Networking Nugget 115- What is the INCENTIVE for Networking?- Everything!
What is the INCENTIVE for Networking?- Everything
I— Truly become Interested in others. Do this with sincerity and Integrity otherwise people see right through it. One tool that I use a lot are Google alerts which I set up for people that I want to be able to touch base with often with ideas and interests that pertain to them. You will have opportunities to be ‘in the know’ and can drop them a note or call with information and news. N- Nurture and know what you can about the people in your life. I have a list of many topics that I get to know about my relationships ‘over time’. All types of topics that I learn over time and observation and listening. Email me for my Information Bank of Topics at [email protected] C- Connect and communicate—and not when we need something— much more important when we are there to provide news, insight and a way to help their business or be a supportive ear. Continually create value for your relationships. Be clear and connect with them in the way they prefer. I always ask my relationships—‘what is your preferred method of communication? You have also shown that you are really listening to them—sometimes a forgotten art.
E Execute what you say you will do. Often after all is said and done—much more is said than done. Be sure to underpromoise and over deliver. Take the time to follow up on everything that you say you will do and surprise and delight people by doing so. I make a list consistently to be sure that no matter what—I follow up with who and whatever I said I would—again something that often is not always done N–Network! To me the word ‘network’ is huge and means many things. I say that ‘networking’ is part of the S Factor—‘sometimes it is strategic and structured for the events you attend—so be prepared. Most of life though is ‘serendipitous ‘networking’’—be aware of every opportunity to meet, connect, reconnect and help someone else. Everywhere in life and every day we may learn something from someone who can give us information that one of our contacts or trusted advisors or advocates would be interested in. So keep your ears open and tuned up and also be sure to continually Nurture your relationships. I can’t say this enough. T—Trust is the key to any relationship in good times and otherwise. Work hard to continually build trust with your relationships—and this takes Time. Talk less and listen more –we learn more that way also! Tell them when you do talk—something that will help them or their business or offer a suggestion, a piece of advice. Do your homework and research consistently. I—Take the Initiative to reach out and be connected. If we wait for someone to call or email or meet with us, we might wait a long time. Of course as we build and develop these relationships—it goes without saying that true Integrity is key for any relationship. My Wonderful Dad always said “With integrity nothing else matter and without integrity—nothing else matters. I live by this—and it is so true. My Dad also said: "Give without remembering and receive without forgetting." He was brilliant! V—-Continually create Value with those in your life. What are you delivering to them that makes you stand out. Also value every relationship in what they have given and continue to provide to you. Make sure to let them know how important they are to you. Be Visible and let them know how to easily find you. You are there when they need you. Consistently have your contact information available to them so they don’t have to look for it. E—Energy and Enthusiasm are key to continually building relationships that last. Take care of yourself and make sure you plan and prepare each day with goals and ways of measuring. One way I do this is to set a specific goal each day for different clients or relationships. Something as simple as—calling 3 extra people with a message of goodwill or a piece of information, 3 extra emails with the same type of message and I’m a big believer of pulling out pen and paper and not just during the holidays to write a short note of thanks, or a greeting of hello and thinking of you.
Andrea Nierenberg President of Nierenberg Consulting Group