A wonderful colleague of mine, Jim Bunch always says…. “Life is a team sport” and he’s so right. Think about it…everything significant that you have achieved in your life required the assistance of others, didn’t it?
I recently returned from the USA where I spent an amazing week with 270 people who are motivated and focused on making a difference in the world. It was an amazing experience and I now have many new friends who are now helping, supporting and holding me accountable for moving towards my goals. There is no doubt in my mind that my network is the most powerful resource that I have.
Attending networking events is a great way to meet like-minded business owners but there are some golden rules to making your networking activities work for you.
1. Always set your intention for going to the event.
Many people arrive feeling time pressured and still caught up in the events of the day. Set your intention before you walk into the room and be 100% present. Be purposeful about your networking – your time is extremely precious.
2. Stretch yourself to meet new people.
It’s very easy to hang out with the same familiar crowd at networking events even when the room is full of many new wonderful people. Set a goal to meet at least a couple of new people.
3. Quality is better than quantity.
If you are going to meet new people really invest time in getting to know them, their business and their goals. Quality relationships need to be nurtured and they require more than just thrusting your business card into their hand and then adding them to your mailing list.
4. Reconnect with people you meet after the event.
As soon as you leave a networking event your mind rushes onto other things such as returning phone calls or what you are going to have for dinner. Within just a few hours that networking event is just another distant memory. Be disciplined in reconnecting with people. If you met someone who can help you or who you can help, contact them soon after the event to arrange a catch up.
5. Be of service.
Introduce people who you think could assist one another. By helping others to connect you will find that the favour is reciprocated. Networking is a team sport.
It is the quality of your relationship that will bring you happiness and success. Make the most of every opportunity you have to meet new people. As Jim says…”Life is a team sport and there are 6.7 billion players in the game!”
This article was provided by Anthea Moffat MBA (adv), MIMC, founder and Managing Director of Business Fusion and The Business Masters Club. Join the Business Fusion mailing list at www.businessfusion.com.au and receive a complimentary VIP invitation to Anthea's next Business Masters Club workshop (valued at $135.00).
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