Old Networking is New Again
Networking clubs and events serve their purpose, but many entrepreneurs are finding that more meaningful, lasting connections are made in other situations. Networking clubs work well when you are first starting out - they are ways you can get to know lots of people at once and make many connections beyond just those people in the room at the time. But if you’re looking for something new and different, try looking in new and different places.
You can network anywhere and everywhere. The key is to talk to the people around you in a pleasant way from the outset of the chance encounter. Greet people with a smile and a friendly “hello,” then ask them something about themselves if they return the greeting. People love talking about themselves, and it’s a topic that everyone knows about deeply. Start with something on the surface that isn’t too personal - perhaps ask what brings them to the coffee shop, if the brand of soup in their cart is better than yours, if their car gets good gas mileage. Make a personal connection first and then work toward business to see if you can make a connection. Many times even if you don’t make a direct link, they may know someone who would be a benefit to have in your circle.
You can network anywhere: at the gym, out shopping, walking your dog, sharing a train or plane, or learning a new skill or hobby. It’s always a good idea to try new things - whether it’s a class at the local college or art studio, or the chance to sky dive or river raft. The more things you are willing to try, the more new people you will meet. And the more people you meet, the more likely you are to make a great business connection. Make it a personal goal of yours to meet one new person each week (and no, you can’t meet 52 people in one class and be done for the year).
Online networking is good and can help you make connections, especially if you are really uncomfortable around new people, but there is a level of personal connection that is lacking with online chatting. You can’t see the person’s facial expressions, can’t have a lively conversation over IM, and really can’t know for sure that the person on the other end is really who they say they are. Plus there is the question of true compatibility, a chemistry that you can only know when you meet someone in person. Online networking is great for finding a printer, recommending a realtor, or starting a relationship, but for the connection to be meaningful, it should move to face-to-face contact quickly.
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