How to Become an Expert Networker Chapter 3

Becoming a Better Networker requires You To Experience New Things

Sure, it's extra hard the 1st time but you'll discover it gets easier each subsequent time you do it. Do you ever see somebody else who looks uncomfortable and is standing alone. Approach them. You'll be doing a good deed that aids you both. Following that try walking up to somebody who looks very different from you. Acquaint yourself and then start asking some questions in an attempt to find something you share in common.

It won't take long to determine a hobby you both have, a team you both cheer for, a place you both like to visit. With so much success under your belt you are able to move forward and approach somebody who you've wanted to meet. Be friendly and self-assured. You're on your way to becoming a networking maven.

Like any venture, you may have some concern and trepidation about facing the unforeseen, but you should also feel some of the rush of the challenge and excitement in finding new individuals with whom you are able to really connect. By making time in your agenda to attend some new gatherings, you are able to use early opportunities to watch other people networking and to assume the habit of talking to the individuals you meet.

Don’t forget, networking with success means that we occasionally have to stretch ourselves to the edges of our comfort zones – hard at the start but much easier with practice.

Whether it's a formal meeting or event (with 100 individuals) or an cozy gathering (of only 10 or less) being ready or open to network is really crucial – like the Scout’s slogan ‘Be Prepared’.

Even if you're unsure, introverted, nervous, blasé, or tired, you just never know when you're going to run into intriguing and valuable individuals.

Part of this method of ‘being prepared’ is to have snappy information about yourself available so that your communication is short, centered and clear - not
altogether unlike an elevator pitch. Some of this is supplied by a good business card, all the same, effective networking is seldom accomplished by saying ‘hi’ and merely forking over a business card – you have also got to give something of yourself as an individual.

Particular introductions will be a great deal up to the individual style and personality. All the same, again, this is an chance to stretch yourself to the edge of your comfort zone and exhibit yourself as positively as you are able to. A simple object lesson that meets all the above criteria may consequently be:
“Hi, my name is Linda Jones. I spend my time producing and running interactive booklets on networking.”

Note that this has to cover what you do in pragmatic terms and not just your name and job title.

Maybe a franker example might be:

“Hi, my name is Linda Jones. I produce television screen ads from script to screen and everything in between.”

Lastly, I must spotlight the fact that the warmness of your introduction will influence the outcome of the meeting. Even though you might well be timid and nervous, it's crucial to make eye contact and smile – it sends the message that you're confident, at ease and friendly.