Listen here:
If you don't have a couple of minutes to listen then this image from the NRG Networking System covers the main points:
Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
Showing posts with label Conversations. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Conversations. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
How to have a productive One2One Meeting
The key to building a successful relationship with someone in business networking is follow up. One2One interactions are an essential part of this follow up. It is the next step after you have invested time in getting to know someone at your regular networking group meetings. In this podcast I explain how to have a productive One2One Meeting.
Listen here:
If you don't have a couple of minutes to listen then this image from the NRG Networking System covers the main points:
Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
Listen here:
If you don't have a couple of minutes to listen then this image from the NRG Networking System covers the main points:
Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
Friday, April 16, 2010
Using the Internet to get off the Internet
In 'Using online to get offline' I briefly mentioned Meetup.com Founder, Scott Heiferman, and his talk in London about the importance of meeting offline.
Scott shared that he really began to experience the power of community in post 9/11 New York when people began again to rediscover the importance of looking out for each other. I was in London during the bombs on the underground and on a bus on 7 July 2005 and saw many people going out of their way for others in a similar way.
Scott shared that the idea for Meetup came from that time and he wanted to create a site to help strengthen community. To give people the opportunity to use the Internet to get together in local communities each day with the goal of improving themselves or their communities. Their mission today is to revitalize local community and help people around the world self-organize. Meetup believes that people can change their personal world, or the whole world, by organizing themselves into groups that are powerful enough to make a difference.
As Scott said it's about "Using the Internet to get off the Internet!"
A great insight into how to use Online Social Media and Networks in your Business Networking, a subject I addressed more fully in this article:
'10 top networking tips to increase business with the effective use of offline & online networks'
Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
Scott shared that he really began to experience the power of community in post 9/11 New York when people began again to rediscover the importance of looking out for each other. I was in London during the bombs on the underground and on a bus on 7 July 2005 and saw many people going out of their way for others in a similar way.
Scott shared that the idea for Meetup came from that time and he wanted to create a site to help strengthen community. To give people the opportunity to use the Internet to get together in local communities each day with the goal of improving themselves or their communities. Their mission today is to revitalize local community and help people around the world self-organize. Meetup believes that people can change their personal world, or the whole world, by organizing themselves into groups that are powerful enough to make a difference.
As Scott said it's about "Using the Internet to get off the Internet!"
A great insight into how to use Online Social Media and Networks in your Business Networking, a subject I addressed more fully in this article:
'10 top networking tips to increase business with the effective use of offline & online networks'
Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Using online to get offline
At a networking lunch last week someone asked about how you get to meet up offline with some of the people you connect with online. Networking online & offline are about about building relationships. You can strengthen existing connections online and make good new connections. Build relationships by contributing to online conversations and sharing your knowledge and connections. At some point you will probably need to meet up to really build trust. You may not be quite ready to meet One2One so consider inviting them along to a networking group you belong to.
Last week I attended an Event on 'How real time web is facilitating offline interactivity'. One of the speakers Meetup Founder, Scott Heiferman, was talking about the importance of meeting offline and said Meetup itself was all about:
"Using the Internet to get off the Internet!"
A pretty good approach to keep in mind with your online networking.
Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
Get 10 top networking tips to increase business with the effective use of offline & online networks
offline business networking | business networking events
Last week I attended an Event on 'How real time web is facilitating offline interactivity'. One of the speakers Meetup Founder, Scott Heiferman, was talking about the importance of meeting offline and said Meetup itself was all about:
"Using the Internet to get off the Internet!"
A pretty good approach to keep in mind with your online networking.
Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
Get 10 top networking tips to increase business with the effective use of offline & online networks
offline business networking | business networking events
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Why follow up is so important
I ran a business networking seminar this week when I asked 2 questions.
1. Do you agree that all things being equal people do business with and refer business to the people they know, like and trust?
2. Do you agree that all things being unequal people STILL do business with and refer business to the people they know like and trust?
The answer to both was a resounding yes, so I asked another.
"Why then do you spend most of your networking time getting to know lots of people a bit?"
You don't get to know, like and trust people by meeting once or twice. You get to know them by spending time in conversation with them and others at regular networking group meetings and by following that up with One2One interactions. That's follow up and you don't get to know, like and trust someone without it.
Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
Get 7 networking secrets for business success
business networking | business networking events | business networking tips
1. Do you agree that all things being equal people do business with and refer business to the people they know, like and trust?
