Networking can sound kinda fun if you think of it as socializing. Yeah baybeee.
In actuality, just building those interpersonal relationships will automatically lead to a stronger business for you and increased sales.
Think about it. You may not have been in the market for a new marketing plan when you met Amber and learned that she operates a full-service PR and Marketing firm. But a year later, when you were considering some dabbling into advertising, you felt comfortable calling her for an opinion. A month later you hired her.
That’s the power that a seed plants when networking. Watch the video to see more tricks of networking for greater strategic alliances!
At Skirt Strategies we focus on a different leadership goal each month, providing a training tip via video and weekly training assignments for subscribed members.
PODCAST TRANSCRIPTION
Katie: Hi everyone! It’s Skirt Strategies monthly leadership tip.
Carol: I’m Carol.
Katie: And I’m Katie. And this is the video training.
Carol: That is. And this month, we are talking about Networking.
Katie: Networking – different topic every month that’s perfect for you women that are in positions of influence – whether it’s a manager or not, you are a leader.
Carol: You are a leader. And as a leader, you need to network.
No matter what you do or what your position, you’ve got to get out there and meet other people in some form or another.
So learn how to network. It’s really quite fun. And I’ve got to tell you…
Katie: Sounds like a social thing. So I think we’d be good at it.
Carol: Well, and you’ll do it better than I do – as far as being an extrovert.
But I’m going to tell all of you introvert’s – how to network and really enjoy yourself in a room full of people.
Katie: Confession.
Carol: Yikes!
Katie: Room full of people that I don’t know – I’m not always the outgoing one.
Sometimes, I’m just not in the mood to meet the stupid people that are in the room. That’s kind of what’s going through my mind – is the effort.
Carol: Right, right.
Katie: So how do we get over that?
Carol: We’ll work on that.
I’ve got to tell you – this all comes from the master of business happiness. His name is Walt. And at businesshappiness.com, you can get his whole audio and video – everything that he has…
Katie: And it’s awesome.
Carol: It is awesome. So let’s get right into this. So what is networking and what is it not?
Katie: What it is and what it ain’t.
Carol: Networking is building relationships.
Stop thinking about it as a place to get a sale or a way to get a sale because that’s… ultimately you’ll get the sale because you’ve built a relationship.
It’s more about getting out there and meeting people and telling them what you do. More importantly – asking them what they do so that you’re relating.
Katie: You relate to that – which is the word in relationship. Did you ever notice that?
Carol: Yes.
Katie: When I was teaching for Wilson Learning Incorporation several years ago – the council sales person – how to do selling through being a supportive consultant or a counselor rather than vendor – just kind of pushing something.
Carol: Right.
Katie: Because at some level, many of us have ideas we’re selling or products we’re selling or we want them on our hit list of some sort.
You’re right. When you look at it that way, it becomes more of a vendor type relationship.
Carol: Right. You’re just always about the sale. You’re always about everything.
Katie: Right.
Carol: Having to do with – “How am I going to get them to buy my thing?”
Katie: Right.
Carol: That’s not what it is. Think of it more as – “How am I going to get all of these people in this room to be my friend?”
And once you get them to be your friend, believe me – they’re going to buy from you.
Katie: That’s a good way of looking at it.
Carol: So what about being an introvert? Yikes! I’m a bit of an introvert – when it comes to…
Katie: Sorry to interrupt.
Carol: Go ahead.
Katie: I would say – many people would think you can’t be a good relationship builder as an introvert.
Carol: Yes. And as a matter of fact…
Katie: Debunk that.
Carol: Let’s debunk that myth.
Because as an introvert or somebody who’s shyer in a room full of people – you probably have great listening skills.
That’s what it takes to build relationships – asking people about themselves.
So think of it this way – “I’m in a room full of people that I can find all about everybody else.”
So I’m asking them questions that bring out their personality, their interest, everything else.
Katie: Yeah. They get to talk about themselves.
Carol: And if I have to sell them something, I’m only thinking about myself. Now I’m thinking about – “How do I get them to talk about them?”
So you’re listening, you’re asking powerful questions…
Katie: You’re being genuine.
Carol: And taking time with them, having presence with them is a huge part of networking.
So in a room full of people – “What do I do? Oh my God!” And what goes into this on businesshappiness.com.
But women – one thing I’m going to say – is figure out your handshake, figure it out now.
Katie: No wimpy handshake. This is the dead fish.
Carol: Well, this is the – kiss my ring. “Get down. Kiss my ring.”
No. I want your hand in there. I want you shaking with me. I want to feel like you’re confident about yourself.
And that’s one of the ways to do it. And women, please don’t ignore this. It’s important.
Katie: Don’t be mousy. I love all this! I have an idea.
Carol: You do?
Katie: I think we should share with them what Walt has in his site that they can pick up for free – based on us being there collaborative.
Carol: Oh, sure! Yes.
Katie: So why don’t we share that link on the website here?
We’ll share it on the video as well. And we invite all of you to go to businesshappiness.com to find out more about his audio – his downloadable audio, downloadable video. Both of those are depending on how you like to learn.
Carol: Right.
Katie: And they’re free. They’re comprehensive and they’re free.
Carol: Yes. It’s over an hour’s worth of – “How do you do this networking thing?”
And we’ll go into it too – on a detox this month.
Katie: For those of you that are subscribed members – you’ll get a little more.
Carol: Right. But what you really do need to know is that his audio is just fabulous.
Katie: It’s great. He’s very, very good at it.
Carol: So when you get into a room full of people – you shake their hand, you introduce yourself and you start asking questions about themselves about – “What do you do? How do you do that?”
Katie: Then you start telling the off collar jokes.
Carol: No. You don’t start telling off collar jokes – until you really get to know them.
Katie: You start clogging. You do whatever your talent is.
Carol: I want to hurry, Katie.
Katie: Okay. Go.
Carol: Alright – because I don’t want the video to be too long.
Katie: Well, how much more do you have?
Carol: Well, the last part about networking is follow up. So you’re not going to make that sale right there in the room, but you will make a sale eventually.
So just be sure and get a business card. And by the way – getting a business card is a nice way to wrap up a meeting or a conversation.
“Can I have your business card? Because I really like to get in touch with you and I’d like to know more about what you do.”
So you get their business card. And as you’re walking away – when they can’t see you, you write something down on the business card that reminds you of that meeting.
Katie: Like the guy with the…
Carol: That’s right. And then, you send them a thank you note.
So your system of networking – includes meeting people, keeping track of them and writing them “Thank you” notes or “Great to meet you. Just wanted to give you my contact information. Here it is.”
An email is okay but a written note will go much further. And then, if you want to call and setup an appointment with them.
So that’s networking in a nutshell.
Katie: And so much of that – we have in doable pieces and assignments and self-assessments and challenges for those of you that are on the monthly subscription. That’s our $8 a month – you’ll get Monday morning detox.
So every Monday, we’ll give a small assignment that gets you into this just a little bit further. So we’re forcing you to learn it without it being painful.
Carol: Ouch! No, it didn’t hurt.
Katie: It’s not painful – it’s fun. We like our Monday morning detox.
Carol: So that’s networking in a nutshell.
Katie: Thanks so much for that and we hope you stick with us – because we’ve got more and more and more.
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