There are more groups to encourage networking every day. New social networks pop up. New face to face groups emerge. Opportunities are everywhere but how do you know if they're a good investment of your time? Here are three ways you can tell if you should settle in.
1. Feel - What kind of reaction do you get when you enter the room or a discussion as a stranger? If it's friendly and welcoming, you're off to a good start. If you ask a "newbie" question do you get a helpful response? When you enter into a discussion, are you assailed by a sales pitch from every person or do they listen to your answer when they ask what you do and show interest? When you suggest a "coffee" or a phone call do they get out their calendar and set a date? If it's not your first meeting, how are you greeted by the people you met the last time? You can tell if you feel at home or not. If you do, settle in.
2. Communication - You've worked hard to craft your elevator pitch, your profile, your introduction to a group. You've made it clear and concise. You've made every effort to be sure that you communicate your value consistently. Are you getting that deer in the headlights look or are people responding to your words with understanding? Are they showing that they see a connection between what you do and what they do or what someone else in the group does? Do they make an effort to introduce you to a good connection right away? Do you know a good connection for them? If it's working, settle in.
3. Reciprocity - You've been in the group for a while and made every effort to give leads to the other members, to make useful introductions, and to offer suggestions. If you're getting leads, being introduced, receiving suggestions it doesn't matter if it's from the same people you offered that help to. What matters is that the group takes the success of every member seriously and makes an effort to be sure they are supporting every member. If you can see the give and take happening, settle in.
Conclusion: Networking works best with relevant, clear, concise communication of your value and mutual support. If you can see it happening where you're connecting now, keep providing the help you can and reaping the benefits of a solid team and good business associates.
Got drama in your workplace? Drama comes from confusion and resulting dissatisfaction. Put a solid, structured business system and clear, concise communication in place and end the drama.
Joy Montgomery converts business requirements to system specifications, presentations, and documents in a way that strengthens teams - a friendly way. She puts you in a position to succeed with consistently satisfied customers and employees.
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