Looking to nullify the effect of the inevitable “Hunter” present in your Network Forum?
Here are just a few more tips from our series of …
How to combat the sales-hungry ‘Matt Le-Fatt’ type…
As in earlier post, Matt Le-Fatt is our fictitious ever-present shark-hunter type. A not unusual species and often seen circulating even the best of Network Forum, our shark Le-Fatt is ever-present in the kitchens, waiting for the uninitiated to arrive.
Therefore …
1. Best you arrive EARLY for business besides, nothing gets people talking better than the early bird arrival. The right impression is made with visitors curious what the buzz is about – you all cannot be here simply for more business, right? The visitor will soon be ever so grateful for your support.
2. Volunteer to HELP. As above, why not make a point of arriving in good time to help – and ask if your colleagues need help, don’t just assume it is not required. Also, Hunters don’t like others arriving too early – as it spoils their own sales pitch …
3. Be happy, smile. Another antidote to certain Hunter-types. You are more appealing when you smile – and in stark contrast to the Hunter-cook who, in fear of missing out cannot help the but send out expletives emanating from the kitchens as another sausage goes up in flames … don’t forget we are protecting our visitor here …
4. Listen to your visitor. Don’t be tempted to do a Matt Le-Fatt and over sell just as the niceties of introduction have cooled. No-one likes to be sold to – especially over breakfast.
5. Relax, and be yourself … People buy from people – remember?
6. Book a One to One … Try and educate your visitor on the above psychology before the Hunter Le-Fatt reach them. You cannot possibly know all about your new network partner during open networking – if you think you do, you will start sending out all the wrong ‘Hunter’ messages. Book a One to One asap.
7. Support each other …Inevitably the visitor is going to be cornered by the lone shark at some stage – Matt Le-Fatt is renowned for it and has all the moves. So by offering your support to the visitor, mentoring and removing the threat of the Hunter you shall greatly enhance your position of confidant and ‘go to’ person, which can only be a good thing, right?
8. Most importantly, during networking (or any time,) if you say you are going to do something – always do so. Nothing destroys the opportunity for future referral more than neglecting the follow-up.
9. Ask for help. We are all good at offering our support although many misunderstand the power of the need for assistance. People like to help because it offers a clear path to the relationship. So ask if you need help, better relationships are part of the reason MOST of us are in business for
10. And finally, if you cannot seem to get a word in conversation because of the ever-present Matt Le-Fatt Hunter …
You will realise only then, that you forgot to shut that kitchen door!
More to follow …
CharlieKenny.me 