Networking in the New Year

Start 2011 off right by renewing relationships and making new ones at our speed networking event on January 19. We’ve got a solid 90 minutes of pure networking and connecting lined up. To see more details and register, click here.

Now that you’re signed up, it’s time to decide how you’re going to approach this event. Today, we’ve got tips from Renee Trudeau and Steve Harper on how to approach networking events like this one.

Renee Trudeau

Think long term. The art of networking is about building long-term relationships, not looking for quick job or business leads. Remember this and practice reciprocity and diplomacy in all interactions.
 
Be focused. Prior to a networking event, consider setting an “intention” for what you want to receive from your networking experience. Connections/partnerships? New clients? Resources/ideas for a new project? Support from others who share similar values or goals? New friendships? It’s easy to leave a networking event feeling deflated and wondering if it was a waste of time. Be intentional and focused; take a few minutes to get clear on why you’re going to an event before diving in. Make sure you’re ready to clearly and succinctly share “who you are and what you do.”
 
Practice generosity. Think “how can I help others?” and show genuine interest in those you are meeting. Don’t focus solely on how others can help you, but on how you can add value and offer resources and contacts to those you meet. I’m a firm believer that the more you give, the more you receive.  This practice has had a huge impact on the success of my two businesses.
 
Be authentic. Be sincere, be yourself. People can tell when you’re not! And, in an age of information overload, 24/7 online communication and Facebook, people can get turned off really easily if you’re coming across as inauthentic or self-serving.  Pause before you post and be mindful about how you’re coming across to others.
 

Steve Harper

Pick any book on networking and you are sure to hear you must have a great elevator speech.  You know that quippy little introduction of yourself designed to creatively communicate what you do for a living, what company you work for and why someone should care.  The problem is people rarely do care.  That cutesy little message you’ve spent hours crafting, honing and practicing doesn’t make you any more memorable, it just makes you look like all the other networkers out there.

Here’s the deal, people you meet at networking events already have their filters up and are looking for any way they can categorize or pre-judge you.  Some hokey introduction you come up with does nothing to set you apart from the rest of the crowd.  And it certainly does not give someone a glimpse of why they should want to get to know you which, in my humble opinion, begins and ends with you anyway.

Leave the elevator speech at home and try humanizing the process of connection.  Let a little bit of yourself come out and be seen by being personable and friendly before clouding up the landscape with the particulars of your profession.  Don’t worry, the business conversation will eventually come up.  By then, those you’ve met will be impressed you are so much different than the other people they’re accustomed to meeting at a networking event they will want to get to know and do business with you.

Renee Trudeau is a career/life balance coach and president of Career Strategists. She has been an AWC Austin member since 1988 and credits AWC for having a huge impact on her ability to effectively build relationships. To receive career/life management tips, access free resources or learn about upcoming events/retreats, visit www.ReneeTrudeau.com

Steve Harper is a professional speaker and author of The Ripple Effect: Maximizing the Power of Relationships For Your Life and Business.  More about Steve can be found at www.ripplecentral.com