NETWORKING HAPPENS EVERYWHERE
An interesting exchange recently took place on LinkedIn. The discussion revolved around how the idea of face-to-face networking produced a sense of terror in some of the writers’ minds. What I noticed is that they were talking exclusively about events.
For purpose of this blog, I am going to use this definition, “Networking is learning about a person and building a relationship”.
If you read that literally, it means that the next ride down the elevator in your apartment complex is an opportunity to network. You are standing there face-to-face. Well okay you are standing side-by-side. If you begin a conversation with that person, you are networking. You learn something about her; and, perhaps, get a tiny glimpse into her life.
The same thing happens in a grocery line. How many times have you struck up a conversation with the person in front or behind you? The conversation may start with a shared exasperated look because the person in front of you has a huge fist full of coupons. It turns out that person holding up the line with all the coupons, gives you an opportunity to talk more with the person in line with you.
While you are talking, you learn that person works for the company that you have wanted to talk to about possible training for its executives. Now it is time to move through the line, you ask the person for a contact card and you give them yours.
You go home and carefully put away your groceries. However, the contact card you put in your pocket is even more valuable than those groceries you purchased for you now have the person’s contact information. You were doing face-to-face networking.
IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS
1. You are always networking, so keep your contact cards with you at all times.
2. Strike up conversations with people when you are standing in lines.
3. More than likely, the person, you met in line will not follow-up even though he enjoyed the conversation. You need to make the first move—set up a coffee date.
What is your favorite unexpected face-to-face networking story?
2 Comments to NETWORKING HAPPENS EVERYWHERE
Kathy, I am so glad that I am networking when I thought I was not! I didn’t network when my husband was with me because people always seems to visit with him rather than with me and he was very good at it and interesting, I never felt I could compete with him! Very interesting! What an eye opener for me.
I appreciate your comments very much Betty. I’ve been thinking people really were not understanding how much they do it all the time. Thank you for confirming it was a good time for me to write this down and share my thoughts. To me networking is fun and I always learn IF I listen to what the person is saying.
January 15, 2011