Networking - make the effort

Tonight as I walked through the cold deserted streets of Old Montreal towards a networking event I was tempted at one point to turn round and go home ! I was cold and I was thinking that it would probably be a waste of time.... Well, I carried on walking and here's what I got from the evening:

- The first person to greet me opened with "I gave your name to the Haitian Young Chamber of Commerce - they need someone to give a talk on business plans and I immediately thought of you"

- I met up with someone I am working on a new business project with (CanEuropa - helping Canadian companies move into Europe and European companies move into Canada)

- someone working for an organisation representing the Rhône-Alpes region in France needed exactly the kind of services I can provide for their clients

- a fellow lecturer from HEC Montréal (we both teach Sector Analysis)enabled me to catch up with what is happening next year

- I got talking to someone who like me loves hiking and skiing so finally this Winter I may well have someone to go with

- a former coachee who months ago told me about Michael Port, who in turn was instrumental in me getting onto Facebook (where I now have 2,300 friends by the way)and working on teleseminars and information products, was there so I was able to thank her for launching me onto a path I had not expected to travel

The reason for mentioning all of this is to make the point:
- even if you're tired, it's cold, it's a long walk don't turn back when you have set out to a networking event - you never know who who you will meet nor what exciting avenues it might open up for you - personally and/or professionally

And you know what, every time without fail when I go to a networking event and wonder whether I might just not bother and head home .... these are always the ones that bring me the most value, the most interesting conversations. It's like a little guardian angel has driven me there.

Tag Biz - Application on Facebook

I discovered this the other day - haven't had time to test drive it yet but I hear from business associates that it is worth looking at.

Tag Biz is designed to network for you saving you time and expanding your business network. Tag Biz automates the relationship networking and referral process by placing a custom business keyword tag cloud on your Facebook profile and on the Facebook profiles of your friends that are participating in your business network. You need to pick your keywords, invite your friends and then using Tag Biz you can build your own business network. Your business will automatically be listed in the Tag Biz business directory which has over 7000 listed businesses and in June 2008 received over 125,000 visits making it the largest and most active business directory on Facebook. Click here to sign up to add it to your Facebook page.

Let me know how it works for your business.

Thank you Notes

Writing Personal Notes that build Professional Relationships.....

On the surface, a thank-you note may seem like a small piece of the larger networking picture, but on a deeper level, the thank-you note refreshes someone's memory and lets you discreetly remind them of your strengths. Remember, we live in a world of voice and electronic messaging - a personal, handwritten note on an attractive card immediately grabs the attention, curiosity and appreciation of your reader.

But perhaps you are daunted by that expanse of white space... you are wondering how to actually write ...not something we do so much of these days.. And, of course, crafting a thank you note in a business context is not in quite the same league as those thank you notes you used to dash off to Aunt Whatshername when you were a child (and your mum was nagging you to do this .... remember ?!!)

Just be yourself and write to say that the conversation was most intresting and you would enjoy continuing it at a mutually convenient moment. Include a personal element - refer to something that the person told you about - a family issue, an upcomong vacation, a particular interest or pastime. When reminding them of you, try to strike just the right balance between discretion and self-promotion. People like to buy, not be sold. And of course, end with more thanks and your contact info.

Networking - Ecademy

I assumed that the majority of people on Ecademy were there to build a network that would enable them to make business contacts.

People like to buy, not be sold. People buy from people. Who would buy from someone whose first contact with you is to deliver a sales pitch for a service that, had they taken the trouble to read your profile, location, visit your website, they would have known that neither you nor your clients were likely to need.

When someone takes the trouble to write a greeting to someone where there is a mutual connection why lack the courtesy to reply ?

I wrote a testimonial for one person - I wish I hadn't - they never bothered to write to say thank you.

Question: what are your experiences on Ecademy ? am I being naive expecting people to generally be polite ?

Networking, Eating and Drinking

Lynda Goldman, a great crafter of the written text, sends out a weekly newsletter. This one contained the helpful hint on eating, drinking and networking which she calls the Layering Technique.

It's difficult to eat and drink while networking. If possible, eat before you arrive, or sit down and eat, and then network. But if you are going to eat and drink while networking, use the magic layering technique. The key is to always keep your right hand free to shake hands.

1. Hold your plate in your left hand.

2. Put your wine glass on top, and anchor it with your thumb.

3. Hold a napkin under the plate, and wipe your fingers every time you eat.