NETWORKING FOR

REAL PEOPLE

For Virtual and In-Person Communication

Or, How to Become

What are the Goals of Networking?

1. To meet people to discover what their interests are

No one cares about you and what you are doingEveryone likes to talk about herself/himself

2. To discover others’ passion 3. To become a resource for others

This is part of what makes you an Authority in your field

Brain Training

• Everyone is shy and awkward in meeting new folks!

Hint: call the event sponsor before you attend, and asked to be introduced!

Brain Training

• Think back to the person who helped you with

something practical (Plumber, Roofer, Car

Mechanic)

• Think back to folks you know: EVERYONE has

done something interesting, such as:

• Grandparents opened business

• Relative fought in foreign wars

• Funny wedding story

• Pets/Children

Spend some time thinking about everyone you know and what’s unique about that person!

Even social people weren’t always…

You’re on a quest to discover

A person’s passion A person’s story

What they care about, such as

Their “why”

OR

or

Example:

DC-3, Workhorse of World War II

Who knows what type of airplane this is?

Buy and Read Local Newspaper

You need to know:• Business openings/closings• Current local Business Issues:– Zoning– Taxes– Roads/parking

CREATES conversation points and business intelligence--you’ll look like an expert!

Collateral Preparation

Business Card Guide

• Keep at least 10 business cards or Post Cards in your pocket/purse (one side Matte finish).

• Ask for their card instead of pushing your card- give yours if the other person requests.

• Study the other person’s card. Check the address or web name for clues.

• Make a note on their card (ball point pen)

Follow Up!

• Send email or call, by what the other person prefers

• Stop by the business, if appropriate• Invite to coffee/lunch (one-to-one) to get to

know them better: it’s all about their business• Find points of interest, common thinking,

collaboration

Follow Up!

• When you provide them with something they need, you will be seen as the “go to” person, giving you brilliant reputation! That person will then give a referral to you when you ask.

• Don’t expect everyone to be thinking about which referrals would be best for you. You need to supply that information.

Final Thoughts on In-Person Networking:

• What can I do for you?• What connections/ supplies/ suppliers do you

need?• Please let me know what I can do for you!

Networking on LinkedIn

OrBrief Guide to Maximizing

Your LinkedIn Efforts

LinkedIn asVirtual Chamber of Commerce

Goals for using LinkedIn

– Position yourself to be an EXPERT in your field– Find folks with similar interests– Find folks for potential collaboration– Find people who have what you need– GIVE BACK and PAY IT FORWARD

General Posting Guidelines

• LinkedIn is not Facebook- no cutesy or baby photos, nothing NSFW, all professional

• Schedule your posts (suggest weekly)• Please avoid politics and religion until you see what

your followers are thinking• Do post tips, advice, best practices, models, or

encouraging words (http://www.brainyquote.com/)• Best Practice Examples:

– YaDa Chef – The Career Engineer

Bryan is also active in the local Chamber of Commerce.

Posting can be simple on LinkedIn

You always have an image with your own photo!

Ideas for your post:o Tips on “how to”o Best Practices on running a businesso How to find a professional ___________(anything/anyone)o Reposting an article from professional sites or magazines

Why Do Weekly Posts?

• “You position yourself as the Expert in your field,” says Sue White of Business Training Team

• You remain in your Connections’ minds!– Example: I am still giving references to folks in Fort

Lauderdale, though I haven’t lived there in three years, because they keep posting on LinkedIn!

Whose posts do you follow?

• Easy to repost when you select well• Avoid controversial items here, such as

political or religious posts. LinkedIn isn’t Facebook

• Remember your connections, and send them links/blogs/posts pertinent to them

Whose posts do you follow?Example of LINKING individual with business

YOU are the Bridge

Make the Connections

Be the Bridge

Finding Best Connections on LI

• Don’t link to all LinkedIn prompts • Do look for connections of connections• Do advanced search

(I took Sue’s webinar on this)http://businesstrainingteam.com/free-weekly-webinars/

Be the Bridge