Networking Nugget #137 Are You a Social Networker?
Think of the people in your life who you enjoy and make you smile. These people are also in your social network. They already know you and like you. When we network with people we know, we have a tremendous advantage right out of the gate. Discussing shared interests, traits and commonalties we instantly form a bond and foster trust. How to get started with this particular 'mind set'
Identify overarching themes that unite your social circle. What qualities, characteristics or life experiences do you all have in common? Start listing and keeping track like you do in your "Information Bank."
Make a list of opportunities people in your social circle are most commonly trying to develop and even challenges they are trying to solve. We never know when we can help another person.
3. Practice telling your story.
Think of examples of how you have helped others solve a challenge or create an opportunity in your field of business that is applicable to those in your social network.
Develop a short, 30 to 60-second story about how you helped a client in the past. Keep developing new stories all the time.
Practice telling your story to your closest connections–family or colleagues and then begin sharing it with your social circle.
What is your committment?
Everyone has a social network, so tapping into yours may only require a small amount of planning and time. Take a few hours to consider the nature of your social network and practice telling your story until you feel comfortable. Just make sure you have the capacity and determination to cultivate new contacts as you make them. Social Networking is fun– just remember we do it without thinking about it. I always think, 'what can I do to help the other person?' Never 'keep score'– lead with strength and abundance and do so consistently. Best practices
Talk with people about themselves—avoid the temptation to talk about yourself. Rather talk about people you’ve helped and problems that you’ve helped them solve if that is applicable.
Focus on challenges that are common to your social network—ask what is going on in their life? Listen and learn.
Give first, receive later—Be open and give advice and come from a place of abundance. Talking about how you might solve a certain situation objectively is a conversation starter and developer.
Think- Who do I enjoy being with and how can I help them?
Andrea Nierenberg President of Nierenberg Consulting Group