Professional Networking That Will Power Your Startup

According to the last research from the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), the secret ingredient that nurtures the entrepreneurial success of a startup ecosystem like Silicon Valley is informal professional networking.

When you are a startup founder, you’re on your own working 24/7 tackling the challenges of how to find investors, how to find a business partner, how to promote your project and how to team up with other talented hardworking fellows like yourself.  78% of business owners confirm that building a face-to-face network that will support you with guidance and advice is more important for growing a startup than accelerators, incubators, co-working spaces and other formal settings designed for progress facilitation.

So if you feel bad hanging out at costly events, rest assured, creating a professional network that you can tap into for assistance is the most valuable investment of your precious time to provide a smooth launch of your business.

What’s the best networking strategy?

To save your time so you can focus on core business functions, we have conducted a survey on professional networking and here is what successful founders say on how to build a network of power relationships.

The best professional networking strategy is as simple as the soul of genius, and it is not what you think. The key insight is before growing your network, make sure you’ve grown your business and trust of your customers. Business first! You can pump up your communication skills and have your pitch on point for a networking session, but if there’s no personal gain for your potential investor, it’s done in vain.

All founders of successful startups to mention iconic Facebook, What’s up, Apple and Dropbox focused on product development and raising clients’ credibility, spending just a fraction of that time seeking funding. Once they produced something of value, investors came to them flocking at every event they appeared. Sure you can’t do epic shit with basic people, so you build your surroundings to create the right state of mind, but that does not mean that if you befriend with accomplished people they would magically sprinkle success into your existence. Having a working product is a prerequisite for the investors to take an interest in your startup.

To maximize the benefits of a networking event here are some top tips that prove useful

For picking a networking event

Attending every event would do you more harm than good, so be savvy, not sorry. Align your professional networking strategy with your target result so that you have a well-defined clear goal when picking an event. The rule of thumb is to choose highly specialized activity-based events where you can engage in problem-solving work or discussion and reach your ultimate clients preferably as a speaker.

For developing communication skills

Frankly, you don’t need to attend 99% of the events, if you can have a blast at the rest of them. There is another open secret that 90% of people feel nervous when speaking in public, while the other 10% are just faking it out. Practice makes perfect, developing communication skills becomes imperative when you are faced with the challenge of being paralyzed by fear of public speaking.

An idea that the better half of the visitors are introverted newcomers will relieve your anxiety besides no one has ever answered “No” to a phrase “Can I introduce myself?”. Follow your introduction with open questions like “What brings you here?” “What challenges do you see for your company?” Listen more, talk less, be genuine, think what benefits you and your product can offer and you are a networking champion!

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For building network

There is a huge scope of events such as conferences, meetups, networkings, pitches and hackathons which are mostly designed for making connections. TechCrunch Disrupt, AMBAR’s SVOD, WebSummit and Collision are among the most featured, crowded and intimidating. That’s why you should go there if you see a clear benefit and have enough time to get ready.

Focusing on your specific goal, make a list of attendees you would like to meet, including guests, speakers, exhibitors and local companies’ representatives. A month before the event write a message to make sure your potential acquaintances have time in their busy agenda to schedule a meeting with you. Talking about your business, make a real personal connection.

Don’t forget to take business cards it may seem old-fashioned, but this is the first thing that will remind of you when the event is over.

For pitching

Number one challenge for young entrepreneurs is funding, though it might be useful at early stage of your start-up to test your idea against the expectations of angel investors and market opportunities.

There is a number of events, where you can pitch such as PechaKucha, Participant driven Open space, PitchNight, though you should not expect it to work right the first time at these seemingly directly relevant events. Pitching works better through warm calling. A clever move would be instead of approaching investors to connect with their investment portfolio companies and ask them for an introduction. Сhasing your business angels, jumping around to every event, does not make any sense unless you have something worth investing.

The worth of your business when you seek outside funding is determined mainly by customer lifetime value. CLV is the borderline between success and failure. At the end of the day, it’s not the business idea but facts and figures mere metrics you can captivate and inspire investors with. So, when you make your pitch don’t forget to back it up with KPI’s.

For aspiration and mentoring support

The other key challenge for a young entrepreneur is a fear of failure and lack of mentoring support. Navigating through an array of obstacles such as regulatory compliance, lack of financing, promotion and talent acquisition issues, it’s easy to get discouraged. Networking groups like MXify and various meetups are places where you can get connected with fellow entrepreneurs in a casual environment and power up with encouragement and advice.

There are more than 10000 meetup groups with 4 million high-end professional members starting from web-developers and engineers and ending with security analysts and neuro-hackers. The strongest group in the east is NY Tech Meetup with about 50 thousand members and Silicon Valley Entrepreneurs & Startups with about 25 thousand members respectively. Provided you come up with the right questions, it will be the perfect place to engage in beneficial and insightful discussions with top experts.

For hiring

To some degree tech meetups and hackathons could also be used as a talent acquisition source, since there you can observe visitors working on a specific problem and assess their competencies based on what they have accomplished. Don’t forget to check career history for relevant expertise in similar projects and add your potential candidates to your LinkedIn or other social networks. If it’s an immediate opening for top-notch specialists, turn to a hiring service which already built a strong professional network of leading specialists and can help you choose an employee with the right expertise.

Conclusion

Whatever your goal is, the basic idea behind building a strong professional network is quality supersedes quantity. Be savvy, not sorry, and remember, everybody knows somebody. Nurture relationships with your peers and they will be happy to introduce you to their partners and investors.

