networking

Networking

/ Cat Harvey / 2 Comments

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I attended an event at the local chamber of commerce today.  It was about networking and it made me think of the importance of good old face to face meetings… remember them?

I know that we’re supposed to use all this technology we have at hand, and I have to admit that it’s great. Social media, blogging, websites, webinars… all good stuff.  But, there’s a lot to be said for getting to know someone’s handshake.  It’s kinda cool to see their facial expressions.  To laugh together at something funny, as opposed to typing “lol”, or my favorite “Hahaha”.

So, there is a ton of information out there about networking.  The presentation I went to today was very informative and enjoyable.  I was, of course, networking at the networking presentation.  lol

Years ago, I was reading about networking, and I loved this piece of advice.  Don’t network by talking about yourself.  Network by listening and asking questions.  The premise is… If you’re interested in other people, they will find you interesting.  That is, ask them about their business.  Follow up with a question about what they just told you, or a general business question.

I’ve found this to be true, for the most part.  Of course, you want to answer questions, but focus on listening.  Yes, your elevator speech is important.  But not as important as using your active listening skills when they are giving you their elevator speech.  After all, you already know about yourself.

Something I picked up today that I thought was great.  When you’re at a networking event, you might be feeling weird about talking to people you don’t know. Notice the person that’s off to the side, feeling awkward like you, and talk to them.  You’ll both feel relieved, and you won’t have to worry about interrupting a conversation.

Think of ways to be a matchmaker with people who you meet. Introduce them to each other.  Consider strategic pairings… power partners.  Once you’ve met people who can complement each other’s businesses, put them in touch.

How do you feel about networking in person?  Is it a thing of the past, or does it still have value in today’s business environment?

-Cat

Making A Difference – Going Viral

/ Cat Harvey / Leave a comment

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I was going to use the starfish story to make my point here, but I think that’s been overdone. Instead, I’ll go with the marketing of Faberge Organics shampoo.  These commercials ran in the eighties, so the story might be new to some of you.

The premise is that you’ll use this shampoo.  Then you’ll tell two friends.  And then they’ll tell two friends.  Who will tell two friends.  And so on, and so on…

This is a perfect example of viral marketing, although it didn’t have a flashy name in the eighties.  Let’s apply it to making a difference and impacting your circle of influence.  Oh, you didn’t know you had a circle of influence?  You do.  It’s made up of the guy that gets your coffee in the morning, the guy pumping gas next to you at the gas station, and the lady at the bank.  It includes your boss, coworkers, and customers.  It even encompasses your family, your friends, and your neighbors.  You get the idea. When you tally all this up exponentially, you’re a pretty big deal!

So, starting every day with a clean slate, you make a choice with each of these interactions.  You decide whether to make a human connection.  You can smile and say “good morning”, or you can avoid eye contact. You can approach with a pleasant attitude, and recognize that everyone needs encouragement.  Perhaps you’d rather go around with a chip on your shoulder.  It could be that you feel stressed and rushed, and you can’t be bothered.  Maybe you are shy, or maybe even snobby.  Or, you might think it’s better to stick to yourself and mind your own business.

It’s definitely safer to stay in your shell and avoid the world.  There’s not much risk in that.  Neither is there any reward.  Make yourself unapproachable, and there’s a pretty good chance you won’t be approached. But, you’re not cashing in… remember, you’re a big deal.

Here’s my strategy:  Let people know who you are, and that it matters to you whether they have a good day.  Say hello, and offer your warmth.  Exert your superpower and unleash your sunshine on everyone that you meet.  Some people will roll their eyes.  Some people will look away.  But, most people will respond in kind.

Back to the shampoo commercial.  These people will use their influence, which has been lifted by you, with the people that they meet in the course of their day.  And so on… You get the picture.  Instead of going viral with videos of silly stuff, let’s be serious about being joyful and spreading that joy.  Take it to the next level!

Who wins in this scenario?  Everyone that responds to you, and everyone that they pass it on to.  Do you know who benefits the most from this?  It’s you!

See what you can do tomorrow!

-Cat