2. Do you agree that all things being unequal people STILL do business with and refer business to the people they know like and trust?
The answer to both was a resounding yes, so I asked another.
"Why then do you spend most of your networking time getting to know lots of people a bit?"
You don't get to know, like and trust people by meeting once or twice. You get to know them by spending time in conversation with them and others at regular networking group meetings and by following that up with One2One interactions. That's follow up and you don't get to know, like and trust someone without it.
Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
Get 7 networking secrets for business success
business networking | business networking events | business networking tips
Friday, November 20, 2009
Who do you want to talk to?
In a One2One this week a mutual acquaintance was mentioned by my friend. She said this about him "I really like and trust him, but I have no idea how to help him in business because he is really vague about who he wants to talk to".
Later I was able to relay this message and ask the person who would be a good prospect. After a few minutes I understood clearly the frustration felt by my friend. He committed to work on the problem and come up with something to help his network to help him.
It is really important to get people to know and like you, but it's equally important to be clear about who and what you are looking for.
Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
Get 7 networking secrets for business success
business networking | business networking events | business networking podcast
Later I was able to relay this message and ask the person who would be a good prospect. After a few minutes I understood clearly the frustration felt by my friend. He committed to work on the problem and come up with something to help his network to help him.
It is really important to get people to know and like you, but it's equally important to be clear about who and what you are looking for.
Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
Get 7 networking secrets for business success
business networking | business networking events | business networking podcast
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Which conversation would you join?
If you walked into a networking event & the subject of everyone's conversation was in a speech bubble above their head which one would you join? During a recent seminar from Ecademy founder Penny Power about what online social networking means for you and your business Penny got the attendees to split into groups. After a few minutes she invited everyone to share the subject of the conversations. In spite of being at a business event the majority of the conversations were not business related. They were about the things that people were interested or passionate about.
Most of the time we will not have a useful 'speech bubble' so ask questions to find common ground. Be interested and you will find as I wrote yesterday Everyone has something to say. Finding what someone has to say and giving them the time to say it means listening first. That's what the people who do really well in networking do all the time. Listen and engage first rather then pitch and move on.
Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
Get 7 networking secrets for business success
business networking | business networking events | business networking podcast
Most of the time we will not have a useful 'speech bubble' so ask questions to find common ground. Be interested and you will find as I wrote yesterday Everyone has something to say. Finding what someone has to say and giving them the time to say it means listening first. That's what the people who do really well in networking do all the time. Listen and engage first rather then pitch and move on.
Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
Get 7 networking secrets for business success
business networking | business networking events | business networking podcast
Monday, November 9, 2009
How to really connect with someone
Last week in 'How many business cards are in that desk drawer?' I wrote about the meaningless swapping of business cards that sometimes takes place in networking.
Networking is not about swapping business cards and moving on. You need to engage in conversation first to start the relationship. Listen to more about really connecting in this podcast:
Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
Get 7 networking secrets for business success
business networking | business networking events | business networking podcast
Networking is not about swapping business cards and moving on. You need to engage in conversation first to start the relationship. Listen to more about really connecting in this podcast:
Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
Get 7 networking secrets for business success
business networking | business networking events | business networking podcast
Thursday, October 22, 2009
What is important in your World?
In response to my post 'What you say is less important' Christopher Neufeld said "An excellent point, although it should take note that you need to get the other person to open up and start discussing what is important to both of you."
He is right about the need to engage with someone in order to start a conversation or get them to 'open up' as he put it. The things that really engage someone are those that are important in their world. I was speaking at a recent event for the owners of independent retail and catering businesses about generating business in the run up to Christmas. The brief was excellent because it summarised the main concerns they have right now which meant the speakers could address those immediately and engage from the start.
It's the same in a One on One or small group. To engage and start a conversation ask questions about the issues they have. It's those conversations that create the connections that start the networking process.
Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
Get 7 networking secrets for business success
business networking | business networking events | business networking podcast
He is right about the need to engage with someone in order to start a conversation or get them to 'open up' as he put it. The things that really engage someone are those that are important in their world. I was speaking at a recent event for the owners of independent retail and catering businesses about generating business in the run up to Christmas. The brief was excellent because it summarised the main concerns they have right now which meant the speakers could address those immediately and engage from the start.
It's the same in a One on One or small group. To engage and start a conversation ask questions about the issues they have. It's those conversations that create the connections that start the networking process.
Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
Get 7 networking secrets for business success
business networking | business networking events | business networking podcast
Friday, October 9, 2009
Are you clear about what you do and who for?
