Do you hate networks? A small business tip that will transform you

I did it and I don’t anymore. I’ll tell you why. Back in the day when I was first building my business, all I heard about was networking. Everyone from my trainer to my husband to the receptionist at the local Chamber of Commerce office told me the same thing. If you wanted to be successful in business, you had to go out and network.

Why did every time I heard the advice, I bristle and want to run back to the safety of my home office? For some reason, the idea of ​​networking completely turned me off. He made me wonder: if networking was the key to business success, then maybe you should consider throwing in the business towel.

I suspect I’m not alone here. Many clients I work with express the same distance and resistance to what seems like a simple mission. See if you can relate to the following common reasons that smart entrepreneurs (including me) come up with to avoid networking.

I don’t like putting myself “out there.”

I’m too busy.

My associates will think I have an ulterior motive when I approach them.

I don’t feel comfortable in groups of people.

Everyone I know knows the same people, so why bother?

These universal laments of not networking for me, thank you very much, seem like valid excuses. After all, why would anyone want to deliberately put themselves in an awkward position? Here’s a good reason: All of these excuses are based on a critical misconception: that networking is about YOU.

Yes, you heard right. Excuses and resistance arise when you are only thinking about yourself. Truly, the fun begins when you see that networking is NOT about you, it’s about other people and building relationships with them. Whenever you walk into a networking opportunity you are primarily concerned with “What’s in it for me?” then you will surely feel less than exuberant.

Here are five tips to transform networking into an enjoyable relationship-building activity.

1. First of all, take the perspective that networking is an opportunity to go out, make new connections and build relationships. Entrepreneurs tend to be isolated, perhaps even working alone. Opportunities to be with other entrepreneurs can be supportive in many ways. Remember that you are not alone. Chances are, the person on the other side of the room feels the same way you do and will probably benefit from the connection as well.

2. Be prepared. Have a well-developed “elevator pitch” ready. 80% of what makes new entrepreneurs anxious at public events is a lack of confidence to talk about their business. Once you’ve mastered that part of the conversation, you can focus on listening.

3. Share knowledge. Being an aggregator and disseminator of information. Offer what you know. It is attractive and offers value. Why not let others benefit from your knowledge as much as you do? It helps you stand out from the rest and makes you feel great when you can really add value to someone’s life.

4. Embrace the philosophy, “What goes around, comes around.” Focus on what you can do for others instead of what they can do for you. Maybe you can solve a problem or know someone who can help. Don’t go in with an ulterior motive to “sell.” Instead, remember these four simple words: How can I help?” It feels great to help, and if it leads to business, so much the better.

5. Keep your word. Can you remember a time when someone promised you something and then didn’t deliver? It certainly doesn’t feel good. Don’t do that to others. If you make a connection at a networking event and promise to send someone information about your product, do it quickly. If you tell a new contact that your associate will call them, be sure to follow up.

What will be your next step? Are you ready to join me as a former networking tough and start building your powerful business relationships one person at a time?

It’s YOUR life… imagine the possibilities!

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