Authenticity. Mutual Support & Growth.
Since we first opened up our doors to host the first networking event for entrepreneurs and business owners, we believed in growing a business community anchored in the values of authenticity, mutual support and growth.
Authenticity refers to being real. It helps build trust between you and the other party.
It helps that the other party knows that they don’t have to guard against any ulterior motives that might cause them to ‘lose‘ something to you.
Unfortunately, too many people attend events with the goal is closing a sale – focused on attempting to take something from somebody, rather than building relationships and being of value to the other party.
That said, the need for growth is real, and we want our communities to be of mutual support to ensure that businesses thrive.
After 4 years of running networking events, we can truly testify to the power of building authentic and mutually supportive relationships. Many have walked away with new opportunities, and many others have laid wide awake, unable to sleep at night because of how excited and buzzed they are by the prospect of growth.
Unfortunately, I’ve come across too many entrepreneurs and individuals who’ve walked away disappointed by their poor ROI from the powerful networking arena, without any leads or connections.
Are you keen to stand out at events and be seen as more authentic and productive at the same time?
Here are five quick tips to help you out!
- Serving before Selling
Always start from a position of service – that you’re seeking ways to serve the other party, not merely trying to close a sale.
- Don’t Rush It
You can’t connect with everybody at an event; so don’t rush through your conversations. Take time to listen and find out what each person’s business is about, what challenges they face, and what they may need… and see how you may be of service.
- Know What You Need/Want – And Ask for It
Know what you’re seeking for (besides the sale). These could be contacts and people who can be of support to your business. There may be those who do not match what you’re seeking, but you can always ask the contacts to see who whether they might know somebody who might be able to help you.
Additional Tip: Always offer help to others first, before asking for help yourself. The law of reciprocity is a powerful tool in influence and persuasion.
- Don’t Push It
Nobody likes to be pressured into doing something. Whether it’s about getting a sale or contact, appreciate that you may not always get what you want.
Building and preserving a positive vibe and building bridges will help you in the long run.
- Character, Competency & Chemistry
You’re going to meet a lot of people at networking events. Take time to suss out whether they might be somebody you can work well with.
Chemistry is critical for the longer term. At the end of the day, the vibe and synergy between both people can really help things along, when time and resources are tight… and the ability to get things done because you’re both on the same page will come in extremely handy.
Bonus Tip #6. Take Time to Appreciate Others
Everybody has a unique story of how they began, where they’re at, and what they intend to do.
It amazes me that some people would walk up to me and criticize somebody they’ve just met at the event.
Listen – if you can walk up to somebody you’ve just met… to criticize another person you’ve just met… I don’t see how and why I shouldn’t have my guard up against you… much less do business with you.
Common sense, no?
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After all has been said and done, networking is still a skill that requires consistent practice and sharpening.
Different individuals may also have a preference for different skills, strategies, tools and techniques that might work better for them.
At the end of the day, the critical bottom line is the ROI on time and effort we draw from these events.