Source: https://tweakyourbiz.com
Image Credit: DepositPhotos

ABOUT WNFP
Westchester Networking for Professionals (WNFP) is a business organization focused on providing our members and guests with an extraordinary networking experience, bringing business professionals together for the sole purpose of generating new relationships and developing new business opportunities. Not a member, learn how you can become a member and join this awesome group of professionals to connect and grow your business.

Stay Connected with WNFP!

When Networking in a Big Room Scares You… Change the Game

Recently, I informally asked 25 professionals at different stages of their careers to share their thoughts on networking.

In every case, the word itself elicited a sigh, groan or eye roll, and a story about fears of being in a large room with a lot of strangers. Networking to build your personal brand is different.

• It has specific purpose – a means to achieve your reason for action
• It should be tightly targeted to the right individuals – those in your stakeholder plan.
• And it can be done only in environments where your value proposition can shine. It doesn’t have to be done in a big room with strangers if that’s not your happy place.

Let’s talk about three tips for networking

First, before casting your net wide, establish your own personal Board of Directors. This is no more than 5 individuals who can help steward your brand and both spark and direct your networking. Your board is made up of:

• A few connectors (those that make introductions).
• A mentor who may be a technical expert and knows your space.
• And a peer-level individual who can serve as your reality check without competing with you.

Second, know your ask. Knowing what you stand for and what you need makes it easier to engage and network.

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Example: Hi, I am an investor relations professional developing a specialty in environmental, social and governance (ESG) investing. Would you be willing to spend 30 minutes sharing your perspectives on ESG?

Asking is uncomfortable because it puts us into a potentially vulnerable spot. A recent book about networking and influence said it well, “Ask for what you want. Be specific. Give other people the opportunity to say yes.”

Finally, engage in a comfortable and authentic way. If that is engaging 1-1 through introductions from your personal board of directors, that is great. If it is forming your own small group breakfast discussions. By all means.

Our investor relations professional may never need to step foot into a large meeting again if he is successful connecting 1-on-1 with chief financial officers and other investor relations professionals as part of his ESG learnings.

These are three ways to help you change your game around networking and focus it on building your personal brand and achieving your reason for action.

Source: https://www.business2community.com


ABOUT WNFP
Westchester Networking for Professionals (WNFP) is a business organization focused on providing our members and guests with an extraordinary networking experience, bringing business professionals together for the sole purpose of generating new relationships and developing new business opportunities. Not a member, learn how you can become a member and join this awesome group of professionals to connect and grow your business.

Stay Connected with WNFP!

Networking Is Not About You: Lessons From Experience

Karen Wickre, a former colleague and communications professional who is known for shaping the voice of Google, recently released her book, Taking the Work out of Networking. In it, she lays out strategies to help introverts network in ways that feel natural to them. While I’m by no means an introvert, this did get me thinking about my own experience networking.

There is no doubt that networks are powerful tools, and more often young professionals are being told to network as if it is an obligation of their career. Technology platforms have been created to help people network better. Companies now even dedicate time and events purely for networking purposes. Part of this is positive because it recognizes the value of building new relationships, but part of it is also negative because it makes it easier to lose sight of what networking really is.

At its core, networking is making a meaningful and valuable connection at multiple levels, including with the individuals networking and within the greater ecosystem they belong to. In other words, networking isn’t just about you. To see it that way is shortsighted, in my opinion, and it also adds an unnecessary amount of pressure to an activity that already makes many uncomfortable.

The community connection, to me, is the definition of successful networking. To achieve it, I like to remind myself of three main principles I’ve learned along the way.

Your Network Is Not A Utility

It’s easy to want to network for a short-term end goal, to want the time you put into networking to always result in something of benefit or usefulness to you. But that won’t always be the case, and networking is that much more enjoyable when it’s a little unintentional and for the purpose of making a connection at that moment in time, rather than for some sought-after return. Networking should be authentic because it should be a natural extension of your own genuine interest, instead of something more purposeful.

I started returning to my alma mater, USC, as a guest lecturer because I wanted to give back to a place that gave me great memories and a good education. In the process of getting involved again, I was invited to give more talks about my entrepreneurial journey, which in turn lead to students learning about my company. The talks were not intended to be a recruitment channel, I was just there to talk about my career path, but in the end, it resulted in dozens of applicants to my company, many of whom became valued employees.

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The Network Is An Ecosystem

The traditional (and perhaps easy) way of thinking about networking is to focus on the development of one-on-one relationships. I think there’s a better way to think about it, and that’s by taking a step back and recognizing that networks are really ecosystems. Consider the ecosystem approach many tech firms use, which means developing technology and business models that benefit all participants in the ecosystem. I believe in approaching your networks in the same way, where your role is really to share information, create opportunities and support others in ways that make the ecosystem you’re in that much stronger.

Earlier this year, I connected a friend working at HGTV with a real estate entrepreneur. I knew that one was writing shows for HGTV and the other had a fascinating story to tell about improving communities at a very local level. My goal was to hopefully add value to both of them, and it was one of those serendipitous opportunities that turned into a big career move for both of them — the new show "Fearless Fix."

Your Network Is Your Community

Networking can often take on the stigma of being very transactional, and I’ve both heard and complained myself about it being a “chore.” But a shift in perspective can make networking feel like a much more inspiring activity. I like to remind myself that my network is a community that I’m building and that I should take ownership of this community. By that, I mean that I should maintain it and give back to it without expecting anything specific in return. The danger of thinking transactionally is that it is a shortsighted way of networking and may ultimately lead to a more limited network. A community, on the other hand, lasts a long time and will come together for you at surprising moments.

The thing to remember is that networking doesn’t always have to mean something, and it certainly shouldn’t be an instant sales pitch. You may simply be motivated to stay in touch or connect with someone due to a shared interest or experience — do that, and let the result surprise you.

