Hello and welcome

For first timers a brief introduction……

This A-Z has been compiled from sources gathered over the last 25 years – many before Google – it is by no means exhaustive or I trust exhausting; merely something that will help you get more from your networking.

Originally written or should I say compiled as a resource for members of Business Network SW and then developed into a series of seminars.  Now it’s the basis for a number of blog posts which I trust that you will find informative, useful and – dare I say, even worth sharing and ultimately even engage with.

I will serialise in posts over the coming weeks and months and it will develop as more knowledge and wisdom becomes available – which it undoubtedly will!

Here are the I’s and J’s

I

In Person – Meeting people face to face is what networking is all about.  Taking the time to go to events and take the opportunity of seeing people in the flesh (business attire) – it’s how business relationships are formed – in fact it’s how relationships are formed.  If you need some research to show the “power of face to face” – the benefits of in person then here we go……..

Based on a survey conducted by The Economist Intelligence Unit and Cisco, the majority of business leaders unanimously agree that in-person communication is the most powerful way of sharing information, and is a valuable asset for a successful workplace. The survey was conducted among 862 business leaders to evaluate the impact of more than 30 business processes – shown on the following infographic – view online http://intuitivegroup.wordpress.com/2012/12/27/the-power-of-in-person-infographic/

I am sure you noted the key words from the infographic – collaboration, understanding, engagement, impact, communication, long term relationships and creating opportunities – networking I do believe!

Inquire about the other person – see Bob Burgs questions C for conversation– be interested about them rather than just be looking to talk about you – or should I say I.

Be “Innovative.” Most companies claim to be innovative. Most people claim to be innovative.  If you are innovative, don’t say it. Prove it. Describe the products you’ve developed. Describe the processes you’ve modified.  Describe how you have helped another business improve.  Give something real so your innovation is unspoken but evident.  It demosnstrates wht you do and shows why your clients work with you.

Invest – Everyone attends networking events for different reasons. Make some time before you arrive to look at what you plan to achieve, who you intend to introduce yourself to and a specific outcome you’d like to walk away with. Investing wisely means your money (and time) will not be wasted.  Invest in others – how can you help those that you meet – see abundance – share knowledge, experience, market intelligence, contacts.  Invest your time in those people who may be new to networking (or just new to the event), those people who may be on their own – they are going to feel much better and so will you and who know’s where the conversation could go and what opportunities could arise.

J

Jargon – don’t use it – it may mean something to you, even the world to you but think about the other person (people) it will sound like gobbledegook.  Put yourself in their shoes and think about how you could explain what you do to an 8-year-old….drop all the words that you use day to day – a great article here from Peter Economy on Inc

And the jargon includes all the acronyms that you may use – NLP, ACA, BDM, AIDA, B2B, B2C, B2E, COO, CEO, CMO, SEO, PPC, PR, EBITDA, RRP, PRP, PPS, VPN etc. etc.

Join in – events have different aspects – seminars, speaker slots, some have support posts – marketing assistant, treasurer, membership etc. – get involved – opportunities will arise.

Join in by helping others to.   If you see someone on their own, looking a bit lost, do go and introduce yourself. They maybe new, nervous and are possibly even a bit scared. A little babysitting will go a long way in putting them at ease and giving them a memorable experience

Coming next some K’s and L’s……

Thank you for reading this far – the next instalment will be available soon and please feel free to comment, share.

All previous parts are here

Part One of the A-Z 

Networking A-Z part II which is the C’s & D’s  –  C is for conversation & D is for Dale Carnegie

A – Z of networking part 3 – the E’s & F’s 

Part 4 of the Networking A-Z – it’s the G’s & H’s

If you would like to connect then you can find me on

LinkedIn

Twitter

Have a great day and enjoy your networking and make it enjoyable and beneficial for those that you meet!

Sean Humby

Event host – Sean Humby

Director and host – Business Network (SW) – monthly lunch time networking events in the Bristol.

Business Network SW was established in 1993 and has been helping businesses build effective business relationships.