66 Tips For Better Networking- #1

Put Yourself Into The World

Many people dream about having professional contacts that will refer them business and other opportunities. They imagine walking into a local business event or industry conference and having people come up to them and greet them with a welcome smile, handshake and a pat on the back. They long to be the one who is asked to participate on important panel discussions or deliver a keynote talk on their expertise. They hope that they have mind share in the grey matter of people each and every time someone thinks about their product or service.

These people want to have a NETWORK.

Developing a network of professional contacts does not happen by accident, and it cannot happen if you hide in your office.

To begin building a powerful list of connections, you need to put yourself out into the world. You must start attending business events so that you can meet other people. Many call attending these events "networking"....but real networking goes far beyond going to cocktail parties and exchanging business cards. Real networking is in how you follow up with the people you meet and creating true bonds of friendship. Meeting people is just the first step...but a very important first step!

You have to get out of your office and be visible in your business community. Many people do not feel comfortable attending events that are full of strangers. Because of this, they unravel a plethora of excuses as to why they do not attend networking events. The reality is that they are just giving into their own fears and thus limiting their future. Opportunities come from people, and the more people who know you, the better your chances of future successes.

Get past the excuses and just put yourself out into the world. Show up and talk to people. Do not expect to make a "love connection" with everyone you meet, just open yourself up and have discussions. Building relationships takes time and mutual respect. Do not fool yourself into thinking that attending one or two events will magically make you well connected, it wont. But do not let this stop you from meeting people.

Have A Great Day.

thom
www.thomsinger.com