I’ve learned that it’s not about networking, the verb, but rather your network, the noun, and how to grow, expand and nurture it in a way that benefits not just yourself but the other participants as well. It’s a difference in angle, but by looking at your network from above rather than out from the center, you’ll be able to give more to your network while also gaining more from it.

Source: https://www.forbes.com
Image Credit: Getty

ABOUT WNFP
Westchester Networking for Professionals (WNFP) is a business organization focused on providing our members and guests with an extraordinary networking experience, bringing business professionals together for the sole purpose of generating new relationships and developing new business opportunities. Not a member, learn how you can become a member and join this awesome group of professionals to connect and grow your business.

Stay Connected with WNFP!

5 Unorthodox Networking Tips

Ditch the elevator pitch, business card swap and other well-worn strategies if you want to be more successful at networking. Probably not what you expected to read, right?

I read a great post from Undercover Recruiter, "8 Ways to Make a Great Impression at a Networking Event," which provides very useful suggestions to help you achieve success at networking events. Read this article for a good "must have" summary of the best traditionally accepted networking best practices. But in today's extremely competitive environment, these tips alone may not be enough.

Every good networking article will tell you to have business cards, be a good listener, dress for success etc., but now you need to raise the bar in order to truly maximize your networking efforts. I have been to a ton of networking events and discovered there are ways that can help you make an unforgettable lasting impression. These suggestions may seem contrary to what you may have learned in the past, but I promise you, if you incorporate these strategies into your networking efforts, you will increase your chances of standing out from others and being remembered.

1. Bring business cards, but don't hand them out

Business cards are a great and easy way to exchange information, but only when the time is right. You need to have a meaningful conversation first. How many times do you come back from a networking event with a handful of cards and you can't put a face to the name on the card? This is because you may not have taken the time to get to know that person. And it is probably likely that most of the people that have your card, don't remember your face either. Not only did you waste your time having meaningless conversations, but chances are your card will end up in the garbage. Take the time to talk to the people you are networking with. Ask thoughtful questions and if the conversation is meaningful enough and you have established some follow-up actions, then trade cards.

2. Forget about your elevator pitch

Most people have carefully prepared elevator pitch so they know what to day whenever you meet someone, but guess what? Over time it starts to sound canned and insincere. So don't do it. I believe you should get to know the person you are talking to and understand more about their background and needs. Then when you share what you do, you can provide details that are relevant to that person. People don't necessarily want to hear all about you, what they do want to hear about is what you can do for them or maybe someone they know. I prefer to think of this as your elevator "promise". It is much more personal and gets to the heart of how you will add value.

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3. Don't show too much interest in other people

Have you ever noticed someone skimming the room while having a conversation with you? Maybe checking out who else is in the room or where their next "stop" is going to be? It is really disconcerting and frankly rude. Instead focus on the person you are talking to. Keep you eyes on them, listen to what they are saying, ask good questions and understand what their networking goals are. Then find ways you can help and do it. Refrain from looking around and looking uninterested.

4. It's okay to leave your friends behind

It's always nice to come to a networking event armed with co-workers and friends. You will have someone to talk to and it reduces any feelings of discomfort; however, you are limiting yourself to possibilities. Why spend valuable networking time talking to people you already know? Instead, take the time to branch out. Start by making eye contact with others in the room and inviting someone to join your group. After you have had the chance to talk a little, take the plunge and leave the group and find someone else to talk to. You are at a networking event so others will also be looking for people to talk to. Your fellow networkers will appreciate that you are taking the initiative to reach out, so think of it as your way of helping others.

5. Go to the bar

Traditionally, a good networking tip would be to avoid excessive drinking, dancing on tables and other antics which would certainly make you more memorable; however not an approach I would advocate. Yet the bar is still a great place to find a person to start a conversation with. As you are waiting for your drink, introduce yourself to the person next to you. Besides the "bar approach" there are other ways to easily initiate a conversation that will work even if you are on the shy side. Try talking to the event organizer. He or she will want to ensure you are making the most of your experience, so this is a good person to start with. Then after having a conversation, ask for an introduction to someone. Be proactive and if there is someone specific you want to meet, then the organizer may be able to locate that person and help you make that connection.

Source: https://www.entrepreneur.com

Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

ABOUT WNFP
Westchester Networking for Professionals (WNFP) is a business organization focused on providing our members and guests with an extraordinary networking experience, bringing business professionals together for the sole purpose of generating new relationships and developing new business opportunities. Not a member, learn how you can become a member and join this awesome group of professionals to connect and grow your business.

Stay Connected with WNFP!

Tips and Tricks for Successful Networking

Networking is an art because it requires imagination. At the same time, it’s a science because it requires practical and systematic activity and good administrative and follow-up skills. In this article, networking refers to in-person interaction—not social networking, which is a chapter by itself and complementary to in-person networking.

Networking is an indisputably critical part in the job hunt, and it’s easy to make mistakes. As we all know, the first impression is a lasting impression. When meeting a person for the first time, introduce yourself by name, shake hands, and be looking into the other person’s eyes. Your elevator pitch is critical too: make it short, memorable, and intriguing. Let the other person ask follow-up questions—to a level of interest. Most people deliver a too-lengthy and way-too-detailed soliloquy about their professional past. How much appetite do you think the other person has for that? It’s better to talk about your future destination and not where you’ve been in the past. The listener may be inclined to help you but can’t do much about your past.

