Strategic Networking

[Carol Pilkington]

Hi Divapreneurs,

I Just had a conversation with someone today regarding networking vs. connecting. Often times we get caught up in the hectic world of going to network meetings without having a clear intention of purpose. So, what tends to happen is we get to our meeting place and start talking to as many people as we can and we collect as many cards as we can. When we get home we look at the stack and wonder what is the advantage of having all of these cards? Am I really going to call and meet with each and every one of these people?

Don't get me wrong our intentions are well meaning and we may want to get to know everyone. However, realistically that is impossible. So, the question becomes how can I make the best use of my time when I go out and meet people?

1. Before even making the decision to go to that next networking meeting decide what value do I want from that meeting, ie. Is the speaker's message one that will bring added value either on a personal level or professional level? Am I going to socialize?, etc. Be clear about your expectations.

2. Have an intention to really connect with two or three people vs. the whole room. Sometimes even connecting with one person can be vital. If our attention is so dispersed we might miss that one person with whom a great alliance could have been made. It's like seeing beautiful man across the room, he's caught your eye a couple of times and you are in a sea of people, someone has you pinned, as he's walking out of the room you're saying inside wait, wait, please...(fade). And he's gone.

3. Connecting is so much more fulfilling for all parties involved than simply networking. It comes down to Quality vs. Quantity.

Stay tuned...for ideas on Follow up

Carol Pilkington
Personal & Business Solutions
www.sendoutcards.com/becauseumatter

[Parthena]

Hi Carol - Excellent information!

We must be on the same wavelength today. You might be interested in the blog I wrote this morning:

Do You Know Where You're Going?

[DivapreneurTM]

Wonderfully written!! Perfect advice for all of us!

[Vintage Body Spa, LLC ~ Diva Moderator]

Great advice, thank you!

[Letitia R. Eppes]

Good morning Carol
I loved this blog. I'm getting ready to launch my VA practice and all I hear is network, network, network. Now I know how to network without wasting time. Thanks for the information.

[Carol Pilkington]

Thank you all for your wonderful feedback. It is so rewarding to know that it had value for you.

[Margaret Rose-Duffy ~Head Diva Moderator~DP Board Member]

Great information! Thanks for posting!

[Angelice ~ Media Relations Diva ~ Board Member]

I just love this! I recently attended a HUGE convention in NYC and spent most of my time with a few people I really connected with rather than spending less time and picking up lots of business cards. This is so important and nice to see others believe in this philosophy of networking.

[Gail Reece]

Awesome advice! It is what I followed in my 15 years of attending Mortgage Bankers & Realtors conventions and it paid off. 80% of my business came from referals by 10% of my contacts.

[Leslie Shelor]

Very good advice!

[Sandi Johnson]

Great advice, Carol! The same holds true for online networking. When you join a forum, listserv, or other online networking site, you should look to make connections with like-minded people, not just see how many people you can introduce yourself to. Connection is key to any networking effort. Great post!