So why is it that, according to George and since the early 20th Century we’ve understood that the truth is rarely represented via the media … simple really, we like the gossip don’t we? Some cannot live without a bit of scandal.
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Over the last few decades, networking has devolved into an endless series of cattle-call events full of barn-style open bars, coffee meets and the inevitable tub-thumping.
Perfect strangers, after a long day at the office, agree to show up and bump into each other, randomly exchanging business pitches for business cards.
Needless to say, traditional networking is not working anymore. For successful 21st century business people, large networking events and the mountains of business cards they produce have become a waste of time and valuable resources. It’s time to re-evaluate why people buy people.
So let me ask you … are you Networking or Netconnecting?
Networking will feed you today. And for some of us, this is why we ‘do’ networking. We know this, but connecting … really connecting and playing the longer game, understanding that properly developed relations is what makes for some amazing and sustainable opportunities that stretch far deeper than simply the one-off business opportunity.
So let me ask you … are you Networking for today or Netconnecting?
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I’ve woken up to find that I don’t know everything! Honest, I know this may come as a little bit of a shock, but hey – I am, after all only trying to help !?
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Expectations are high each and every time we attend our networking Forum – at least they should be, after all, it’s all about the business …
BUT … are we good for business?
The key elements to your success are very simple:
- Your presence
- Your engagement
- And the message you give out
We all know we need to take our ‘shop window’ to the prospect if the prospect is not visiting the business. Your presence at Weeklybiz Forum offers just that, a regular connection with potential customers who have regular connections of their own.
We also understand that it is not enough to simply ‘turn up’ at your network forum –we need to participate. Participate by telling others about ourselves and what we offer so that they can, in turn, might tell their contacts about us.
This is where the message you give out is important.
Are you enthusiastic about your business – are you contagious? Think about your attitude, is it a positive message, or are you sending out negative vibes??
Do you know exactly what is right for your business?
Because, if YOU don’t know, you should not expect your colleagues or their contacts (the next best customer) to help you find it.
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In every networking ‘group’ there will always be one or two examples of how NOT to encourage business.
Today, GO! Publicity.me brings you the Weeklybiz interpretation of just one or two(!) classic scenarios and how to avoid them …
Episode One. Leave the hunter behind … starring Matt Le-Fatt
Let’s imagine that 9-5pm our Matt Le-Fatt is a hard working snack-truck cook sweating over the hot plate of sausage and egg while dreaming over an easier way of attracting business …
One fine day the door of opportunity opens when an invitation arrives to attend the local structured networking event – ideal for Le-Fatt it seems as the event starts before ‘time on the job’ and offers exclusive time extolling his virtues to a virtually locked in audience … he enthusiastically decides to ‘chance his charms’ at networking.
‘instant business before the business day starts – great!’
Now we don’t have to try too hard to understand that it is not solely the symptom of someone like our fictional Matt Le-Fatt and the catering industry … hunting for business is widespread and in some instances encouraged although – and especially in recent ‘since the dip’ times the affliction of hunting for business has reached rash(er) proportions.
So, how do we dissuade similar hunter-characters from ruining your own circle of business cultivator connections?
Take the time to talk and educate, let them know that by hunting for quick business they actively subdue the growth that others in the network are working long term to cultivate.
Over time you will soon recognise the symptoms of the uneducated Hunter mentality as they visit your particular group … although beware if they don’t listen to words of encouragement and wisdom … shut that door!
More next week!
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An introduction to GO! Publicity.me
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I’m there on the horizon somewhere!
CharlieKenny.me 