Networking is clearly about developing a professional relationship. The other person, too, knows one hand washes the other, so if he provides you with introductions and leads today, you could be doing the same for him in the future. Make sure, though, that during the dialogue you don’t make the other person uncomfortable. Never put the other person in an awkward situation by complaining or creating a situation in which you’re seeking pity. Be positive, show energy, and, mostly, have a smile on your face. A smile means the same thing universally: it says without words that you enjoy the other person’s company, and it’s very inviting.

It’s a best practice to listen more than to talk. Once you feel the relationship seems positive, ask for the person’s business card. It’s likely that the person will ask for yours in turn. Once you have the person’s contact information, follow up later that day or the next with a short e-mail. If both of you feel mutually beneficial, this paves the way for further communication and mutual assistance. It would be a mistake to think the other person could offer what you’re looking for—namely, a job. But you never know whom that person knows or what leads and possible referrals you could get, and that’s ultimately what you’re after, of course.


Practice networking. It may not feel natural initially, but like other skills, the more you do it, the better you get at it. In fact, after a while, you may even actually enjoy simply getting to know new people.

Source: https://www.business2community.com
Image Credit: Pexels


ABOUT WNFP
Westchester Networking for Professionals (WNFP) is a business organization focused on providing our members and guests with an extraordinary networking experience, bringing business professionals together for the sole purpose of generating new relationships and developing new business opportunities. Not a member, learn how you can become a member and join this awesome group of professionals to connect and grow your business.

Stay Connected with WNFP!

33 Questions to Help You Overcome Shyness--So You Can Be Awesome at Networking, Speed-Dating, Mingling or Schmoozing

I've got a confession to make: Inside this seemingly confident, frequent-public-speaking, supposedly outgoing CEO exterior is a very shy introvert.

As long as I've got a job to do (facilitate a planning session, advise a client), I'm perfectly comfortable in front of even a large group of people. But put me in an unstructured setting--like a networking event or a cocktail party--and I'd rather wash dirty plates than mingle.

Since my role requires me to put myself out there, I've adopted a technique that helps overcome my anxiety. That technique is simple: As soon as I'm introduced to someone, I ask one to three really good questions.

As readers of this column know, I'm a big fan of asking questions. After all, the Greek philosopher Socrates knew that questions are more engaging than providing information. And leadership coach Bill Bliss writes that "Questions allow us to learn and grow, connect with people, challenge our beliefs, improve the performance of our team, and develop better ideas."

But my secret reasons for using questions to break the ice are: A) Doing so is way more interesting than chit-chatting about the weather; B) Asking questions makes me confident that I am making an impression (and not just saying the same thing as everyone else); and C) Questions put the spotlight on the other person (which helps me manage my discomfort).

Want to try this technique? Here are 33 questions to choose from:

Blast from the past

1. What was your first job?

2. Who was your idol when you were growing up?

3. What your first experience with a theme or amusement park?

4. What was the first concert you went to?

All about you

5. How do you kick back and relax?

6. What's your most unique hobby?

7. What genre of music helps you do your best work?

8. Where's the most memorable place you've traveled to?

9. How do you most like to spend a free weekend?

10. What's something you bought recently that you're really happy with?

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What's your favorite?

11. What's your favorite recent movie--and why?

12. What's your favorite color--and why?

13. What lunchtime meal would you prefer to eat--and why?

14. What's a flavor of ice cream you love but never order--and why?

15. What's a word that just makes you happy every time you hear it--and why?

16. What's your favorite song from a genre you don't usually listen to--and why?

17. What travel destination would you most like to visit next--and why?

18. What is your spirit animal--and why?

Professionally speaking

19. What achievement are you most proud of this year?

20. What's one important lesson you've learned since you've been in your current job?


21. What's one piece of advice would you give to someone who just joined your company or team?

22. What is the project you're most looking forward to working on this year?

Let's get personal

23. What gets you out of bed every morning?

24. What's one thing no one knows about you?

25. If you were to choose another profession, what would it be?

26. What scares you?

27. What can you do that most others can't?

28. What are three things you can't live without?

If. . .

29. If I could share dinner with anyone (alive or dead), who would it be?

30. You just found a genie. What's your first wish?

31. If you could live in another country, where would you live?

32. If you could live inside a television show, which would it be?

33. If you had only one day left on earth, what would you do first?

Source: https://www.inc.com

Image Credit: Getty Images




ABOUT WNFP
Westchester Networking for Professionals (WNFP) is a business organization focused on providing our members and guests with an extraordinary networking experience, bringing business professionals together for the sole purpose of generating new relationships and developing new business opportunities. Not a member, learn how you can become a member and join this awesome group of professionals to connect and grow your business.

Stay Connected with WNFP!

Here's the Secret to a Successful Marketing or Networking Event

Whether it's a customer meeting, an industry conference or an employee celebration, your business puts on its fair share of events. These events are important but also require considerable time to plan, market and execute, which limits how much effort you can devote to other tasks. It would be great to have an entire team devoted to event planning, but if you don't have the budget for one, you can leverage event technology instead, including tools and event platforms that automate the event management process. Here are some ways that you can more effectively manage your events, no matter how big or small.

1. Event platforms.

Eventbrite is the world's leading event technology platform. Besides providing a framework for hosting all types of events, such as music festivals, conferences, contests, fundraisers, gaming competitions and more, the event technology company provides an increasingly automated and integrated system for creating, promoting and hosting these events.

For example, its whitepaper "5 Essential Eventbrite Extensions That Will Make You More Productive" defines many of the aspects of an event that can now be integrated and automated, including 130 extensions that shorten the time you need to spend on an event. Many of these extensions you may already recognize and use, which makes employing an event platform even easier.