After a seminar yesterday on building business with the effective use of offline & online networks I had a conversation with a couple of the attendees about clarity of message. During the seminar there was general agreement that the more specific you can be about proposition the better. If people know exactly what you do and who for it is much easier to find referrals for you. One person mentioned someone they knew, liked and trusted but found it too difficult to find opportunities because they positioned themselves too generally and for any business whatever the size.
It is much better to be a specialist than a generalist. It is also much better to have a specific target market or market sector. Being a generalist for everyone is a very crowded space. The following image helped people to focus on this:
If you do not consider yourself to have a specific market sector then at least try to position yourself as a specialist. And if you really are a generalist at least try and define a market sector. That could be for example by business type, size, geography or a particular problem that you solve.
Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
Get 7 networking secrets for business success
business networking | business networking events | business networking podcast
It is much better to be a specialist than a generalist. It is also much better to have a specific target market or market sector. Being a generalist for everyone is a very crowded space. The following image helped people to focus on this:
If you do not consider yourself to have a specific market sector then at least try to position yourself as a specialist. And if you really are a generalist at least try and define a market sector. That could be for example by business type, size, geography or a particular problem that you solve.
Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
Get 7 networking secrets for business success
business networking | business networking events | business networking podcast
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Are you keeping up with your conversations online
I have blogged before about using Social Media and Social Networks to listen and engage in conversations. Here are a couple of examples from the last couple of days to illustrate this.
On Friday I blogged 'What is this #FollowFriday on Twitter?' and one of the people I mentioned was Jon Davey. Yesterday I received an email from Jon in reply because he had been alerted by Google Alerts. One of the thing he uses that for is to listen for mentions of 'Business in Berkshire'.
Yesterday I blogged 'Does it really cost that much?' and Nigel Morgan replied on Twitter, "If you question the value of networking, check the mirror!". A couple of people replied to Nigel on Twitter and then Nigel replied again, but on my Linkedin profile this time.
Are you listening and engaging online about things relevant to you and your business?
Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
Get 7 networking secrets for business success
business networking | business networking events | business networking podcast
On Friday I blogged 'What is this #FollowFriday on Twitter?' and one of the people I mentioned was Jon Davey. Yesterday I received an email from Jon in reply because he had been alerted by Google Alerts. One of the thing he uses that for is to listen for mentions of 'Business in Berkshire'.
Yesterday I blogged 'Does it really cost that much?' and Nigel Morgan replied on Twitter, "If you question the value of networking, check the mirror!". A couple of people replied to Nigel on Twitter and then Nigel replied again, but on my Linkedin profile this time.
Are you listening and engaging online about things relevant to you and your business?
Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
Get 7 networking secrets for business success
business networking | business networking events | business networking podcast
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
What you say is less important ...
Have you ever agonised about what you are going to say to others at a networking meeting? Perhaps you have changed your mind as you listened to others. This could be in a 1 or 2 minute presentation or when someone asks the dreaded question, "what do you do?".
What you say is not the most important thing. What others say when you are not there is key. So spend less time trying to craft the perfect pitch and more time listening to others to find a connection and spark a conversation. It's during the conversation you find ways to help and demonstrate your value. People remember and talk about that far more then your initial pitch.
Success in business networking is not down to what you say about you, it's what others say. That makes what you do more important than what you say.
Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
Get 7 networking secrets for business success
business networking | business networking events | business networking podcast
What you say is not the most important thing. What others say when you are not there is key. So spend less time trying to craft the perfect pitch and more time listening to others to find a connection and spark a conversation. It's during the conversation you find ways to help and demonstrate your value. People remember and talk about that far more then your initial pitch.
Success in business networking is not down to what you say about you, it's what others say. That makes what you do more important than what you say.
Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
Get 7 networking secrets for business success
business networking | business networking events | business networking podcast
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Something we don't know about you
Have you ever been to a business networking event and left feeling that you didn't really get to know anyone? The conversations at business networking events can be very dull if everyone just talks about their business.
At the more 'formal' part of NRG Business Networking Events we have an aide memoire to help people introduce themselves and their business. This includes the usual business stuff - name, business, target market and ideal connections. It also invites the person to share something about themselves that we would not know in the ordinary course of business. Often this is when people come alive, smile and reveal their true nature. Especially when they talk about one of their passions.
