Networkin' It!

I have always disagreed with the saying "it's like riding a bike...". That is what people say when they want to illustrate that something is a impossible to forget once you learn or acquire it. Not so, my friends. Have you ever gotten back on a bike once you haven't ridden in a long, long time? The learning curve to reacquaint my over 40 butt to those seats is enough to make me literally hang up riding and return my bike to its place of honor (covered with dust on the hooks in my garage). With that in mind I refuse to let my networking skills go the way of my Tour de France aspirations.

With that in mind, I make great efforts to stay connected and network. Ok, so maybe not great efforts because for me it comes easily to talk to people and get involved. My husband says I would talk to a mailbox if I thought I could get some conversation. But I try to make my conversations productive. Here are some tips I have found helpful in making certain my chatting it really networking.

• Know your audience - If your business is grant writing, you should be where the not-for-profits are. If you are a personal stylist, I would expect to see you at events that pertain to fashion. Align yourself with associations that meet your interests and your niche (<--- over used word of the day). Put yourself in places where your potential contacts and ideally your customers are.
• Stay in your comfort zone - You would be surprised how many of us refuse to utilize our resources in our own back yard. Truly talking to the people around you about what you are doing may yield some very surprising results. We talk to our circles about everything else, talk to them about your business and your interests.
• Get out of your comfort zone - Field of Dreams is a 1989 film about an Iowa corn farmer who hears a voice telling him: "If you build it, he will come...". Creepy premise, yes but also for the rest of us a flat out lie. You cannot expect to build a career out of never talking to a stranger about your business. Get out there and tell people about how fabulous you are. Talking to that one person you didn't know before could mean the break you have been looking for to land that next big account
• Volunteer - Yes I said it, the V-word! Volunteerism has such great benefits. You not only get to give back but you get the chance to expand your horizons while showing what you do best. With that in mind consider volunteering in your specialty area. Showcase your strengths so that when the paid gig comes up or a referral is needed, a contact is able to point to you based on the work they may have seen when you were volunteering.
• Listen - Networking is as much about giving as it is about receiving. When you are sharing what you do, don't forget to listen (that is listen, not just hear). As you are talking with people learn to be a resource. Who do you know that can help them? What tips can you share? Dig deep and take the time to understand how you may be able to help with no strings attached.

Networking is imperative to starting, growing and sustaining your business. Be that "go-to" person in your circles and step out of your routine from time to time. You will see the dividends almost immediately in growth and good feelings. Happy Networking!