For example, you can use MailChimp from the Eventbrite event platform to send personalized, automated emails to sell event tickets. SurveyMonkey automates the event feedback process to determine what your guests thought of the event and what you might improve. Also, Eventbrite has a Publish to Facebook tool and the ability to integrate with Hootsuite to get the word out about your event. Finally, Zapier extends the automation capabilities within the platform to perform numerous event-related tasks, thus removing the need for, say, any manual data entry.

2. Event planning automation technologies.

Event planning automation is advancing in many ways. Radio-frequency identification(RFID) technology, which has been around for a while, is now becoming a more common tool for automating aspects of an event. For example, the wireless system can be used in attendee wristbands for large-scale events, saving considerable resources and eliminating manual checks. In addition, the stored information can help you enhance the customer experience at the event. Attendees will not need to worry about carrying credit cards or a ticket but can just enjoy the show.

Furthermore, the data from those RFID wristbands can be analyzed through machine learning to deliver new insights that can lead to improved events for you and your audience. Various types of intelligent analytics can now be used to look at every aspect of the event to identify what the audience liked, what delivered the greatest return, and what needs more thought.

3. Event engagement technologies.

Attendee engagement is a vital part of the event management process. It could make the difference in the number of attendees who return to future events you hold, as well as the recommendations -- or complaints -- they share with their network. These technologies offer an incredible range of ways to engage with your eventgoers, such as gamification, social walls, live streaming, second-screen technology, people discovery, content sharing and attendee logistics.

Another area gaining attention is the use of virtual reality and augmented reality as event engagement tools. Many venues are offering virtual reality through Oculus Rift viewers as a way to provide a better vantage point of their space. However, you can also use this technology to engage with your attendees. It provides the option for virtual attendance, extending your pool of attendees beyond those physically present. Virtual reality viewers can potentially enhance any type of gamification at your event as well.

4. Biometrics and sentiment analysis.

Biometrics technology such as facial recognition is helping to strengthen and facilitate event security. To gauge your attendees' response to your event, sentiment technology collects such attendee data as mood and engagement level, in addition to demographic data such as age, gender and ethnicity. Examples include Sightcorp's CrowdStats Audience Analytics system, Visage Technologies' face tracking and analysis technologies and Mood.me's Face Tracking SDK and Emotion Recognition SDK. The XOX emotional technology platform even provides a sensory wristband that can measure attendee excitement.

A complete event package.

This intriguing list of event technologies illustrates the significant changes that have occurred in event management in recent years. There are many ways to reduce the time you spend managing events while also increasing the overall experiences you create and the insights you can glean from them. Even better is that these event technologies are fairly affordable and have proven to deliver a considerable return on investment.




Source: https://www.entrepreneur.com
Image credit: Rawpixel Getty Image


ABOUT WNFP
Westchester Networking for Professionals (WNFP) is a business organization focused on providing our members and guests with an extraordinary networking experience, bringing business professionals together for the sole purpose of generating new relationships and developing new business opportunities. Not a member, learn how you can become a member and join this awesome group of professionals to connect and grow your business.

Stay Connected with WNFP!

3 Steps to Make Networking Easier

Many people ask me for tips on how to have a successful and positive networking experience. One of the major components needed to succeed in networking is energy. Contrary to many beliefs, networking does not have to be hard. Most people who have difficulty networking create voids, shortages and obstacles for themselves that are not necessary. These unnecessary obstacles stop them from successfully connecting and networking with others.
Add a touch of inspiration.

The first step to networking is to decide whom you would like to meet and for what purpose. Once you utilize imagination principles, you will become inspired and able to attract those types of people into your life. Figure out beforehand what experimental values you can receive from meeting and talking with these people. Through discipline, strategy and awareness, you can figure out where the types of people that you want to meet hang out. Whether you think the best place to meet this person is at a bar, pool, club, library, church or wedding, it doesn't matter. Strategize how you will make the best use of not only their time, but your own time as well. The goal is to stay focused on the type of person you want to meet, as well as why meeting them could be a good opportunity. Use those reasons to become inspired and turn all of your possibilities into probabilities.

Have a good question.

Taking the time to plan prior to a meeting is important. When you do get approached by the person you want to meet, there are very simple steps to be statistically successful at networking. Smile, say hello and be prepared with questions that are more interested than interesting. Set yourself apart from the other thousands of people that this person meets. Think about one simple question to connect to the person such as "What do you do?” or “How are you?” or “Is there anything I can do for you?” Realize that the worst thing that could happen in this interaction is not all that bad.

Follow-up is important.

The final stage of networking that many people forget is the need to follow up. It is essential to have a system to codify all of the people that you meet, as well as how you're going to follow up with them. It may be as simple as using a pen and paper to help keep track of everyone you have talked to, or as complex as a CRM system. Even though you made a good first impression, a simple follow-up will let someone know that you appreciated meeting them and value your growing relationship. You don’t know how many other people that person has communicated with that day, so it is important to remind them of your interaction by following up. It could be something as simple as a brief email, which could have a big impact.

By combining imagination, inspiration and action principles, you can attract all the right people with the right ideas. Be someone who allows things to happen, instead of someone who makes things happen. Stop creating voids, shortages and obstacles, and start connecting to the people that can help you manifest everything you desire in life and business.

 Source: https://www.entrepreneur.com
 Image Credit: ShutterStock


ABOUT WNFP
Westchester Networking for Professionals (WNFP) is a business organization focused on providing our members and guests with an extraordinary networking experience, bringing business professionals together for the sole purpose of generating new relationships and developing new business opportunities. Not a member, learn how you can become a member and join this awesome group of professionals to connect and grow your business.

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Effective Networking Requires Work. How To Make The Most Of Every Event.

