December 10, 2010 ( PowerHomeBiz.com )
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Most professionals know they must network in order to achieve long-term
business success. I remember as far back as high school being told by my
guidance counselor that I needed to "meet a lot of people and build a
network." That was great advice back then and even better advice today.
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It's critically important to participate in the public
arena and interact with the people who could become your
clients, provide you with valuable information or help you
further your causes and beliefs.
While they understand the importance of networking, many professionals do
a lousy job of it. It's easy to show up at an event, grab a drink, eat some
free hors d'oeuvres, say "hi" to a couple people, then go home and pat
yourself on the back for being involved in the community.
Unfortunately, that's not networking. It's merely socializing.
There's nothing wrong with socializing. In fact, it's generally a good
thing, but it's not efficient. In order to convert socializing into
networking, you need to have a three-tiered goal planted in your mind before
you even enter the venue where networking will take place.
I call it "goal-based networking," and here's how it works:
Goal #1 "I will get a direct opportunity" This could be a new client, an
invitation to join a prestigious organization, a job offer, a promise to
donate money to your pet cause. While Goal #1 is ideal, it unfortunately
doesn't happen at most networking events.
Goal #2 "I will get a solid lead on a direct opportunity" This is almost
as good as the first goal, because it moves you closer to what you really
want. Goal #2 should happen at the vast majority of networking events you
attend. If it doesn't, you're not meeting enough people or not asking the
right questions.
Goal #3 "I will meet new people and learn valuable information" This is
the bare-bones minimum goal that you should achieve at every single
networking event you attend.
Make a commitment to network more and remember to think about these three
goals before walking into your next networking event. Setting these goals
consistently over a long period of time will maximize the return from your
investments in networking. That means you increase your public profile,
connect with the right people and become that person who always seems to
know about business happenings long before your colleagues do.
Jeff Beals is an award-winning author, who helps professionals do more
business and have a greater impact on the world through effective sales,
marketing and personal branding techniques. As a professional speaker, he
delivers energetic and humorous keynote speeches and workshops to audiences
worldwide. You can learn more and follow his "Business Motivation Blog" at
www.JeffBeals.com .
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