Power Networking (78)
Once upon a time Rae was quite uncomforable with business networking sessions, so he did extensive research on the subject and wrote an e-book (available for immediate download) Power Networking for Shy People
: How to Network Like a Pro!.
This section features sage advice on power networking and are included in his book.
Enjoy the articles and feel free to comment. Keep the discussion going!
How can introverted people who dislike networking do so for their business goals?
Written by Rae Stonehouse
How can introverted people who dislike networking do so for their business goals?
This question focuses on introverted business owners who dislike networking.
I believe the focus is being placed in the wrong area. It isn’t a matter of being introverted that makes one dislike networking. The real culprit is shyness.
Shyness and introversion are often lumped together as being the same thing, but they’re not.
Introversion versus extroversion is where you get your energy from. What recharges your energy?
What are the speed professional networking tips?
Written by Rae StonehouseI’m not sure how to interpret this question. One way would be that the question is looking for tips from professional speed networkers. This would presume that there is a subsector of elite networkers that consider themselves professionals. If so, I would expect that they are self-proclaimed professionals. That leads me to wonder that if they are so good, why do they have to keep producing more connections? Wouldn’t it be better to build quality relationships with the number of connections they already have i.e. quality over quantity?
I don’t think that there is an absolute answer to this question. The answer probably lies in one’s ability to take advantage of different networking models.
How am I supposed to Network If I am shy and socially anxious and avoid social events?
Written by Rae Stonehouse
Well, the good news, if there is any, is that you are not alone. I don’t know where in the world you are located but the Shyness Institute, located in the USA, reports that more than 50% of North Americans describe themselves as being shy in social situations.
What should I put on my business card if I am a serial entrepreneur?
Written by Rae StonehouseI agree with John Lombard’s well written answer. I would go with having several cards created to reflect whatever business you are promoting at the time.
I too face similar challenges with being a serial entrepreneur. I joke that my title is ‘serial entrepreneur’ because until I actually make any money at it … I eat a lot of cereal!
What is the best way you have discovered to network and share your business face-to-face with people as an introvert?
Written by Rae StonehouseThis question appears to have been kicking around for a while. On January 9, 2015 the author added the following comment: “Good point. I guess I should have asked, "What is the best way to network when you hate networking with a passion." I am great one-on-one and I really enjoy public speaking and performing in front of a large group of people. I just don't like networking. I would like to get better at it and wondered if anyone had any tips they could share.”
That really depends on what benchmarks you use to determine what is good or not.
I have heard of some business people that say if you get more than two free drink tickets with your admission, then it is a good networking event. Some use the food as a measuring stick, assuming there is any food served.
How important is networking in nowadays business?
Written by Rae StonehouseIt remains very important. It has been said that ‘if you are not networking … you are not working!”
What does it mean to build a professional network?
Written by Rae StonehouseAs in any question, understanding the context is the key to providing the answer. This question is short on context. Lucas Bazemore provides some excellent advice on building a professional network.
How should you introduce yourself in a way that'll make people care who you are?
Written by Rae StonehouseI’m going to start off in a negative fashion. I don’t think it is important that you spend your time on ways to introduce yourself to people so that they care. You can’t force them to do so.
More...
Why do businesses have business cards? What is the objective of business cards and how did they come into existence?
Written by Rae StonehouseTechnically speaking, businesses don’t have business cards. Owners of businesses, employees of businesses and business professionals, all utilize business cards.
Having had a similar challenge, it is a topic that I have put hundreds of hours of research into.
What are your most effective conversation openers in networking situations?
Written by Rae StonehouseEffective? The risk is in not coming off like you’re using a pick-up line.
I tend to use situational comments.
I’m not adverse to using “come here often?” It can elicit a chuckle or two and open the door to conversation.
I know a lot about business networking. Your question might be easier to understand if you provide some context. What specifically are you wanting to know about business networking?
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