 Throughout my years, I have found that networking is an effective tool that can be used to build a business. Through my own trial and error, I have identified what methods work consistently for any networking event.

People are people

As a rule people tend to be reserved, and more often than not, a bit shy. For most people it is hard to enter a room full of strangers and engage them. It is those that can pull the veil of privacy down just a little who find the best results in a networking situation.

Rules to follow

To effectively network, you must do a little upfront homework. This is part of your job, so treat it as such. Done right, networking is work. Here are some of the basics to create an event that will provide value to you.

    1.    Look in your area for events where there might be benefit for your company, or to you as a person. In cities large and small, events happen on a weekly basis. In an average month I get invited to dozens of events, and read about dozens of others. With this huge barrage of possibilities, you need to focus on your business goals, and attend the events that support those goals.

    2.    Identify your networking goals. If you go to an event without at least a loose set of goals, you are not going to benefit much. Sure, you might grab a bite of the standard event fare and a beer, but you will have wasted what could have been a major opportunity.  Some examples of goals might include: make contact with a potential partner or customer, or find out what makes the completion tick. Whatever your specific needs are, review and list the top objectives of the event.

    3.    Prepare for the event. Why go if your event isn't going to advance your business agenda or meet your identified goals?   Plan. This means learn not only about the event, but those who regularly attend the event. Review the event website, LinkedIn and industry sites. Look for reviews of any past events. If they are available, sign up for newsletters connected with the event.

    4.    Do some online "pre-networking". Reach out to a few people you know that may have attended the event. Get familiar with the LinkedIn profiles of those you have found who have attended in the past. Try to connect to a couple potential contacts with a LinkedIn message letting them know you will be attending the event and would like to meet. This will give them the opportunity to get familiar with you through your profile. It also helps them to start thinking about how you might find similar interests or make introductions.

    5.    Identify your top three targets. Target contacts are the people that you absolutely want to meet while attending. Familiarize yourself with your targets through available profiles, news items or other information. Get familiar with any photo of targets so that you can quickly identify them in a crowded room.

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On day of event:

    1.    Grab a hand full of business cards. A small amount of cards is all that is needed. If you are moving person-to-person handing out cards at the event, you are wasting your time and money. Focus on finding the people that will make a real impact towards your goals, starting with your preselected targets.

    2.    Show up a few minutes late – yes, late! Why? Well, if you arrive early you will end up getting cornered by a person or group that will take too much of your time. If you arrive a bit late, not only are early arrivals already engaged, more people have arrived, so you will be more likely to be able to mingle and find the people you had set as targets for meeting.
  
    3.    When you arrive, scan the room. Look for your target contacts first. Plan your movements and path so as to not get caught by unnecessary distractions. Take note of non-verbal cues when moving around the room. Remember, you are there with specific goals. Focus your networking on those goals.
   
    4.    Make the connection. Your target contacts are likely to be involved in conversations. Work your way over and do the "three-point stand”. This move is basically positioning yourself to form a triangle and attempt to engage both people (as long as it is not a personal conversation).  Make eye contact with your target. If your presence would place more than three people in the stand, move on. 

Too many people to be effective and you might get lost in the crowd.   It is likely your three-point stand will cause the person you are not interested in speaking with to complete their conversation and move on. If that doesn't work or feels awkward, quickly abort and wait for the two to finish their conversation, then reengage with the target.

    5.    Make your initial contact brief and work for a follow-up meet. It is important to not try to close a sale in a networking event unless the target leads you there. What you want to do is to engage, make a positive impression, provide a "teaser", and get the date. If you are networking correctly, you will be asked a couple questions, and this is where you simply exchange business cards.

Tell your target that you would love to get a cup of coffee or meet at the office and chat a little more. Make the second date right then if you can. Then move on. Don't linger. Move away from the target. Look for your next target and do it all over again.

Always be prepared to give. Maybe the only thing you can do for your target is to offer a connection. Do it. The mileage gained from providing a good connection will be better than you might expect, and for me has always paid back with dividends.

     6.    Beware the "friend". Stay away from those who are looking to chat you up. Now, if they are one of your targets, they might have targeted you - Bingo! However, that is the exception to the rule and not very likely.

If you run into personal or business friends, say hi but quickly move on. You can chat anytime.

Always be working your targets. At every event the “lonely attendee” will stop you. These are the people that look at a networking event to socialize rather than do real business. Be polite, but keep moving. Take no more than 30 seconds, and if possible introduce them to someone standing nearby, then politely move on.

    7.    Targets acquired and met, look for new contacts. When you have met your target contacts you can spend a little time making new acquaintances and seeing if there are any potential collaborations. If the house is dry on potential collaborations excuse yourself and head out. It’s okay to leave early.

8.    It’s always best not to be the person that is overly available. Scarcity makes people more interested in meeting and working with you.

If you gathered a bunch of business cards, take time to capture the key interests on the card right away. It might be a personal item or a business need. If you jot the information down now, you will look like a hero later.

After the event:

The closing step is the follow-up. This is where over 99% of network attendees fail. They go, they chat, they leave and they don’t use that valuable business card.
 
Long term value, zero.

You must close your work. With the information you received at the event, you should go back and research. Your next meeting must have solutions or offers available that will make the people you targeted want to learn more and buy your offer. Call the targets and get a meeting.





Source: http://www.forbes.com  
Image Credit: Getty Images
 
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These 10 Networking Mistakes Will Get in the Way of Your Success

 Studies show that 84% of people still prefer in-person meetings, and 85% say that in-person meetings build stronger, more meaningful business relationships

Networking with others is one of the most important ways that we have in business to find new customers and to make connections with others that can lead to our long-term success. While communications technology has taken over many of our business interactions, studies show that 84% of people still prefer in-person meetings, and 85% say that in-person meetings build stronger, more meaningful business relationships.

