enjoy what you do. How it has helped others and made a difference. Talking about what you enjoy is often contagious and  others will share their passion creating an exciting dynamic and most importantly memorable conversation.

Don’t hijack the conversation.  A  lot of people feel nervous at networking meetings and try to overcompensate by excessive talking. Try not to do this. The most successful networkers are the ones that listen, look the person in the eye, and repeat their name. In short make the other person feel special. It’s a conversation, not a talk.

Focus on the person you are talking to. Forget your own goals for a moment. Think of a way you may be able to help them. Networking is not about securing a business deal there and then it is fostering a relationship. Offering genuine help is one of the best ways to do this. It will be remembered.

Remember to follow up. Don’t just leave and forget all about the event. If you’ve had a good chat, ask the best way to stay in touch. It could be on LinkedIn, email or phone. Get in touch within 48 hours of the event to show you’re interested and available, and reference something you discussed, so your contact remembers you.

What’s your best networking tip?

 

That’s just life. Is it. Really?

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“I work for a good company. I do what they ask. They pay me a salary. That’s just life—you do work in exchange for money. I can’t complain.”

Er…yeah you can.  And you should. ‘Cause it’s not quite true.

This is the truth:

You don’t do work in exchange for money. You do work in exchange for a SMALL PERCENTAGE of the money that your role profits the company. And it is small!

If your role didn’t make the company any profit it wouldn’t exist would it? And the only way the company can give you your role is by creating a gap between the money you earn for it and what you get paid.  The difference left over is theirs to keep.

And then you go home like a good obedient dog to wait for the next small chunk of profit they deem fit to give you. Meagre earnings in terms of the profit you give to the company.

Is this really “just life”?

And in order to get that £100/£200/£300 per day what do you forgo?

·         Is it time spent with your children?

·         Is it time to pursue your favourite hobby?

·         Being able to travel?

Or maybe it is a less tangible expense. Do you give

·         Your energy?

·         Your libido?

·         Your zest for life?

Is this “just life”? Really?

Here’s an idea:

What if you could build a business around your life?

By using the power of the Internet. The passion of your interests. Doing what you want when you want. There is a world of opportunities. Trust me on this. There are now billions of people on the Internet. Each one is a potential customer.

Carpe diem people. Grab the ****** day and never look back.

Stop spending 10 hours a day wishing you were doing something else. Don’t dream.  Do it.  You’ll enjoy it.

Plus you get to keep all the profit.

But people say:

“I’m not that interesting. I should just find a job.”

NO! What are you saying? You are. Of course you can’t be appealing to everyone, that’s impossible. The key is finding the right people. To these people you are tremendously interesting. There will be many others in the world you won’t think so. But who cares about them. They don’t matter. Only the right people matter. They are the ones who will support you. And pay for your wisdom.

But how do you find the right people?

Well we are lucky to live in the age of the Internet.  Now we can effectively stand out in the crowd with a sign above our head saying this is who I am, this is what I do and this is why I’m good.  We can be who we want to be and likeminded people will be flocking to support us. The right people. It’s mind blowingly brilliant!

Gone are the days where you were too small to shout. Where you had to stand in line to be counted. To be noticed by a big company. There has been a power shift. Now anyone can start a company and market it to the world. Before you couldn’t be who you wanted to be. You had to fit their mould. Their design. You were a resource (Human resources anyone?) . Nothing more.

Not anymore.

Carpe diem people.

You have the power. Go do it.