I’ve had 2 really standout, one to one networking meetings this week with individuals who really want to work on a different plane. They reinforced my views that networking is the best way of growing a business.
For clarity: I run an online business network called Junction 31 and have positioned that network to complement other networks, not to compete with them So when I met Ray Lewin on Thursday and we discussed our respective networks (Ray runs the Chepstow and Monmouth business club) and then talked about how we could help each other to be successful.
Then on Friday I met a group of people who want to create their own small referral network, and the main question was “how can they help each other”. Again: so refreshing as it reinforced my view that small networks as just so much more powerful for long term success.
And in both these meetings, which were pretty high energy, was the underlying theme: “How can I help you?”.
I’m sure if we heard that a bit more in business meetings the world would spin at a different rate for us all. It really is a great question.
Many years ago I was a serving Army officer, waiting in Germany for the Russians to attack Western Europe.
We used to pride ourselves on the quality of our equipment, our training and of course our “stiff upper lips”. We just knew that we would win should the Russian 3rd Shock Army cross the inner German border in an invasion of Europe.
But we always had a nagging doubt that the quantity of men, equipment and military might that was going to come our way. A nagging doubt that the quantity might just have a quality all of its own. Read more »
I must admit that when I first saw it I thought it was an even dafter idea than many others that I’d seen on the web.Then a good friend advised me to stick with it and I did.
And now: well I think it’s amazing, and in my opinion it is likely to change the way people communicate, possibly forever. Having used it for several months I want to share with you some of my thinking about the impact that this will have in the business environment. Read more »
I’ve just got back from a really good but different breakfast meeting. It was different because I was on my own, not because I’ve got nobody to meet with, but because I wanted some time to think and to reflect on what’s been happening and to shape some thoughts for the coming weeks and months.
And it was good, the food was nice, Eggs Benedict and mushrooms, nice coffee and a creative ambience in the Juno Lounge in Cardiff. And I feel all the better for not having had to be “up and ‘at em” as is so often the case in breakfast meetings. And I feel better for not having been taken on several one minute personal pitches.
But most importantly it reminded me that sometimes, just sometimes, we need a bit of space to pause and think.
It worked for me, would it work for you?
Someone told me yesterday that they didn’t have any time for online networking and I found that a bit strange and it set me wondering why or how she got to that view.
Is it because she likes to judge people on what she sees? The old “first impression” stuff. Or is it that voices and accents count and you don’t get them online in quite the same way?
Or did she just like getting up at a time when someone else wanted her to come to their “Event” and was responding?
You see: where I’m come from is that I see online networking as a perfect complement to offline networking. They are not mutually exclusive, and each has strengths and weaknesses.
I hate getting up early, well that’s not quite true:I hate getting up early to go out to a meeting. Sitting in my dressing gown and working is fine for me. I won’t too graphical here.
But what I get from being able to operate online is flexibility. The flexibility to choose when I want to work, and it certainly works for me.
But there are occasions when I do get out (gosh, that sounds a bit like Nigel No Mates) and meet others, but the chances are that I’ve researched online before going and will work the event to maximise my opportunities to develop relationships. The next week has 5 such opportunities and you know what: I reckon at some stage when I’m sitting in the car on the way to or way back from one of these events I’m going to think that I’ve got no time for this stuff!
And I’d be wrong too.
When you go out to a “real” networking event, do you go to have a good time, maybe even expecting a good time. Or do you avoid contact, or maybe even hide in the corner. Well I reckon you probably go there with a “let’s get too it” attitude. And you work the room.
You talk to people, you introduce yourself, when asked and you ask others to tell you a bit about themselves.
And you have some fun. And you probably try to find some common ground to build that rapport that you need in a relationship. Although there are some that I’ve met that just want to tell me what they sell and then ask me to buy. But I don’t talk to them for long!
But online it’s a bit different: I’ve found that some people who are super active in the Face to Face world are slow in making a move. And you know what, I reckon it’s because they think this online space is a different world.
Well let me tell you – in my opinion – it is not a different world, it’s just a different meeting room.
You’ve got to go in with a smile, you need to make people laugh, you still need to find some common ground and build rapport. And if all you want to do is sell your story and your stuff then you’re probably in the wrong place. And let me tell you now, it’s a lot easier to ignore someone online that F2F.
If you’re in an online network, like Junction 31, then you need to work at it. But when you get it right the dividends will be huge.
So next time you go online, why not think of it as being at a party – get there to meet people, smile, laugh, share stories, make friends, get names/numbers to follow up but most of all enjoy it. It sure beats working!
I help people: by using my enthusiasm and idealism I try to inspire and support others to achieve their potential. And through the postings and musings in this blog I hope that I will be able to assist others through some of my experience and insight.
If you want to take issue with anything you read here, please do, and I look forward to debating with you in the years to come.
1 Comment 
