OUR  NETWORKING BASH WAS A HUGE SUCCESS!  

Training Insights was called on by Rachel Barnhart, WHAM TV 13, as she researched industry leader's positioning on face-to-face networking combined with social networking. Visit: 

http://tinyurl.com/schnorr

DON'T KID YOURSELF ABOUT NETWORKING!

By Sue Schnorr

I was at a party this weekend and someone asked, "What do you do?"

"I teach strategic networking skills to help people improve their net worth."

Suddenly, there was a strange QUIET at the table..... I felt like I said something wrong. So, instead of crawling under the table, I repeated it.

"Yes, I teach networking skills - whether you're looking for a job or looking to do a better job AT your current job."

Still silence.

"Oh," one person finally said flatly. "I hate networking."

"Really, I asked? You should take our Contacts Count course, it might change your perspective.

"No," she continued. "No, networking is not for me. I hate going to networking events. Since I'm on the client end, people who meet me always want something from me. I have enough contacts in my network with my vendors......"

She continued to explain, but her words were swallowed up by another conversation that started at the table, and we never got back to the topic.

I thought about it later, and remembered many of my colleagues who were crushed when they were laid off from their 'client jobs' and shocked at how all of the people who supposedly cared so much about them, and showered them with gifts, were no longer there for them. Hmmmmm.

"Don't kid yourself," I thought to myself. Don't pretend that you don't need a support net. Don't assume that your network is big enough or as good as it's ever going to get. As we grow in business and as the marketplace changes, our networks have to grow and change as well.

If you don't want to be stagnant, you better continually be creating, cultivating and capitalizing on your networking. You better nurture your business relationships and stay in good standing with different types of people in different places.

Think about it. How diverse is your network? Are there young people in your network? Old? Are there Clients? Vendors? Students? Mentors? Interns? Experienced people? Newbies? Do you have people in your field, from associations, who you can turn to, to benchmark, get the latest in trends and best practices? Do you have a strategy? Do you get bottom-line results from your networking?

Or, are you just going to networking events, because you think you should? And, you go, but don't bother with the 'lowly people' who just want something from you and dismiss the people who you don't think you will 'need'.

Don't kid yourself.  You should seek out different networking venues if you are constantly running into the 'same crowd'. You should be benchmarking and sharing best practices with your peers to stay current in your job. You can always learn something new. And be careful of being judgmental, because the people you deem as 'not worthy - and that just want something from you' may actually be able to teach you something or share some new resources. They may even have brothers, or neighbors who could hire or fire you!

Don't kid yourself.  Don't keep yourself in a networking 'silo.' We can learn from other industries and other people. How do you think McDonalds came up with the drive-through idea.... by learning about banking and the drive-through window!

Don't kid yourself.  Even if you don't like networking events, you can still connect with others that you could learn from. Maybe lunches and one-one-one coffee dates make more sense for you. Maybe you're shy but do better at standing out and making a reputation for yourself by answering questions on Linked In.

Don't kid yourself.  With the highest unemployment rates we've seen in a long time, no one is safe. No one knows what the future will bring. With social media on the rise, now is the time to use face-to-face networking, LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook to your advantage. You don't have to spend time reinventing the wheel when someone 1/2 way across the world is in your Linked In Group, willingly shares articles and tips with you. Information and ideas are so easily and quickly accessed, that no one should be the 'lone ranger' and no one should have to hate 'networking!'

LEARN - IT- LIVE: 

Learning Session and Networking Event!

Make Your Contacts Count AND Build Your Network!

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In this unique dual workshop and networking event, featured in the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle,  (http://tinyurl.com/networkingAugust20) we help you create, cultivate, and capitalize on your network. Whether you're employed, looking for a job, or in a business for yourself, the tools in Make Your Contacts Count will help you make networking an art ...not an accident!

You will use your skills! Try them out in a safe environment and build your network at the same time! This is a unique event where all networkers are INTERESTED in learning how to do a better job with their networking efforts!

You will:

• Use conversation to teach people to trust you, hire you, help you
• Find collaborators and build partnerships
• Answer "What do you do?" in a way that shows your character & competence
• Steer small talk to uncover resources and opportunities
• Teach people how to use your expertise, what to count on you for
• Leave the session with a bigger, better network of professionals!
  

Next Session: TBD

20 Wildbriar Rd, 14623  - 1st floor conference room     Rochester Home Builders Association Bldg.    (Wildbriar Rd. is off E. Henrietta Road, corner of Victory, near the 390 intersection.) 

Fewer than 15% of professional we've surveyed say "Yes, I have the network I need to get the job done." The other 85% will benefit from this event. Build your confidence, get more comfortable and competent with your networking skills and see how they work for you!

Sign up now!

Come; network with people who "get" networking, who know how to give and get information, resources and leads and who know the importance of following up to build their network and get bottom-line results!  

Click here to sign up now!

Contact Sue @ training-insights.com with questions or call 585-442-3443 for more information.