That often is the spark for a conversation with someone and a real connection where you get to know and like each other. It's those connections that lead to follow up and a good business relationship based on trust where you become advocates. That's when networking really starts to work.
Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
Get 7 networking secrets for business success
business networking | business networking events | business networking podcast
At the more 'formal' part of NRG Business Networking Events we have an aide memoire to help people introduce themselves and their business. This includes the usual business stuff - name, business, target market and ideal connections. It also invites the person to share something about themselves that we would not know in the ordinary course of business. Often this is when people come alive, smile and reveal their true nature. Especially when they talk about one of their passions.
That often is the spark for a conversation with someone and a real connection where you get to know and like each other. It's those connections that lead to follow up and a good business relationship based on trust where you become advocates. That's when networking really starts to work.
Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
Get 7 networking secrets for business success
business networking | business networking events | business networking podcast
Friday, September 25, 2009
Talking about Politics and Religion when Networking
Conventional wisdom says you should avoid talking about politics and religions, but then someone once said to me that conventional wisdom is almost always wrong!
Many people think that the conversation at a business networking event has to be just about business, but in my experience people want to get to know you first. What makes you tick and what are you passionate about. That may well be business, but you will often make connections over your other interests first. So if your passions include politics or religion it's perfectly ok to talk about them as long you are engaging in conversation and not up on your soapbox!
Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
Get 7 networking secrets for business success
business networking | business networking events | business networking podcast
Many people think that the conversation at a business networking event has to be just about business, but in my experience people want to get to know you first. What makes you tick and what are you passionate about. That may well be business, but you will often make connections over your other interests first. So if your passions include politics or religion it's perfectly ok to talk about them as long you are engaging in conversation and not up on your soapbox!
Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
Get 7 networking secrets for business success
business networking | business networking events | business networking podcast
Monday, September 21, 2009
How do you listen online?
In 'The benefits of listening first' I wrote about a couple of examples from Graham Jones which demonstrated the millions of dollars of business being generated by Companies like Dell & Starbucks from listening for and then joining online conversations. A couple of days ago Graham gave a similar talk at the NRG London City Business Networking Group.
One person asked "How do you listen on Twitter?". Good question!
Graham provided the answer. On the right hand side on Twitter is a search box. On the results page you can save the search so every time you go back you get updated results. Follow this link for a Twitter search for NRG networking to see how it works.
Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
Get 7 networking secrets for business success
business networking | business networking events | business networking podcast
One person asked "How do you listen on Twitter?". Good question!
Graham provided the answer. On the right hand side on Twitter is a search box. On the results page you can save the search so every time you go back you get updated results. Follow this link for a Twitter search for NRG networking to see how it works.
Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
Get 7 networking secrets for business success
business networking | business networking events | business networking podcast
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Facebook proved faster than the Police!
One of my wife's sisters is visiting the UK from the US currently. On Sunday her friends & family back home were trying to contact her urgently as her husband was in hospital after being in a bad car accident. He was the only person with her phone number and was in no state to be able to give it to anyone.
About 7 in the evening UK time my daughter spotted something had happened on her cousin's facebook status. One of my Sister-in-Law's neighbours had also sent me a direct message after finding me amongst her Facebook contacts. I phoned my Sister-in-Law who was then able to phone another neighbour back home to get the full picture.
A few hours later the local UK police knocked at her parents house with a message that she needed to get in contact with people back in the US. The information travelled by Facebook much quicker than it took the police. The Police performance was still pretty impressive too given the limited information they had to work on - surname + town.
Is this relevant to how useful Social Networks & Social Media can be for you?
I think it's a powerful illustration of a revolution in communications. How many important conversations are you missing if you are not online?
Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
Get 7 networking secrets for business success
business networking | business networking events | business networking podcast
About 7 in the evening UK time my daughter spotted something had happened on her cousin's facebook status. One of my Sister-in-Law's neighbours had also sent me a direct message after finding me amongst her Facebook contacts. I phoned my Sister-in-Law who was then able to phone another neighbour back home to get the full picture.
A few hours later the local UK police knocked at her parents house with a message that she needed to get in contact with people back in the US. The information travelled by Facebook much quicker than it took the police. The Police performance was still pretty impressive too given the limited information they had to work on - surname + town.
Is this relevant to how useful Social Networks & Social Media can be for you?
I think it's a powerful illustration of a revolution in communications. How many important conversations are you missing if you are not online?
Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
Get 7 networking secrets for business success
business networking | business networking events | business networking podcast
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Are you listening or shouting online?
