These are people who go out and network all the time.
They network online, they network offline.
They engage with people.
They’re not afraid to ask- “ Hi ! what do you do?” or “Hi ! what is it that you like to do?” or “Hi, what brings you here?” or the simplest thing that I can know of-“ Hi ! my name is Prabhjot, I would like to know you.” If you say this with a smile(and I will tell you how to smile online later), you can get your network going. Its all about connecting and displaying a value-add. Here are some ideas: 1. Join groups 2. Join networks 3. Join Mailing Lists 4. Connect (google connect is a good way) on blogs and sites. But more than just joining/signing up, its about doing the following: 1. Share content/ information/ ideas/ thoughts 2. Ask questions 3. Answer questions 4. Comment 5. Have a point of view Offline Look at your immediate circle, your community, your service providers, all of these are and should be a part of your network. What have you done lately towards increasing that circle? Do people know what it is that they can come to you for? What you are willing to assist with? I read somewhere a long time back, never eat your lunch alone. I love that. Such a simple powerful way to increase your network. another of such gems is the following question: how many people can you call in the middle of the night for help? now, endeavor to double that number every year! Smiling online what kind of a concept is that? Should you put a smiley in your messages? No ! no! It’s the way you phrase an introductory text. Lets say for eg. you are on Linkedin, and you come across a contact that you think you should know better or that somebody has some kind of learning, or somekind of a position, or a background, or work experience that you would like to take make use of. What do you do? You send a linkedin request. Yes. The standard linkedin request says- “ Hi! I would like you to be in my professional network.” That’s so bland! That’s what goes out to probably, to a million people everyday from linkedin. What’s so special about you? Why should I include you in my network? This is where the power of personalization comes in. “Dear Raghav, I read about your profile, I love the fact that you spent so much time in Africa” or ” Dear Mr. George, your education in such diverse fields as geometry, customer services and homeopathy makes me want to get in touch with you”. Whatever it is that you liked in the profile, whatever appealed to you tell them. That is your smile online. P.S. The picture on the top is there for a purpose. START EARLY Relationships are forged over time. The earlier you start the stronger the network. It also creates in you a pattern, a willingness and an ability to network effortlessly. You will get over your fear sooner. P.P.S. This is the second part of the series 'Eight Habits of a Highly Effective Networkers' Click here to go to the start of the series> Everyday, you will receive 1 new habit (there are 8, this was the 1st) of an Effective Networker. Dont forget to sign up to receive everything in your email - ALL FREE of course! click here> > You can also click here to see all the articles on networking |          |
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