“You Had Me From Hello”-Work your Network!!
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By now everyone knows that networking is the core of any entrepreneurial venture; Networking is marketing and marketing is key in promoting yourself, a service or product. Image and reputation (-thanks David Mullings) play powerful roles in the success (or lack) of any business. What is often forgotten is the fact that we don’t need to attend ‘networking’ functions and conferences to do so. We can interact and market in our day to day goings-on. The gym, the gas station, the bank, the supermarket, a child’s party are great untapped sources of contacts, customers, consumers and patrons.
I have always been a socialista; as a child I somehow knew the power of having certain contacts. I remember tugging at my dad’s shirt compelling him to introduce me to any police officer I saw anywhere…for some reason I believed I would need to have them as close friends (hmm..What was I thinking I would need them for??). It was the same for just about any professional, as I walked with a ‘contacts notebook’ to jot numbers…was so cute…I was like 10!
But this weekend, after reading “How to Work a Room” by Susan RoAne, I decided to go steps further with my networking. As a guest at a sweet 16 for the daughter of a friend of a friend - my friend’s grandparents could no longer attend, so my husband and I were the replacements. We were 2 of 4 black persons in a mostly Jewish circle and I thought to myself “self….let’s put our reading into practice!”
I took my friend’s mom’s hand and we took over the dance floor. Soon my husband joined in and we got others involved too. People were rooting for us and asking us to show them our dance moves etc; complimenting my husband and myself on what a great couple we seem to be…
I saw a couple on the dance floor make their way to the bar (open bar yipeeee) I followed so as to strike up a conversation. We chatted for a bit about their 28 year marriage, their kids, exchanged introductions and bingo…I left my mark. Similarly, I greeted the hosts (the parents) and commended them on an awesome event during the party and on our departure. I circled the room and shook hands with the people at most tables and met other professionals present at the event.
Yesterday I got a call from my friend who invited us informing me that we were the talk of the party and “everyone is still talking” about the awesome couple. There is now an open invitation to any event the family is hosting!
The point is…even those of us who think we have the keenest networking skills…with a CONSCIOUS effort to do more, we can make marketing magic! I did not market my upcoming online magazine, YaadNoyz Magazine, since it is still in the works, but I laid a foundation to chat business in the future.
Make eye contact today with someone and spark up a conversation..watch it work magic for your business life or even your personal life! Tomorrow I will discuss a few of my “conversation-starter-uppers”. Talk about the weather, the gas price, the color of her dress…be honest and confident and leave your mark.
You can have them at hello!!!
15. August 2008 at 9:22 am :
Paula,
What fun you had and helped others have! Sounds like you made the party. So many people think of networking as a business skill. But the essence of the term is really a way of living our life where we extend ourselves to others as you did taking your friend’s Mom’s hand and moving to the dance floor.
Thank you for buying my book and for “getting” the concept: extend ourselves, greet and connect with people, make others comfortable with us and Have FUN!
15. August 2008 at 10:33 am :
Wow! Susan RoAne… I am honored to have you reply to my blog. You have written an awesome book with great tips I have applied to my everyday life.
Keep doing your wonderful work!
17. August 2008 at 5:38 pm :
This is a wonderful post — it made me really think about the times I wasn’t thinking about connecting and missed some good opportunities.
I have loved Facebook for the ability it’s given me to expand my network.
17. August 2008 at 11:45 pm :
Thank you Francis! Facebook and the other social networking sites have certainly unified the globe; Bringing us closer in touch with old friends and new prospects in a way we never thought possible years back.
20. August 2008 at 3:28 pm :
[...] my blog post, “You Had Me From Hello”-Work your Network!! , I related a story about using RoAne’s tips from the book to create a positive lasting [...]
20. August 2008 at 4:09 pm :
Hey Paula,
I loved this post! It’s true that most times we think about networking as a tedious task and that we can only do so in a structured “auditorium “ but one of the best places could be at the gas station or grocery store. I tend to shy away from networking at times due to fare of embarrassment or fare of the unknown. But after reading this I realized nothing can beat a trial ………..
Great writing I loved the others too, ideas and pointers thought on but never acted. I guess I really need to start writing these things down….Action not a bag a mouth after all!
20. August 2008 at 6:57 pm :
I know exactly what you mean. I am a work in progress too; working on continuously honing my networking and conversation skills.
Keep me posted with your ‘Actions’!!!