“If you’re confused about networking, you’re not alone. Men and women sometimes equate networking with socializing, when in fact the two are quite different. There’s no doubt that online networking has a social component. But generally, when they talk about the value of networking, career experts are referring to professional interaction.” ~ Paula Santonocito
There is a lot of interest in social networking on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. The key word is “social.” Social networking will never replace the idea of a face-to-face connection with live people. Just because 3,642 people on Facebook “like” you doesn’t really accomplish the same thing as meeting people up close and personal. I won’t lie. I do it too, however, I have yet to receive more than a dozen business leads that have actually turned into real business.
Unfortunately as a Networking Coach I find far too many networking groups and events where the emphasis seems to be on socializing. Far too many people replace real networking with professional socializing. Of course there is always a little bit of that wherever you find groups of people, however that is not only what networking is about.
Professional socializing is connecting with people to be social rather than to drive sales. Socializing is often thought of as hanging out with no purpose and often results in nothing productive happening. It’s fun to be with friends for a drink and some light conversation, however, light conversation often doesn’t get you anywhere. Meaningful conversation does.
The most productive networking is with people who are likely to be close to the people you want to meet – people who you can help and those who are in a position to help you. You talk about meaningful stuff and the focus is on helping each other. Great networks are those in which people help each other get where they want to go.
“My definition of business networking is this: Networking is using your creative talents to help others achieve their goals as you cultivate a network of people strategically positioned to support you in your goals. . . expecting nothing in return!” ~ Larry James, author of “Ten Commitments of Networking: Creative Ways to Maximize Your Personal Connections!
I once heard someone say, “Two things to have on you at all times: breath mints and business cards.” 
Not a bad idea. That way you are always prepared to make some good connections. Remember, networking is not about YOU! It’s about helping others and nurturing long-term relationships. Always ask them what they are about and what they might need from others in their network. Really listen to the other person and ask questions in response. If you first show an interest in them, they will usually be interested enough to ask about you.
“Networking with a purpose is connecting with people with a goal in mind, and that goal is to help them get where they are going, and to ask them for help in getting where you want to go. When you attend a meeting filled with prospective customers, you are marketing yourself (I hope) and developing prospects. When you attend a meeting with few customers, your goal should be to find those who are influential and connected to the customers you want to reach.” ~ Tony Signorelli
Copyright © 2012 – Larry James. Larry James is a Professional Speaker, Author and Coach. He presents networking seminars nationally and “Networking” coaching by telephone or one-on-one. His latest book is, Ten Commitments of Networking: Creative Ways to Maximize Your Personal Connections! Something NEW about Networking is posted on this Networking BLOG every 4th day! Visit Larry’s Networking Website at: “Networking HQ!”
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This is essential if it’s your event but also useful if you attend something regularly. Done properly, the impact you make on other people can be very powerful.
Evaluate which business networking groups were worthwhile and which were not. Networking is an important way to make new connections with prospective clients, customers, partners, and team members directly, so it should be planned and reviewed carefully. Take out your calendar and flip through the pages. Mark those events as “A” where you met the people you wanted to meet, “B” where you know there is the potential to meet those you wish, and “C” where you won’t return for one reason or another. Share this info with your team and ask them to do the same so you can compare notes. One person’s “B” might be another person’s “A,” so you can learn a lot from sharing this process. ~ 
What about you? Are you referring business to them, providing them with information that can help them, brainstorming business building ideas, and more? What are you doing to help your referral partners? Be sure you are doing your part before you decide to leave a group. Make sure that the message you give every week during your 
Larry: Bob, why didn’t you give me a call. I would have been happy to give you a ride.
The friends we make with the relationships we develop while networking are part of our support system. They need for us to tell them that if they ever need “anything” – a ride to work, a great restaurant referral, business advice, just need someone to talk to… whatever! – that they should call. If you are too busy to talk at the moment you can promise them you will return the call. Or, if you can’t help them, do your best to refer them to someone who can.
Remember, in networking you are usually only a few people away from someone who can help you with whatever you need.
I prefer to believe that both can be winners. There is plenty of business to go around. It takes a bold step forward. I no longer fear the competition, I embrace it. Some say that competition brings out your greatest potential. However, when it comes to business, I no longer believe that. In sports, perhaps. The gift of collaboration yields more than the gift of competition. For it to work collaboration must be reciprocal.
Collaborative, n.
“When you fail to hit the target… it is never the targets fault!” – 
If you are someone who in the past has attended every major networking event and all the networking functions you had time for and seem to be no further ahead… then you must take time to reflect upon your successes, failures and lessons learned from last year, make some significant changes and start over. Reevaluate “how” you network. Revise your 
1. 
“Go without any expectations and enjoy yourself. The secret to the whole process is your attitude.” ~ Jessica Pierce, Executive Director of Career Connectors
One more thing… never not pass a referral just because the person isn’t in your networking group. Just keep doing unto others as you would have them do unto you, without expectations. Unfulfilled expectations always cause problems.
Networking is about mixing, mingling and meeting new people. Most of us are not born minglers. Practice and preparation will help you develop the skills it takes to be an effective networker. You must get out of your comfort zone and work the room. Be brave. You can’t be shy while networking and expect results. Make it a choice to have fun as you reach out to new contacts to introduce yourself and build some new relationships.
