How to lose friends and alienate people
Networking Skill Tip |
However you feel when you go into a networking event, be positive and a delight to be with once you are there.
I was at a meeting recently where one of the people I spoke to spent some time telling me how idiotic his current and former employers were and, basically, 'letting off steam'. Rather than engaging in conversation, it turned into a diatribe. I couldn't wait to move away.
I had only just met this person. What impression do you think I formed of him and took away with me?
Over the years I have been to many events feeling tired, or down, perhaps stressed by events in my personal or business life. Once I've turned up at the event, those problems stay at the door. If I can't do that, I make my excuses and don't attend.
First impressions count, don't ruin them. Smile!
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When blood is thicker than water
Networking Strategy Tip |
One of the biggest challenges for many of us looking for referrals is how to get help from our friends and family. After all, they are the people who often want us to succeed more than anyone else, yet there is a sensitivity about discussing business with personal contacts.
As with anyone else in your network, the key is in your relationship with those people. If you have a strong relationship, people won't mind if you ask for their help. You can't, however, simply expect their help just because they are related to you or in your social circle.
Many multi level marketing companies advise their distributors to invite their friends and family along to launches and to be introduced to the 'opportunity'. I was invited to such an event by a friend when I was 18, with no introduction or expectation. I was just lectured to. I resented it.
If he had simply asked for my help first, it would have been so much better.
Understand how strong your relationship is with each individual. Then involve them and ask for their help in the appropriate way.
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What are you up to?
Online Social Networking Tip
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Social networks offer you a very simple tool to build your credibility with your network and help others understand exactly what you do.
Many sites, including LinkedIn, ecademy and Facebook offer you the opportunity to update your status. One site, Twitter, is based purely around this.
Keep updating your status with interesting things you are up to. Help others understand what your work involves and how you help others. Use status updates to give people a deeper knowledge of your business and the types of people you work with.
Or, of course, you could simply let people know that you're going to make a cup of tea!
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Breaking down silos
yourBusinessChannel.com Video Tip |
Networking isn't just 'outward facing' but it is also important to use it within your organisation.
In this video from yourBusinessChannel.com, I explain how internal networking can be used to break down silos and getting people within companies to work together.
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'...and Death Came .... FREE!'
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For a short time only, we have a very special deal for you! We have just thirty copies of the Amazon Number Two book '...and Death Came Third! The Definitive Guide to Networking and Speaking in Public' left. Normally priced at �14.95 (and currently fetching �42 on Amazon!), these copies are available for free for the next thirty people who purchase my new double CD set, Networking in Ninety Minutes. This CD set will give you simple tips to put effective strategies into place.
You can order the CD set here. Once you have completed your order, please send an email with the subject line 'Book Offer' to harvey@lopata.co.uk and we will include a copy of the book in with your CD set.
If you order the MP3 version of Networking in Ninety Minutes, please include an address in your email for us to send the book to.
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| Andy recommends... |
 The sheer weight of newsletters coming through our email inboxes, coupled with the small matter of running our businesses, mean that many of us struggle to read most of the very useful information that comes our way. (Thank you for reading this far by the way!) That makes short, sharp emails with practical tips even more useful. One of my favourites comes from small business marketing expert Jon Dean. Jon sends topical bite sized advice on a regular basis. His tips take seconds to read and always contain something of use. As an example of his work, I particularly liked this tip that came into my inbox yesterday. I only wish I'd thought of it first, as it mirrors one of the most frequent pieces of advice I give people! Communication Annihilation During Demonstration |
Collaborate rather than compete
The National Networker |
Some people may be surprised how I have featured other networking experts and speakers in my 'Andy Recommends....' slot in previous newsletters.
This comes from an 'Abundance Mentality' that there are plenty of opportunities for all of us and I prefer to work with and support my colleagues and associates rather simply try to compete.
In the latest extract from The National Networker, BNI founder Ivan Misner talks about this abundance mentality and how important it is to take an open view of networking and the possibilities it offers.
In the article, Ivan, who has been kind enough to recommend and refer me in the past, says "you can be genuinely helpful to each other and still be competitors". It is an approach that I fully endorse and try to practice.
You can read the article here.
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| Just for Fun |
OK, I promise not to keep populating this piece with talented birds, but if you haven't met Einstein before, I thought it would be best to introduce you for a conversation....
Einstein the Bird Brain
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I hope you've enjoyed the newsletter and look forward to your feedback.
If you're serious about developing a networking and referrals strategy that can take your business to a new level, you can contact me on:
Tel: 07930 417833
Skype: andylopata
I look forward to hearing from you.
Andy |
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| Welcome to 'Connecting is not Enough' |
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A day after protests against big business took over the City of London, perhaps it is a good time to reflect on what type of society we want and the approach to business that will see as many of us as possible coming out of the current economic crisis still in a strong position.
The problems in the economy over the last year have forced many people to question the way we manage our economies and how business decisions are made. Yet television programmes such as The Apprentice continue to preach the importance of a 'dog-eat-dog' approach and the strongest will survive attitude.
In my opinion, the opposite is true if we are to evolve. Networking really must come to the fore. By that I mean businesses working together, supporting each other and exchanging ideas, expertise and experiences, as well as contacts.
If this crisis has shown us one thing, it has demonstrated that we are reliant on each other and our success or failure is not isolated from similar experiences faced by others.
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If you like what you read, please feel free to forward it and invite others to subscribe.
Happy Networking!
Andy
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| Connecting...Live! |
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6th April
Academy for Chief Executives.
Chairmen Development Session.
Leveraging the Power of your Network
Private event
20th April
The Association for Conferences and Events(ACE)
The Importance of Networking in the Conference and Event Industry
Caledonian Club, 9 Halkin Street, Belgravia, London SW1X 7DR
Contact me if you are in the events industry and would like to attend
25th April
Minority Lawyers Conference
'Your Network is your Net Worth'
The Law Society, London
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