Test your knowledge of networks

Let’s test your networking knowledge:

1) The best definition of networking is:

a) Conversing at meetings and events

b) The request for funds

c) Build and maintain mutually beneficial relationships

d) Market and sell your products and services to everyone in the room so you can meet your sales quota before your boss fires you.

2) Why do you network?

a) To develop your business

b) To help other people.

c) To share information

All previous

3) What are the most effective ways to network?

a) Regularly attend meetings, events and activities.

b) Talk to random people in the streets, shops, buses and bathrooms.

c) Offer references, resources and recommendations.

d) It doesn’t matter, as long as you help others first and remember that it’s not about you.

4) True or False: Networking is not a skill, but an inherited trait passed down from your father, similar to height or male pattern baldness.

5) True or False: Networking isn’t always strategic, but it often happens by accident and/or a lucky break that falls into your lap like a godsend.

Networking is developing and maintaining mutually beneficial relationships. It’s not small talk, it’s not handing out business cards, it’s not selling, it’s not marketing, and it’s not small talk. Some of those activities may be part of networking, but be careful not to confuse form with function. Networking is a process that requires the right attitude, patience, and organization.

Networking is one of, if not THE main way to grow your business. In fact, I get almost 100% of my business from some type of network. And with the right preparation and implementation, a networking plan can be your catalyst to dramatically change the way you deal with, get, and keep your business relationships.

Networking is also sharing information. Your most valuable resource is other people. And the supply never ends! I once read a quote from my favorite author, a philosopher named Anonymous, who said, “Though it’s not what you know but who you know, remember that who you know teaches you what you know.”

Networking is A skill. It is not an inherent trait. It takes time to develop. Now, clearly some people are more outgoing, friendly, and outgoing than others. And that certainly helps. But anyone can develop her networking skills with a little research and a lot of practice, and in doing so, become a monument of accessibility.

Networking is helping others. Some people just don’t get it. They honestly believe that it’s all about them. Fake. Networking is, as Zig Ziglar rightly said, “getting what you want by helping other people get what they want first.”

Here are some great tips to help you put these ideas into practice:

Get organized

At the beginning of each month, sit down and organize your networking plan. Ask yourself the following questions:

  • When are the general meetings of members of my organizations?
  • Who can I meet for lunch or coffee to brainstorm and share ideas?
  • What special events are coming up that I want to attend?
  • Are there any new groups I could get involved with?
  • Who haven’t I talked to in a long time?
  • What resources, tips, articles, ideas, or contacts could I share with people in my network?
  • What people could you introduce who could help each other?

    before and after

    Whatever event, meeting, conference or seminar you attend, arrive early and stay late. Sometimes the most valuable connections are made when no one else is around. Plus, there’s less pressure when you network on your time, not the organization’s time.

    don’t limit yourself

    Networking is not limited to one room. The birth of my forthcoming second book was the result of a conversation I had with my good friend Todd, in a swimming pool! We were taking a break from our NSA Convention when I presented him with some title ideas. He agreed that The Power of Accessibility was the best option, so I decided right then and there. And as any writer will tell you: once you get the title, everything else is cream cheese.

    become a resource

    Bring with you a list of books, websites, ideas, tips, and articles that may benefit others you meet with. Not only does it give them value, but it also gives you an easy conversation starter. Remember, helping others first helps you!

    Keep a pen and paper

    If I don’t write that idea down now, I’ll never remember it!

    If you’ve ever said this sentence before, you know how valuable a simple notepad can be. I recommend carrying a small pen and paper with you, wherever you go. Store it right next to your business card holder. My little notepad is the best accessory I’ve ever bought. It has saved my butt, and other people’s butts, on numerous occasions. You can buy these at any luggage store at your local mall for under $20. Most have refills for the paper and a nice pen that fits inside the pad. And I can’t begin to tell you how many ideas, names, phone numbers, or recommended book titles I’ve written at the exact moment someone told me.

    inventory issues

    No front porch behavior is more effective than asking open-ended questions. So don’t go into a networking event without some big questions that are relevant to the event, ie what is the biggest challenge of your job? What has been the most effective way to promote your business? For dozens of other great examples, check out Appendix C.

    stay with it

    A common misconception about networking is that it boosts your business right away. Fake. Networking takes time to reciprocate with you. And because the process of developing mutually beneficial relationships involves helping others first, you may not see the fruits of your labor for weeks, months, or even years.

    Here is an example. In March 2004, one of my audience members approached me asking for a copy of HELLO, my name is Scott. While signing it, we discussed the possibility of working together in the future. We exchanged cards and kept in touch over the next few weeks. A short time later, I received an email from a guy named Paul, one of the audience member’s friends. He was interested in including my website in his newsletter. Little did I know that his ezine had over 10,000 subscribers! And two of those subscribers turned out to be two meeting planners who signed me up for two shows six months later.

    Get the story straight

    Have you ever heard the question, “So… what’s your story?” This is an obvious figure of speech. People don’t really expect you to tell them a story. But what if you did? What if you call his bluff? People do not remember things, facts or ideas, they remember stories. So when it comes to business, you have to have a story. Most entrepreneurs have some characteristic story of how they got involved in their line of work; or something unusual that happened at your job. So be known for your story. Write it out. Say it often. Soon, people you don’t even know will come up to you and ask about “The Story.” It’s a perfect front porch.

    Create a custom ID tag

    If you’re a small business owner or entrepreneur and don’t have your own custom label, you’re missing out. Imagine you attend the Chamber of Commerce meeting and get stuck with the mandatory, computerized, faded font, and it barely sticks to my lapel Avery piece of shit. You won’t stand out. You will not promote your business. And other members won’t know who you are or how you can give them value. Try This: At Your Next Meeting, Sit Next To Someone At A Real Estate Agent – Those People Know How To Wear Name Tags!

    spice it up

    Cal Thompson, owner of TripleXpresso’s in St. Louis, encourages Nametag Networking at his meetings. He calls it “Xpress Request”. This is a way to identify people’s networking needs quickly and efficiently. Is that how it works. In addition to their standard badges, people also wear pre-registered name tags with a list of three things they need, i.e. web design, direct mail, new attendee, etc. This lets people know right away how they can help others!

    What is your knowledge of networks?

    TEST RESULTS: C, D, D, F, T

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