Listen Before Joining the Conversation

Have you ever been to a networking function and noticed several interesting people in conversation and wished that you could be in on what they are talking about?

Here is a tip. Take your time. Stand close by and listen. Don’t rush. If you determine that this is a group you would like to participate with, move a little closer. Usually the group will open up and before you know it, you will be standing close as part of the group. Listen. Observe. Notice the direction of the conversation. If it doesn’t appeal to you or you have nothing to contribute… move on.

If you like what you hear… say nothing until you have something that contributes to the conversation – then speak up when you have the opportunity.

This is an effective way to contribute and be contributed to. Often others will begin a conversation with you to indicate that you are now noticed as part of the group.

If the group doesn’t open up to include you, don’t take it personal, be on your way.

Copyright © 2012 – Larry James. From the chapter, “Be Coachable!” in Larry’s latest book, Ten Commitments of Networking: Creative Ways to Maximize Your Personal Connections! Larry James is a Professional Speaker, Author and Coach. He presents networking seminars nationally and “Networking” coaching by telephone or one-on-one. Something NEW about Networking is posted on this Networking BLOG every 4th day! Visit Larry’s Networking Website at: “Networking HQ!”

Subscribe to Larry’s FREE monthly “LoveNotes for Lovers” eZINE. Contact: Larry James, P.O. Box 12695, Scottsdale, AZ 85267-2695. – CelebrateLove.com

NOTE: All articles and networking tips listed in this BLOG – written by Larry James – are available for reprint in magazines, periodicals, newsletters, newspapers, eZINEs, on the Internet or on your own Website. Click here for details.

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Welcome to Adventure Land!

Large networking events are like taking a trip to “Adventure Land!” You never know what (or who) will show up! Or… what will happen. Unpredictable is a word that comes to mind.

If you want to push the envelope on your personal comfort zone you must – at least once – attend a gigantic networking event.

I go to visit with my friends and “people-watch” because very little serious networking occurs at these events. People are milling around – with a fist-full of business cards – handing them to everyone who catches their eye. Others stand on the sidelines in awe of the crowd, not really knowing where to begin. Some people stay for awhile then leave, disappointed that they didn’t land any new customers.

The biggest percentage of the crowd haven’t a clue as to what the real rules of engagement for effective business networking are. Are you listening?

A very small percentage of those attending really get it! What do they get? They understand that networking is about building long-term relationships and they know that cannot be done by attending one meeting.

Let’s review my definition of networking:

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

So. . . what’s this about expecting nothing in return? Often we expect people who we help to help us. That would be nice. And it doesn’t always work that way. Some people are in better positions to help some than others. Part of the adventure for me is giving. Just give. That’s the key! Just give to help others. Willingly.

For your own peace of mind take some networking lessons. Read some networking books. Attend a Dave Sherman networking seminar. Dave knows networking! He presented an hour long networking talk before the last “NetworkingPhoenix” event which everyone should have attended. Attend a Bob Burg Networking seminar. Ask me to speak to your networking group. I’ve been networking since before we called it “Networking!”

Set aside some time each day to read the more than 185 (as of today) networking articles and tips in the Networking Article Index. Something new about networking is added every 4th day. Pass the links to this Networking Blog (http://NetworkingHQ.wordpress.com) and my Networking Website (http://www.TenCommitmentsofNetworking.com) to your fellow networkers.

You owe it to yourself to educate yourself on the intricacies of business networking and help to educate your friends in your network of support. That what a networking group really is. A place where we all support each other. If you don’t you are spinning your wheels! That will get you nowhere!

BONUS Article: Networking Events are a Waste of Time. . .

Copyright © 2011 – Larry James. Larry James is a Professional Speaker, Author and Coach. Larry James presents networking seminars nationally and offers Networking coaching; one-on-one or for your Networking Group! Invite Larry James to speak to your group! 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!”

Subscribe to Larry’s FREE monthly “LoveNotes for Lovers” eZINE. Contact: Larry James, P.O. Box 12695, Scottsdale, AZ 85267-2695. – CelebrateLove.com

NOTE: All articles and networking tips listed in this BLOG – written by Larry James – are available for reprint in magazines, periodicals, newsletters, newspapers, eZINEs, on the Internet or on your own Website. Click here for details.

