What is the single biggest mistake keeping people tied to losing in business networking?
Business networking doesn’t have to give you a gag and puke effect. Recently a new Joint Venture partner, Monique MacKinnon, put my own networking experience to the test with her “white elephant” that is, limiting beliefs test. Then I wanted her to play the game too. After all, she does have business networking experience building a reputation of, a consummate networker. I wanted her to just tell it like it is from her own experience. Do you know this “white elephant” of business networking?
Question: Based on your 5 years’ experience of providing Creativity Coaching and Consulting services and leading business networking events for business owners and professionals, what is the single biggest mistake that networkers make that when shifted could transform their networking experience from unproductive and ‘just another item on one’s marketing To Do List’ to both pleasurable and productive?
Answer: The biggest mistake I’ve seen networkers make is: (1) at one extreme… to expect too much, too soon vis-à-vis results from their networking efforts; and (2) at the other extreme, to not expect anything from the networking. In scenario #1, they immediately turn off their prospects because the energy they exude to their fellow networkers is uncomfortable to them. In scenario #2, the nonchalant networker is perceived as a hobbyist and therefore not fully committed to, and serious about creating win-win networking relationships. When networking, taking the middle road – which lies between the two extremes of being off-putting and commitment-phobic – is the best-case scenario. Arriving feeling fully prepared – mentally, emotionally, and energetically – for example increases networking success! A couple of ways to quickly attract networking success is to get clear on the following before embarking on your networking adventures: (1) “What do I most enjoy about networking?” Whatever your response is (e.g. meeting new people or mastering networking,…), you need to ensure you get into and stay in that space throughout your networking experience; and (3) “What is my intention for this networking event, in other words, what do I want to ask the other networkers that will help advance my business?”; (3) “What are all of the ways I am willing to help other networkers: for example, be a connector, provide helpful resources and/or something else?”
If you are riding this white elephant then it may be time to slow down and regroup. Where are you in the riding circle of expecting too much too soon to not expecting anything from business networking? Stop, reflect and see your position. Now, if you are at either extreme, why not make the shift that will free you from going in circles. Get clear, stay in that space and network with intentional conversations.
This is just tip of the networking iceberg. If you are serious about bringing in more business through networking and/or have a desire to become a more masterful business networker, listen in on a free teleclass by Monique MacKinnon and Pat Weber at Powerful networking for straight shooters who mean and want more business!
Instead of networking with a big white elephant, just register for the free call now.