Unfortunately, many of us under utilize this important resource due to a variety of mistakes we make when it comes to networking. According to career expert Ines Temple, president of LHH-DBM Peru and LHH Chile, these 10 specific networking mistakes can get in the way of your success.


1. "I don't like to make contacts"

Making contacts is "the conscious and voluntary activity of establishing and maintaining genuine and long-term relationships with persons who we appreciate and respect." It's a part of living and interacting within a community and we do it every day.

2. "Contacts are useful only to find work"

It's a fact that 9 out of 10 jobs are landed, whether directly or indirectly, through contacts. But networking is about making those relationships worthwhile, renewing the bond, and mutually redefining our identity, image, and reputation with each interaction. (And asking a contact for a job is a serious mistake!).

3. "I network only when it's convenient for me"

This is tantamount to saying "I remember you only when I need you." Networking solely for your own benefit is self-centered and may be even manipulative. It's the perfect way to destroy a relationship. We can smell manipulation miles away!

4. "I'm too busy"

Although nothing beats face-to-face interactions to build relationships of trust and affection, digital alternatives are effective to prevent us from vanishing from the face of the earth, a deadly sin in the professional world.

5. "It distracts me from serious work"

Networking takes time and energy, but it is key to employability-it is the "salesforce" of our image and reputation. Without contacts, our accomplishments and progress remain unknown and our personal brand ends up being worthless.

6. "I don't like to go to social events"

The professional world also provides alternatives to interact with new and diverse people and expand your thinking patterns. Hanging out with the same people every day shows disregard for others, and we may end up being left behind.

7. "Have you heard the latest rumor?"

Using our contact network to harm reputations or to gossip destroys our credibility and our own reputation as serious or loyal individuals, even if we only become involved by listening. Is it worth it? You never know what tomorrow may bring...

8. "I can only afford to build relationships with important contacts"

It's a serious mistake to think that only high-level contacts are valuable, and look down on others or to be arrogant. All people are worthy regardless of what they work on. There's no such thing as a small contact!

9. "I have very few contacts"

As adults, we usually have 500 to 1,000 friends and acquaintances between school and college classmates, current and former work colleagues, people we know from our club, gym, the neighborhood, church, from our business, and the relatives and acquaintances of all of the above. Suppliers and clients, former suppliers and clients. Parents of our children's friends... Make your list and protect it-ideally, in the cloud.

10. "I must impress my contacts"

The essence of every good relationship is trust, not impressing others. Acting appropriately, and being genuinely warm and authentic opens the doors to trust and credibility. Being polite to everyone and listening to them with a real interest benefits your personal and professional image and reputation. The secret is to inspire others and always leave something valuable for them in every interaction!

Image Credit: Getty images
Source: www.inc.com 

ABOUT WNFP
Westchester Networking for Professionals (WNFP) is a business networking association dedicated to helping small businesses and entrepreneurs develop, expand and grow. We offer affordable opportunities to help create a positive impact and advancement in your business interests and personal quality of life to take you to the next level.
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Six Ways To Make Networking Feel Less Forced

Traditional networking advice dictates that before you pitch to someone, you should go out of your way to provide them as much value as you can. While networking should never just be an all-out pitch fest, trying to bend over backwards to help someone you’ve just met can come across as off-putting.

Serving before you sell is important, yes. But going to extremes should really only be reserved for people who you know feel comfortable receiving such favors. That said, there are plenty of ways to work your network so you can make your network work for you – without making anyone feel remotely uncomfortable.

Make One New Introduction A Week

Most likely, everyone in your network does not know everyone else in your personal network. It’s also highly likely that the people who don’t know each other could benefit from meeting. Making those introductions is a great way to become known as a connector and someone who’s readily willing to help out (without creating any feelings of unease or discomfort).

The introductions might turn into something productive, and they might not. That’s not the point as much as it is staying top-of-mind as an influential member of other peoples’ networks.

Use A CRM To Stay In Touch

You probably already use a CRM to manage your lists of customers, potential customers, leads, etc. And you should continue to do so. But most CRMs have a setting where you can add a contact and set how often you want to be in touch with that person. For most people in your network,especially if you want to make sure that you’ll stay top-of-mind, it’s a good idea to keep in touch once every 30 days. Have your CRM notify you if and when you’re overdue.

Make Your Business Card Stand Out

In a world where being ignored – even by a complete stranger — hurts our self-esteem, being noticed is a huge boost that helps us feel important and worthwhile. 

Once you’ve had a great conversation with someone important, don’t let them forget who you are. In general, once everyone has left an event, they’re going to have a huge stack of business cards. I know I have a hard time remembering who each business card belongs to, and what conversation we had. That’s why on my business cards, I have a headshot and a few words describing what my company does.

As simple as this may sound, it’s paid huge dividends for me and has helped me land deals that otherwise wouldn’t have happened.

Ask For Introductions

If you’re at an event where you don’t know many people, ask one or two people in the room you do know for an introduction. The people you already know will make sure it’s someone that actually makes sense for you to talk to. You’d be surprised how much people are willing to help if you just ask them sincerely. I’ve had people introduce me to CXO-level executives of Fortune 500 companies just because I asked them nicely.

Send Gifts

Sending someone in your network a gift is a gesture that goes far and beyond a typed-out “thanks” on LinkedIn. It catches people off guard. Books, flowers, or relatively inexpensive food delivery are all good options. 