Add Larry James as a “friend” to your Facebook page: http://www.Facebook.com/larry.james
Follow Larry’s “once daily” Relationship Tweet at: http://www.Twitter.com/larryjames
Follow Larry’s “Relationship BLOG” at: http://CelebrateLove.wordpress.com/
Follow Larry’s “Wedding BLOG” at: http://CelebrateIntimateWeddings.wordpress.com
Follow Larry’s “Authors & Speakers” BLOG at: http://www.AuthorsandSpeakerNetwork.wordpress.com/

Networking’s “#1 Rule of Engagement!”

How we go about networking is important because in the end result, if networking isn’t effective, there is little reason to continue doing it. Networking has many rules of engagement. To ignore them and to try to reinvent the networking wheel is frivolous; it’s high-risk behavior that can leave you wondering why networking isn’t as productive as you thought it might be. Here you will learn the #1 Rule of Engagement.

“Networking is the process of developing and maintaining quality relationships that enrich our lives and empower us to reach our goals. It’s about giving first and realizing we can learn from everyone we meet.” ~ Andrea R. Nierenberg, Million Dollar Networking

With this one rule you will have the knowledge to know just what to do when attending a networking event. Here is the first rule of engagement and the most important one:

1. NEVER attempt to SELL anyone anything the first time you meet them, especially at a networking event or meeting. An “authentic” relationship must be established first. One that is there because you genuinely care about having them as a person in your network of support. Be there to serve not sell.

This #1 rule must be understood and followed if you are going to be successful at networking. Networking is not about selling anything to anyone! PERIOD!

It’s about relationships. It’s about surrounding yourself with people who become your friends and are committed to working with you to exchange business referrals, and to help each other become more successful. Seldom does anyone buy from someone who approaches them at a networking event with a pitch to buy their product or service.

Networking is mostly about giving. It’s about doing something for someone. Are you adding value to others? This is where the “giving” come in. It’s about exploring all possibilities and discovering together ways you can help each other. Annoying someone with your “sales” pitch will get you nowhere.

My friend, Tom Hopkins says, “People like to do business with people they like and trust!” Not one or the other – BOTH “like and trust.“

Always keep your networking on a professional level. For the best results, invite only trusted friends and colleagues to join your network. Be selective. If possible do some research to verify their credibility and trustworthiness.

Trust “must” be earned! You “must” get to know each other FIRST! Be transparent. Allow people to see who you really are. If you feel you must “pitch” your product or service, do it somewhere else – NOT at a networking event or meeting – UNLESS you are requested to do so. (That isn’t likely!)

Perception is reality. If people see you as someone to be avoided because you appear to not know this most important rule, you will find disappointment in your networking experience.

Let’s review my definition of networking:

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

Copyright © 2011 – Larry James. Larry James is a Professional Speaker, Author and Coach. Larry James presents networking seminars nationally and offers Networking coaching; one-on-one or for your Networking Group! Invite Larry James to speak to your group! 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!”

Subscribe to Larry’s FREE monthly “LoveNotes for Lovers” eZINE. Contact: Larry James, P.O. Box 12695, Scottsdale, AZ 85267-2695. – CelebrateLove.com

NOTE: All articles and networking tips listed in this BLOG – written by Larry James – are available for reprint in magazines, periodicals, newsletters, newspapers, eZINEs, on the Internet or on your own Website. Click here for details.

Add Larry James as a “friend” to your Facebook page: http://www.Facebook.com/larry.james
Follow Larry’s “once daily” Relationship Tweet at: http://www.Twitter.com/larryjames
Follow Larry’s “Relationship BLOG” at: http://CelebrateLove.wordpress.com/
Follow Larry’s “Wedding BLOG” at: http://CelebrateIntimateWeddings.wordpress.com
Follow Larry’s “Authors & Speakers” BLOG at: http://www.AuthorsandSpeakerNetwork.wordpress.com/