The Art Of Networking – And Skills You Need To Get It Right
March 11, 2015
By Brian Maynor
Working from home, I’m a huge fan of meeting people for coffee and use the opportunity to get out and about during the day. Some are just social calls for fun and others are business meetings. While they both happen in coffee shops, they are two very different types of meetings.
Networking is an art, but it’s also a skill. The goal is to establish and cultivate a mutually beneficial relationship that helps both parties meet a goal. So many people seem to neglect the cultivation component of networking and jump straight to the benefits. That mistake will end the relationship before it starts. Here are some tips to keep in mind before you just ‘meet someone for coffee’:
1. Do your homework. Not only should you have a clear message prepared, you need to know a little about the person you’re meeting. Beyond their profile or resume, you should use the conversation to find some commonality. That is the best thing and the quickest way to form an intimate connection. It also puts both parties at ease, making the goal a lot easier to obtain.
2. Match your image with your message. We’ve all arrived for a meeting expecting one thing and ending up with something completely different. That tends to happen when the image doesn’t match the message. If it’s business related you need to look professional and follow the same meeting protocols you would in an office: stand when they approach, shake their hand while making eye contact and sit in your chair correctly. Your behavior and image define and control the tone of the meeting, not the surroundings.
3. Have your next step ready. This should be a no-brainer, especially when you initiate the meeting, but it holds true even when you’re the invitee. We all want meetings to end on a positive note and having a follow-up prepared helps that happen. Otherwise there could be some awkward silence or even worse, no clear path to move forward.
4. Give it time. Networking is all about building relationships and that takes time. While it’s okay to solicit small tokens of goodwill early on, for example introductions to potential customers, sharing social media posts or commenting on a blog, you should never ask for a ‘big favor’ right off the bat. In fact, the general rule is to wait at least six months or more before making a major request. If you ask for too much too soon, you’ll make the other person feel used, which is offensive and a surefire way to never hear from them again. By waiting you also allow the other person to extend the offer, which is a win-win.
5. The same rules apply online. These tips are based on face-to-face meetings, but they hold true with social media networking as well. Just because connecting with someone is as simple as clicking a button that doesn’t mean the association is any less important. Treat online networking with the same respect and preparedness you would a face-to-face meeting.
Networking can lead to very favorable connections and opportunities, but more importantly it’s about building a trusting relationship with another person. The relationship should continue to be the priority, not the side-effect benefits you get from it.
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I am always curious to hear from you and what you see in the workplace. Send your questions, comments and pet peeves to [email protected]. Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.
About Brian Maynor
Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.
