Hi! This is Al Martella – thank you to Andrea for allowing me to share some thoughts about networking this week.
In my coaching financial professionals over three decades, one challenge would constantly turn up. It would sound like this:
“Al, I’ve met a prospect who I believe I can help. They seem like an ideal client and they are interested in working with me. There is just one thing.”
The one thing would be …..
- They won’t answer all of my questions so I can determine their entire financial need. OR
- They say they want to invest just a portion of their money with me and see how I do. OR
- They are very demanding. They want me to be available 24/7 OR
- Any other concern that indicated discomfort around the new relationship.
The advisor was experiencing a mismatch between themselves and the prospect regarding values and expectations. My advice – be true to yourself and find someone whose values and expectations are closer to yours.
The same thing happens in our networking attempts. We meet someone who we would like to network with but their values and expectations clash with ours. Should we accept the differences OR move on to a new relationship?
Here is my ultimate litmus test – Imagine your phone buzzing and you see the call or text or email is from this individual. How do you feel? If you feel any discomfort or you start to cringe, it is time to move on. Be true to yourself. Someone whose values and expectations are closer to yours is waiting to meet you.
What do you think? Andrea and I would love to hear from you and your thoughts and suggestions.
***Thank you again to the GREAT Al Martella for sharing his real life networking experience- someone who truly ‘walks the talk’ ARN