by Barb Abramson | Aug 12, 2014
In a recent conversation with Laura Atchison, author of the Bestselling book: What Would a Wise Woman Do? Questions to Ask Along the Way, we talked about some out-of-the-ordinary places to network. Laura mentioned one of her favorites, is while waiting in line to check out at the grocery store.
You really can network anywhere there are two or more people, even at a funeral according to Dr. Ivan Misner, founder of BNI, the worlds largest international business networking organization.
So how do you begin that conversation while standing alongside the magazines and candy bars?
Laura says she asks people what they do when they aren’t in line and thus starts a conversation about their interests, work or otherwise. It’s important to consider that people often get their shopping done on the way home from work, or on their day off, so how someone is dressed may or may not reflect their occupation. Laura noted she has had some fascinating conversations.
I take a different approach. I love to connect on the food in their cart. If I see an item I haven’t tried yet I will ask them about it. Or if it is a food I have tried and really liked, I will tell them that as well. I might even ask what they are cooking. As long as time is not a factor, I don’t mind getting in line behind someone with a full cart, or cute kids, or wearing something interesting that I would compliment them on.
You never know where a conversation will lead. Recently, a woman buying ice cream told me that she was trying to cool down because her A/C was on the fritz. Within moments I had connected her to a reliable A/C repairman in my networking group that I trusted.
Sometimes the conversation is about occupation. Sometimes it’s about helping others. Either way, it’s about connecting with others in a positive, meaningful way.
Well, I’m off to do some networking. But first I need a few ingredients for dinner. Look for me in the checkout lane.
By the way, Laura and I, along with many other presenters will be speaking in January on the Reinvention Cruise, designed to help you discover your purpose and passion. You can check out the details here. Special pricing ends September 1.
Cruises are a great place to network too!
photo/Flickr
by Barb Abramson | Jun 7, 2014
I attended a networking event recently for a group that has a professional reputation and I was surprised at what I saw when I walked in the room.
The meeting, which took place mid-week during lunch time had about 25 people in attendance, all representing different business. What surprised me was how some of the members were dressed and, how they carried themselves and spoke about their business.
The Realtor, wearing torn blue jeans and a bedazzled t-shirt that read “Realtor Chick” was totally unprepared to share her skills and talents and did not seem credible in my eyes, especially with her introduction of: Hi – As you can see I’m a Realtor and, well, that’s pretty much it, call me”
It was pretty much it for me because she did not convey anything that would earn her my business or trust.
Several of the group were dressed appropriately to their professions, but others were not and it left me wondering how successful some of them would be through this group, or in their business overall if this is the impression they make.
Your attire, your “elevator speech” about your business, how well you listen to what the person you are speaking with is saying – all have an impact on the business you will receive from the others in the room.
So my question is – How are you representing YOU?
by Barb Abramson | Mar 24, 2014
Trust
It is the foundation of any good relationship, be it personal or business.
Without trust, the walls crumble and the roof crashes in.
The foundation of trust does not just appear however. It must be cultivated and cared for over time. It begins by combining common ingredients and blending them into something stronger and solid.
Trust is gained from experiences. We do not automatically trust someone just because we exist in each other’s lives. It is a process of slowly stacking building blocks until there is something solid to lean on.
So how do we develop trust? It is a simple as communication. Sharing ourselves in a non-threatening, non-judgmental environment. Understanding that we can have different paths to the same goal.
Trust is built on relationships. It is deeper than a nod in passing, a handshake and a wave. It is going deeper into another’s life and caring to know what is there. You may not always agree, that is ok. The people you agree with more may be held closer in your circle, but there is room for many different experiences.
I hope to earn your trust!
Photo:Flickr