I have listened to Graham Jones speak at seminars at NRG Business Networking Events a couple of times recently. His theme has been 'How to double your Web Site Traffic'. His advice has been gratefully received (and hopefully acted on!) by the participants.
More and more people have asked him about Twitter during the presentations and he has given a couple of great examples about how you can use Twitter (and other Social Media) to listen for conversations relevant to you and your business and then engage in those conversations. Many business people have looked at Twitter and assumed it is for shouting about your services rather than engaging in conversations. This is a bit like going to a networking event and selling to the people there. I have written in previous posts that networking is not selling.
I have a couple of automated Twitter searches set up for Networking and NRG Networking specifically. On more than a few occasions recently I have been alerted to comments about NRG from members and guests and then responded directly to questions from people who replied to those comments.
For more on this subject take a look at Graham's excellent Beginners Guide to Twitter.
Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
Get 7 networking secrets for business success
business networking | business networking events | business networking podcast
More and more people have asked him about Twitter during the presentations and he has given a couple of great examples about how you can use Twitter (and other Social Media) to listen for conversations relevant to you and your business and then engage in those conversations. Many business people have looked at Twitter and assumed it is for shouting about your services rather than engaging in conversations. This is a bit like going to a networking event and selling to the people there. I have written in previous posts that networking is not selling.
I have a couple of automated Twitter searches set up for Networking and NRG Networking specifically. On more than a few occasions recently I have been alerted to comments about NRG from members and guests and then responded directly to questions from people who replied to those comments.
For more on this subject take a look at Graham's excellent Beginners Guide to Twitter.
Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
Get 7 networking secrets for business success
business networking | business networking events | business networking podcast
Friday, May 8, 2009
How to get 200 people to an event with 2 weeks notice
I went to a great event earlier this week. Described as a networking 'fundraiser' it was organised for Marlow FM's Community Radio Station. How was it possible to get such a good turnout at such short notice?
The organiser has built a powerful network and provided a lot of support to others so that when he needs something they help him in return. His network of people with influence and contacts in the area all got behind this event. They invited their networks who in turn invited theirs. Everyone else involved in the event invited their respective networks.
What could you do in your business with that sort of network supporting you? If you need to build it then do you know where to connect with others with influence in your market? Where are the conversations taking place between other providers of services in your market? Find the answer and join in those conversations.
It could be that you already have a network that would help, but you haven't let them know what the equivalent event is in your world.
It doesn't have to be 200 people at 2 weeks notice. It could be a referral to your ideal client. As well as helping your network achieve their goals remember to help them with how they can help you.
Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
Get 7 networking secrets for business success
business networking | business networking events | business networking podcast
The organiser has built a powerful network and provided a lot of support to others so that when he needs something they help him in return. His network of people with influence and contacts in the area all got behind this event. They invited their networks who in turn invited theirs. Everyone else involved in the event invited their respective networks.
What could you do in your business with that sort of network supporting you? If you need to build it then do you know where to connect with others with influence in your market? Where are the conversations taking place between other providers of services in your market? Find the answer and join in those conversations.
It could be that you already have a network that would help, but you haven't let them know what the equivalent event is in your world.
It doesn't have to be 200 people at 2 weeks notice. It could be a referral to your ideal client. As well as helping your network achieve their goals remember to help them with how they can help you.
Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
Get 7 networking secrets for business success
business networking | business networking events | business networking podcast
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
How much time do you get for conversations whilst networking?
A couple of days ago I blogged about a question that is often asked, 'How many people will be at the event?'. There were some great insights shared in the comments.
The underlying theme was that context, philosophy and actions were far more important than just the number of attendees. This brings us on to another issue. You need to have meaningful conversations to really connect with someone before going on to follow up and build a relationship.
So when you are thinking about attending an event or joining a group it might be important to ask a different question.
'How much time is dedicated to genuine 2 way conversation and is the meeting facilitated in any way to assist with those conversations?'
Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
Get 7 networking secrets for business success
business networking | business networking events | business networking podcast
The underlying theme was that context, philosophy and actions were far more important than just the number of attendees. This brings us on to another issue. You need to have meaningful conversations to really connect with someone before going on to follow up and build a relationship.
So when you are thinking about attending an event or joining a group it might be important to ask a different question.
'How much time is dedicated to genuine 2 way conversation and is the meeting facilitated in any way to assist with those conversations?'
Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
Get 7 networking secrets for business success
business networking | business networking events | business networking podcast
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