When you do something truly unexpected, you’ll be remembered no matter what. But when you do something that’s both unexpected and providesvalue to the person, you’ll be remembered in only the most positive light, and they’ll look to repay the favor from a place of kindness rather than obligation.

If you’re in the software business like myself, you’re rarely dealing with anything physically tangible, so getting something I can touch really stands out. I’ve had companies who have tried winning me over as a customer send me handwritten notes, t-shirts, boxes of energy drinks for the team, coffee, etc. And each time it puts a smile on my face. As a result, I feel much more connected to that company, leading to a much higher chance of me working with them because I know they’re willing to go above and beyond for their customers.

Forget “Working The Room”

There’s a fair amount of networking advice that tells you to plan your exits before you even start talking to people so you can work the room and get your business cards out to as many people as possible. And while you might have to plan your exit so you can make a quick escape if you get caught talking to someone unhelpful, this piece of advice is best if forgotten — especially if you’re the kind of person who wants the people you meet to remember you for a long time.

Establishing a solid, meaningful relationship with just one person is better than having a mini pitch-fest with 10 different people who won’t care about you two days from now. 

Trying too hard to provide value to someone you’ve just met upfront is off-putting. People appreciate help. But if you’re overly eager, it will raise suspicion and make them wonder what the catch is. So instead of going too far out of your way (which would take up a ton of your time and energy anyway), try these approaches to become remembered as a connector, a value provider, and an influencer.

Source: www.forbes.com
Image Credit: Shuttershock



ABOUT WNFP
Westchester Networking for Professionals (WNFP) is a business networking association dedicated to helping small businesses and entrepreneurs develop, expand and grow. We offer affordable opportunities to help create a positive impact and advancement in your business interests and personal quality of life to take you to the next level.
Stay Connected with WNFP!

The Art Of Business Networking Without Expecting A Business Deal

Networking can be a powerful way of generating new business. Armed with a well-planned strategy, entrepreneurs and business owners, descend on networking events, working the room with clear business goals and high expectations of achieving them.

But one entrepreneur is disrupting networking convention, turning the model of anticipated outcomes on its head, and encouraging people from all walks of business life, to network without any preconceived expectations of doing a deal.

Businessman, author and raconteur Howard Lewis, who is also the director of the Schorr Collection of Old Master paintings, is the founder of OFFLINE, a business and social networking experience, with some unconventional rules, which include strictly no technology – no smartphones – and no emphasis on conducting business. Attendees are asked to only come in the generosity of spirit, and by leaving expectations of business outcomes at the door, often achieve business outcomes they hadn’t been looking for.

The lightbulb moment that sparked the idea happened 15 years ago when Lewis bumped into a former school colleague. “He was a year or two above me and, unlike myself, had been a consummate overachiever; school captain, and scholar par excellence and subsequently developed a very successful career in TV and film, before running a management consultancy,” he recalls.

“We became very good friends and, whenever we met, I would bring him a few articles of whatsoever nature that I believed he would like. I had long been in the habit of dispensing articles to friends and associates, but his feedback was so positive that it encouraged me to invite a bunch of past recipients to dinner to share different articles and see where the conversation took us.”

Based at London’s distinguished Savile Club, OFFLINE initially attracted many high net worth individuals, including high profile entrepreneurs and top company directors, all observing Lewis’s strict rules of attendance.

He says: “Events with anticipated outcomes are prescriptive and limit the possibilities of the unexpected. Curiosity must not be shackled. Moreover, it is enhanced when conducted in great company, a lovely setting, with good food and wine, not too long, not too late, and not too expensive.”

But the events have proved valuable to attendees in serendipitous ways. Bill Cunningham runs Endeavour Ventures, which focuses on relatively early stage investments in specific areas of technology, such as cyber security, payments systems, and fintech.

He says: “It isn’t always easy to match the right investor for the right deal, and it is often only by talking with sophisticated investors, or family office managers that you stumble across someone with similar investment interests. I have met a wealth of interesting people at OFFLINE from all over the world, people who I wouldn’t necessarily encounter in the normal course of our business. A few have become lasting friends, and one in particular has ended up participating in a $10 million-plus funding of one of our larger software businesses.”

Are we looking at a disruptive business networking model, where simply connecting with others without any expectation of an outcome actually delivers some of the most positive outcomes? “Absolutely,” says Lewis. “There is no false premise behind OFFLINE, just an invitation to join 30 or so smart and engaging individuals, of all ages and backgrounds, for dinner. I have welcomed guests from the world of finance, technology, publishing, law, fashion, security, art, journalism, science, hotels, diplomacy and the rest.

“When there is no expectation, multiple outcomes can emerge. If you show a genuine interest in other participants, they will assuredly reciprocate in kind. There is often a pleasure in sharing the pleasure of other people, even if it does not accord with your own.”

This year OFFLINE was opened up to the general public, with every event sold out within a day of seats being released, while Lewis has been approached to take the concept to both New York and Mumbai.

He says: “My personal pleasure is to see the physical interaction of attendees, often from entirely disparate backgrounds. We are social animals by nature and the success of OFFLINE has been an affirmation of my belief that many in the business world overcomplicate possible outcomes in the search for validation and endorsement. The simplest form of communication is also the oldest and talking face to face, rather than online, only reinforces your authenticity.”

Source: www.forbes.com

Photo credit: Anthony Upton

ABOUT WNFP
Westchester Networking for Professionals (WNFP) is a business networking association dedicated to helping small businesses and entrepreneurs develop, expand and grow. We offer affordable opportunities to help create a positive impact and advancement in your business interests and personal quality of life to take you to the next level.
Stay Connected with WNFP!