Turn "Socializing" into "Networking"
Most professionals know they must network in order to achieve long-term business success. I remember as far back as high school being told by my guidance counselor that I needed to "meet a lot of people and build a network." That was great advice back then and even better advice today.
It's critically important to participate in the public arena and interact with the people who could become your clients, provide you with valuable information or help you further your causes and beliefs.
While they understand the importance of networking, many professionals do a lousy job of it. It's easy to show up at an event, grab a drink, eat some free hors d'oeuvres, say "hi" to a couple people, then go home and pat yourself on the back for being involved in the community.
Unfortunately, that's not networking. It's merely socializing.
There's nothing wrong with socializing. In fact, it's generally a good thing, but it's not efficient. In order to convert socializing into networking, you need to have a three-tiered goal planted in your mind before you even enter the venue where networking will take place.
I call it "goal-based networking," and here's how it works:
Goal #1
"I will get a direct opportunity"
This could be a new client, an invitation to join a prestigious organization, a job offer, a promise to donate money to your pet cause. While Goal #1 is ideal, it unfortunately doesn't happen at most networking events.
Goal #2
"I will get a solid lead on a direct opportunity"
This is almost as good as the first goal, because it moves you closer to what you really want. Goal #2 should happen at the vast majority of networking events you attend. If it doesn't, you're not meeting enough people or not asking the right questions.
Goal #3
"I will meet new people and learn valuable information"
This is the bare-bones minimum goal that you should achieve at every single networking event you attend.
Make a commitment to network more and remember to think about these three goals before walking into your next networking event. Setting these goals consistently over a long period of time will maximize the return from your investments in networking. That means you increase your public profile, connect with the right people and become that person who always seems to know about business happenings long before your colleagues do.
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Comments (19)
Paula van Dun16
Retired
I only do online networking. But the tips in the article are good.
Genome7
Awesome article, the contribution of offline work to online is definitely indicated by this Article.
Great Job
Teodor M.11
Blockchain Real Estate
Good tips, applying in online and offline biz. Thanks.
Brian Mattson6
Rastelli Direct Leader
The Internet is the wave of the future for personal life and most definitely business!! Good Tips
Corey Blackmur8
Blackmur Global
@Toshiba and Cheryl; the bulk of my experience has been "offline" versus "online" and I find they are so similar in lots of ways. It really comes down to etiquette, being polite and not pushy. It's networking in a social manner either "online" or "offline - face-to-face"
If you have any questions
Warren Contreras14
Old Retired Guy
I have found that using the $100 Drop Cards you can get online is a very good "break the ice" strategy if you don't just go around shoving them in people's faces. It provides a positive impact to start a conversation about money over if you accompany it with a clever comment or question.
Jan aka Jaz Green7
I have been socializing via Games on the Facebook site; am excited to ocassionally promote links from community contacts and make new social contacts ... mainly for Gifting in Social Games. I also enjoy sharing articles ... published here in ApSense and watching the "visit count grow"
Cheryl Baumgartner12
Medical Billing/Coding/Insurance
Toshiba you have given me an idea most online networkers really don't know how to do offline networking so I'm off to write and article with some tips!
Toshiba Burton7
Social Media Consultant
I have really enjoyed this article I do most of my marketing online but I do plan on starting to do more offline marketing as well by attending more events. Anyway being a newbie at offline line marketing this has helped me out as far as knowing how to interact with other people & knowing that I need to attend my events on a consistent basis.
Ken Tallman7
Pastor/Marketing Consultant
Very well written I agree networking is so much more then showing up at a event and saying hi to a few folks its about building relationships and geting to know people and has they build genuine relationships oppertunitys will come
Udo Hoffmann14
Erudite polymath
Nice simple and direct
obedi p.8
Marketing
Learning everyday
Corey Blackmur8
Blackmur Global
MMM Social-Networking, what it's all about here at Apsense. Very good points in a short to the point article Mario. I hope that everyone that is interested in building an effective network stops by here to have a read,,,,,,,,then take it to heart and put it in their business plan.
Now (referring to Cheryl's comment) just add "etiquette" and stir.
John Nelson7
Friends are more valuable than GOLD!
I think that Turning "Socializing" into "Networking" is the best way to do all you marketing to people that will be able to be the best you can be.
Warren Contreras14
Old Retired Guy
Very timely, we are going to my wife's 50th class reunion this summer so I can practice this,
Cheryl Baumgartner12
Medical Billing/Coding/Insurance
I do a lot of offline networking and all of these are goals when attending an event unfortunately People tend to forget that reaching the goal comes from socializing. Networking offline is a social process.
Many people come to offline events and do the exact same thing that they do online. Spam the attendees by running around and foisting their card off on them, Giving them sales pitches etc. That is not how it works. Rarely will you reach any of those goals except maybe the last one by s
Ron W.7
Administrator
Well done site and very hood article keep it up and we all may get rich :)
Mario Djivanovic7
marketer
I totaly agree with you this article explains few simple steps for achieving your goals. Thank you for your comment
James Woods8
Coach
Hi Mario good intentions there. I find when networking that if you focus on solving a problem the connection has then reaching your goals becomes a lot easier.