With
the arrival of social media along with the buzzwords “transparency”
and “authenticity” becoming a part of everyday jargon, it's time
to rethink how we approach networking. While most people are
resistant to change of any type, when you understand the reason for
the changes and see the long term value, I think you will agree with
me Hooray for New Networking!
Many
of us remember the days of the HUGE networking parties where you
would go and talk with someone only long enough to receive their
business cards. The “game” seemed to be whoever had the most
cards at the end of the evening “won.” In actuality, a pile of
business cards does not do all that much to build a relationship or a
business. A look at New Networking shows its benefits.
1.
How can I help you? This sure beats the old way of “what's in it
for me.” If someone believes you have a genuine or “authentic”
interest in helping them, they will be much more receptive to what
you have to say which leads to building a relationship.
2.
Who do I know that I can connect you with? While two heads are
better than one, three are even better than two. If you know that
someone you know would make a difference for someone, make the
connection without expecting anything in return. This is about them;
not about who you might receive as a referral.
3.
What can I learn from you? If we listen to people, we learn. If we
learn, we can help them. If we help them, we both benefit. Learn and
offer value rather than trying to "convince” them that what
you have is what they need—especially since you have not even taken
the time to learn what they need/want.
4.
Give without expectation. Share, connect and offer value to others
without worrying about what you will receive in return.
5.
Remember, what you send out in the world will come back to you
many times over AND when you least expect it. Even though we used to
say "what goes around comes around," unfortunately, that
did not stop people from doing things they would not want to come
back to them. Give freely and you will be richly rewarded.
How
do you like the New Networking?
