Networking Warm Up

I attended a networking event last night and was quite honestly disappointed. I can not tell you how many people approached me with the same old tired line, "So what do you do?"

I realize that bridging conversations with new people can be hard. However, I wonder if prior to these events if we mentally prepared ourselves better, like a warm up, if the outcomes couldn't be significantly better. Seriously, Michael Jordan didn't just jump off the bus and go play his basketball game and Peyton Manning doesn't slap on his helmet and start calling plays from the line of scrimmage. There is preparation and warm up before the real game is played. So why should it be any different in business.

Maybe one way to mentally prepare for that next networking event or business function is to ask yourself better questions. What do I want to accomplish with this investment of time? Who could I try to meet that might make a significant impact on me? Who can I have an impact on? Who might be a potential mentor or role model? Who might become a friend, not just another boring business connection? What kind of impression do I want to leave people about ME...not necessarily my business?

My point is, do something! Put yourself in that mode BEFORE the event so you are better prepared to maximize the value of the event. And whatever you do, please find some new unique ways to introduce yourself. You will set yourself apart from the crowd very, very quickly and people will remember you.

"Hi...my name is Steve Harper. I am the purveyor of much wisdom in blogdom!" Uhhh...I guess I need to work on that!

Ripple On!!!!

Steve

Read To Remain Relevant

I recently gave a talk and the subject of relevance came up. I was specifically asked how someone can remain in front of prospects without appearing too pushy or too "salesy." It was a great question and something that many people in business have a hard time answering.

I believe information is power. Relevant information and fun information alike! There is a great saying that says, "Leaders are readers" and I couldn't agree more. Much can be revealed about you to your clients and prospects when you share information, articles and books that might have interest to them.

Recently, I found myself involved in a conversation with a potential client that I have been speaking to for quite some time. A while back, I suggested he read Malcolm Gladwell's new book BLINK and even provided him with a semi-summary I found on the web. Fast forward a few months later and a couple of useful articles and links sent to him in support of this interesting and valuable book. We are dialoguing quite frequently on the concepts within the book and discussing ways we can possibly incorporate some of them into his business thus paving a potential way for my company to become engaged with his.

Would this have happened without my sharing this book and some of what impressed me about it with him? Maybe….maybe not. I tend to believe that the investment I made by offering up some bit of knowledge that he could apply to his business showed that I was investing in our relationship.

I will write more about this later but until then, what fun, exciting, informative articles or books have you been reading lately? Maybe you should pick up an extra copy for that prospect and see what happens.

Ripple On My Friends!!!!

Steve