Networking is a powerful business and
life tool, used in an appropriate and consistent manner it really can
bring you anything you want in your business and life.
Here is a profile of the six most common networking personalities
in business today.
The Socialite
Socialites often make great networkers. They love to attend events and will
always say yes to meeting for coffee, lunch or dinner. They can be relied
upon to 'lighten' up any event. Generally speaking these are the people who
will seek out the person standing at an event on their own and include them
in their conversations. Event organizers love these people as they are the
ones who will forward on information to their 'circle' and invite colleagues
and friends to join them.
Socialites are great connectors and generally will be able
to put you in touch with the right people to help you get
what you want. Be warned, however, if you are a 'socialite'
you can run the danger of spending too much time socializing
and connecting people, leaving little time for yourself to
do the things you must do. The result of this is often time
pressure and unfinished business. The key to being successful
if you are a socialite is to maintain a balanced schedule
between socializing and business.
The Serial
The serial networker is always busy, known to rush from one network to the
next collecting business cards and making quick 'friends'. These are the
people who rarely give you a chance to talk before they have you involved
in their business, a project or are connecting you with somebody who can
bring business to your front door. The serial networker is a whirlwind of
information and has a database that reads like a business “who's who” directory.
They are often involved in projects and will give freely their time and resources,
as long as it fits in with their schedule and needs.
A word of caution for the serial networker: Slow down and
remember not everyone is on board as quick as you, some networkers
have a need to slowly build relationships and paramount in
networking is to slowly build that relationship into one
of trust.
The Initiator
The initiator is the type of networker who is not only well connected to others,
but has strong relationships and will only connect you with people for a
common purpose that will benefit both parties. This is often the person you
meet at a function, on a bus, through a friend or business interaction that
sees opportunity and will follow up with you. The initiator will help you
get what you want because of their ability to cut through the red tape, clear
the clutter of thinking too much and initiate change, action and results.
The initiator is extremely resourceful. If they don't know
something or someone they will know someone who does. The
initiator is often a very busy person; take care to not waste
their time. Initiators are the real money people. They know
where the customers are and how to service them, therefore
a lot can be learnt from this type of networker. They can
be great advocates and are good relationship managers.
The Occasional
The occasional is unfortunately the most common type of networker that exists.
They occasionally attend events, they occasionally follow up, they occasionally
seek to meet new contacts, and they occasionally connect other people. These
are the people that think 'I really should do more networking' and don't
because they let other things get in the way and don't truly understand the
real value networking can bring.
Typically they will go to an event, meet new people, exchange
business cards and not follow up. Occasionally they will
send a 'nice to meet you' email but not much more will happen
after that. They rarely get business from networking so categorize
it as a nicety rather an integrated part of their overall
marketing plans. Be cautious if you fall into this category,
it can be difficult to re-connect with those that you have
not maintained a connection or a relationship with.
The Balanced
The balanced is the type of networker who seems to do things easily and effortlessly.
They are consistent with their actions, follow up when they meet people,
see opportunities when they are presented, connect people and give without
expectation. Achieving all of this while running successful and growing businesses,
they understand the true value of what networking means to their business
and integrate it into their daily, weekly, and monthly activities.
Balanced networkers never forget a name or where they met
you. They connect with people anywhere an opportunity presents
itself. Most importantly, they plan their networking activities,
knowing each day who they will call, each week what events
they will attend, and who they will follow up with.
The Inactive
You know who you are and what you should be doing! These are the people who
in the past have thought 'I really should' but don't. They often think networking
is a waste of time, they may be fearful people will reject them, or they
are just too busy to network. To move out of this category all you need to
do is one thing... NETWORK! You never know what it might bring!
About the Author:
Sue Henry is a highly experienced business professional who has worked in training,
facilitation, sales, and marketing for the past 20 years. Sue has trained
and inspired many business professionals across a range of industries to
excel beyond their own expectations.
|
