Business Networking ? Extroverted Web Weaving for the Introvert

If you have been in business for any amount of time, you go to networking events. Did your body just seize up? Was there a swelling of nervousness in your gut? Are you about ready to stop reading? I encourage you to stay with me about networking. Let me ask: what's the difference between someone who asks you at a picnic or at church, "Who do you know who ??" versus the reality that this is the same question being asked by everyone at a formal networking event? The difference is likely that phrase "networking event!"

Estimates are that we each know about 200 to 250 people. In this group of people, this sphere or circle of influence, business happens informally and formally, passively and actively and with success and without. Since I am an introvert, my take on networking comes from a want to make the most of the event in the shortest amount of time. My energy drains too fast in too much of a great event! Here are a few pointers to put extroverted behaviors for the most introverted of us with high success.

1. Go to a networking event with an intention.

What usually works is to set an intention to meet just three new people. Or, an intention to get business cards from three new people. Something immediate and small is usually doable for any of us.

2. Carry business cards everywhere

My business cards are with me everywhere. I always have one box of business cards in my car, a few business cards in a jacket pocket and always in my business portfolio. In the rare situation that I might not have one, then I ask the person I meet for theirs. No one has ever refused to give me his or her card because I did not have mine.

3. Communicate eyeball to eyeball.

As I wrote that I wondered, "Who sustains eye contact better, introverts or extroverts? Maybe there is research on that. For me, eye contact is easy. I feel better when I focus on the person I am talking with and not seeing all the hustle around us. For a fact, we know that in general, most people have more positive feelings from eye contact than lack of it.

4. Use people's name: you'll both be uplifted.

Doesn't it make you feel important when someone remembers your name? You don't need a memory course to do this better. The easier you make it the better, particularly for an introvert. One, two, three: One, use a person's name immediately when you meet them: "It's great to meet you Cindy Tracy. Two, then use their name in your conversation when you ask a question: "How long have you been coming to these events Cindy?" And, easy three, if someone else approaches the group you're in, introduce the person you just met by their name.

5. Stand out from the crowd with follow-up.

Even the shyest of us can easily reap results in this part of the process! Write a short, simple thank-you note within about a week to those three new people you meet. Thank them for talking with you and helping you learn about what they do in business. Include your business card. I am amazed how few people continue to make this part of their networking system.

6. Propel yourself forward with giving.Let's just say that everyone at this event is seeking a recommendation for something. Your best bet is to discover what they are seeking. It could be anything ? a good movie to watch, a restaurant recommendation, where they can get a previously released music cd ? anything for any aspect of life. When you follow-up, ask about what they thought about your recommendation. With your focus on how to help someone fill the smallest need first, you're still moving forward in your networking.

Right On!

Whether you are an introvert or an extrovert, networking can be more comfortable and confident when you come from the place of knowing that everyone is seeking a recommendation at some time. The "networking event" just puts formal dress on web weaving - connecting people with whoever or where ever will get them what they want.

Pat Weber is a coach, certified telelcass leader, and corporate trainer. In her business coaching, she works with small business owners, independent professionals and salespeople to help them get more of what they want sooner than later.

Visit her website at http://www.prostrategies.com. Sign up for her free ezine.

---

Sell For Yourself Or Sell For Your Boss?

First of all I would like to start this article... Read More

How to Collect Business Cards

Why the business card grab is not why you are... Read More

How to be Known

Why business relationships are formed with certain people?If you go... Read More

Five Stumbling Blocks To Successful Networking And How To Overcome Them

The ability to connect with people is essential to success... Read More

How To Make Your Next Networking Event A Success

There are people who are natural born networkers - those... Read More

Make Money on the Internet - The Lifestyle Advantages of Professional Marketers

Some of the most successful businesses in existence today started... Read More

The 4 Attitudes of Awesome Hospitality

Hospitality relates to the Latin term philoxenia, or "the love... Read More

Marketing Essentials: The 15 Second Elevator Speech

You're at a conference. Someone steps in the elevator, notices... Read More

Politics, Religion, Race; Conversational No-No?s in Business

Do not destroy all your positive displacement and high energy... Read More

Ask for What YOU Want and Gain More Business

Why ask others for help and what do you gain... Read More

Building Great Business Relationships

If you're in a business relationship with anyone ? a... Read More

Lesson 61 - When Does Aggressiveness Turn Into Annoyance?

The StoryWhen attending conferences, conventions, or private events, it's guaranteed... Read More

Community Involvement Networking

It is important for you to join at least one... Read More

Social Networking: A Link To Like Minds

Not all dot-com dreams died when the Internet stock bubble... Read More

The Promotion Factor: Seven Strategies to Promote Yourself and Your Business by Playing Golf

Effective business promotion is more powerful than advertising. Using golf... Read More

The Secrets to Networking Success

Recently I was interviewed for a book on networking. My... Read More

34 Power Affirmations for Networking with the Affluent

Here are 34 affirmations I have created after studying the... Read More

Giving the Gift of Your Name (The Networking Factor)

Although, this is about giving the gift of your name... Read More

How to Find Participants for a Trial Run

Why is a network meeting the best place to get... Read More

Develop a Great Network - Pay It Forward for Maximum Success

Who needs a network of people to talk to about... Read More

Four Brainless Self-Promotion Techniques To Avoid

Many workers think that their hard work will speak for... Read More

Communication Is A 2-Way Street (The Networking Factor)

The Personal Touch 1There is a simple art to networking... Read More

Increasing the ROI on Your Networking

Networking requires an investment of time, money and effort. Here... Read More

The Anatomy of a Brain Cramp; The Retainer and the Lavalava - Communication

In life, you have to successfully work with people to... Read More

Giving Referrals to Get Referrals

One of the best ways to get a referral is... Read More

The A-B-Cs of Networking

In the workplace - and when dealing with workplace matters... Read More

You Can?t Spell Networking Without Serendipity

"Fear not to entertain strangers for by so doing some... Read More

Measuring Value for a Networking Group

How do you measure a group's worth to your organization?It... Read More

Work that Room, Baby!

Networking, schmoozing, making connections. Call it what you want, it's... Read More

Lesson 15 - Meeting the Prince with More Reputation than Power

The StoryBusiness has a habit of testing us as individuals... Read More

Are You in the Relationship Business?

Are you in the relationship business? Of course you are.... Read More

Business Networking - Common Myths and Realities

Can we agree about the meaning of networking? I don't... Read More

Power Networking: Getting Your Name Out There!

Today's economy presents some very special challenges to people who... Read More