Networking, it's a key piece in the business realm, but how do we really know when our networks are working for us?
Great, you have 220,000 Linkedin connections and get one trillion emails a day from Linkedin, what does it really do for you? The same could be said for any online social media/networking site (Facebook, MySpace, etc). I'm not here to bash on them, it just seems that every month there seems to be some new iteration of the same old song and dance but with a twist!
But what about the basics and the time honored traditions of what networking should be, as shown by the RNIA (Relationship Networking Industry Association). Now don't get me wrong, I love most networking and social media sites just as much as everyone else...
Sneak Peak at this week's TNNW Entrepreneurial Interview between Lydia Sugarman and BizzFlip...
Question #8: How have you seen the entrepreneurs networking at various events? What have you found to work well, as an entrepreneur when networking?
Will: I wouldn’t say we’re really any different from most business savvy individuals, as for me, I go in there as me, Will Radcliffe, just be you, but try not to be a total ass because no one likes an ass…
Joe: At different events it is pretty obvious who owns a business and who is there because they are an employee of a business. The business owner will most likely not have an alcoholic beverage in their hand, while the employee will. When networking the only thing that will work is being yourself. If you try to be something you are not then you will come across as being phony. An entrepreneur, when networking, is not thinking about how the other person can help them, but rather how they can help the other person.
Check back Sunday afternoon for more of the interview...
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2 comments:
Adam,
You bring up a very good point.
Adding to your piece I think it is not so much about the amount of contacts you have, but rather, the quality of those connections.
It is easy to connect with people on social networking sites...but you have to ask yourself...how many of these people do I really know?
I have found success using these sites to meet other people that have really helped me...but always kept it a focus to make an effort to get to know each and everyone that friended me, or sent me a message.
I talk more about this on my blog.
Best,
Scott
http//www.NetworkingEffectively.com
Scott,
It's true, most of the people I have on my social networking accounts or LinkedIn profile I've actually interacted with to some extent, more than just a mere email or two; at the least a few phone calls.
-Will Radcliffe
BizzFlip.com
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