Isn’t it funny?
Of all the things taught to us in schools and universities, they left out business networking?
But is it really that important? Let me answer in a few questions that you may have asked yourself before.
"Hey, I am more qualified than Sarah, but how much she's getting that promotion?"
"What, Clark the dropout got hired? I didn't even get a call for an interview!"
"That dude don't even know shit about the company products, but he is breaking the quarterly sales records again? That's 3 quarters in a row! How is he getting all those sales?"
Yup, in business, it's not just what you know, but who you know. I will even add, it's who knows you!
At the initial stages of your career, it’s okay to not have it, but as you progress up the career ladder, it becomes a real difference maker. Whether you are in sales, marketing, PR or just relationship building, being able to network at any event, conference or seminar will determine your professional, and person success.
Steemfest is still many months away, but I'm sure there are many events before that to hone your networking skills, so you can tow in a couple of whales later like a pro! #kidding
Here are three tips for you to help you do better at the next event.
TIP 1 | Start with the right compliment
Let’s face it; everybody likes a compliment, especially a good one. But here's the secret: The really good compliments? They are always about the person. For example, telling someone they have a nice shirt shows that you have good taste in fashion. That's still about you, not about them.
Instead, try this. Tell the person that they make the shirt look good. Now, that’s a compliment about them! Catch the difference?
TIP 2 | The right questions unlock all doors
Asking questions is key if you want to get the best out of any networking events. It also gives you insights on the person, allowing you to expand deeper into the conversation. Ask them about their honest opinions on matters and issues, listen attentively and respect their views. Even if you disagree, don’t get into a debate here! The main idea here is to make them feel important.
Plus, it's not a contest of ego, so there's no need to show them how much you know. John Maxwell once told me this:
"People don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care."
TIP 3 | Learn how to play “host”
Truth is, everybody may have their unwarranted fears about meeting new people. The world is filled with more introverts than you think. Once you have broken the ice with someone, bring in a new person into the conversation and introduce each other. This is how the great host and hostess of parties make you feel welcomed at their parties. And chances are, the actual host/hostess will love you so much for being a “connector” of the event!
So there you have it! I have a seperate guide for introverts on how to network with a boss, but that's in another post.
Try out one of the tips here and let me know how it works out. Of course, if you have any secrets tricks, feel free to add in the comment here too.
Wait, why's Mav posting on Steemit nowadays?
Well, unlike other blogging and social media platform, Steemit is the only platform that allows me to earn cryptocurrency when I engage with it. Yup, one Steem is about USD1, and you, too, can earn Steem Dollars every time you:
- Create content (articles, blog posts, podcasts, videos, photos)
- Upvote (like) other people contents
- Comment on other people's posts
- Have discussions, share opinions etc!
Yup, basically it's the very same thing you're doing on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram etc all along!
The only difference? For once you can earn a nice income on the side!
Sign up for a free Steemit account, and you can thank me by coming back and upvoting this article. And guess what, you will earn Steem too for doing that! #awesome
Come visit Quantum chapter as @bitrocker2020's guest and put them skills to work? 😉
What's Quantum chapter?
Ask @bitrocker2020 when you guys yam cha
very simple and easy to understand! sounds simple yet not many people can do it (including me. =$)
anyway great sharing!
Well, one step at a time, eh? At least we all know networking has it's value. That should give us the drive to pursue the skill.
Nice write up on networking. Specially Like the third pointer about playing host.
Believe it or not, a friend of mine use that skill to win contract pitches. As a DJ, they have to bid to work at a new club, and it's common for the club owners to have an audition. My friend would go an hour earlier than the other contestants and start warming up the club as if he's already the residential DJ. #boom
True that!! I myself have been caught in situations where the other person gets his way because he is pally with the boss 🤪
The power of connection, eh?
Such a crucial skill! And you're right, we don't teach it. I've hired dozens of MBA's in my career that just don't know how to network. They have the education, and in some cases even the experience. But get them out into an industry event and they clam up. I find it especially true with the younger generation; since face-to-face contact is somewhat of a dinosaur these days. Fabulous article! Voted and following.
Thanks @appiepearl. Following you too.
What I find is a certification (MBA in this case) is hardly a reflection of a person's softskills. As a matter of fact, I've met more people who do not have a cert with their name on it, but they are amazing hustlers.
Face-to-face contact is still crucial, especially in many parts of Asia. Believe it or not, a lot of business deals will only happen after a face-to-face meeting, even though the contents of the meeting can be done over an email.
Agreed 100%! I’ve had to fly to Asia to pretty much eat and shake hands although the deal is done
A good excuse to come over, yeah? Food, sight, weather... the list goes on.
Absolutely! And free miles 😂
Can these tips put into practice for government related project/business?
Why not, @asyrafahamed? They are, after all, human beings after all.
Politicians, well, they may sometimes behave like monkeys...
or one can apply just one tip like this guy...haha
P/S : Please don't flag me ;)
This dude is on another league of his own...
those are really awesome tips! thanks for sharing. and by the way. you know John Maxwell on a personal basis? like you guys talked face to face before? that's pretty awesome! :)
Yeah, used to. Cos my previous company used to bring him to KL for talks. Really nice guy. He will make sure to shake the hands of all the organisers, even the lowliest employees (me at that time.)
hahaha! don't lah you belittle yourself wei. he's really something else. but I don't recall him as being a very dynamic speaker though. but wait. your previous company brought in motivational speakers or more on leadership training? just curious :p
He's not exactly the rah-rah Tony Robbins kind. Frankly, he's one of the few speakers in the world I know that needs only a mic, a cup of warm water and a handful of mints, and by the end of the day, the crowd would love him. No need high-tech equipments, no dancers, no blaring music. Just great story telling.
Yeah, I was back then. Not no more. Pretty high stakes business. :)
yes. I'm personally drawn to him due to his great story telling. still thinking it was pretty cool that you shook his hand. I'm pretty sure there were photos and autographs as well lah.
I guess you found something better :p
@originalworks
The @OriginalWorks bot has determined this post by @maverickfoo to be original material and upvoted it!
To call @OriginalWorks, simply reply to any post with @originalworks or !originalworks in your message!
Thanks @maverickfoo for this, i couldn't agree more with these 3 points. You highlighted the top 3 most important points!
Appreciate the simplicity very much.
Thanks for the kind words and support, @namchau. Stay awesome and Steem On!
This post has received a 11.15 % upvote, thanks to: @maverickfoo.
Sneaky Ninja Attack! You have been defended with a 2.86% vote... I was summoned by @maverickfoo! I have done their bidding and now I will vanish...Whoosh
This post has received a 2.58 % upvote from @boomerang thanks to: @maverickfoo
You got a 0.30% upvote from @upme requested by: @maverickfoo.
Send at least 1.5 SBD to @upme with a post link in the memo field to receive upvote next round.
To support our activity, please vote for my master @suggeelson, as a STEEM Witness
This post has received a 2.51 % upvote from @upmyvote thanks to: @maverickfoo. Send at least 1 SBD to @upmyvote with a post link in the memo field to promote a post! Sorry, we can't upvote comments.
This post has received a 4.07 % upvote from
thanks to: @maverickfoo.
For more information, click here!!!!
Send minimum 0.010 SBD to bid for votes.
Before sending a transfer to @minnowhelper, verify that your publication meets these conditions (http://www.minnowhelper.com/conditions.php). After the transfer is made, no claims will be received.
The Minnowhelper team is still looking for investors (Minimum 10 SP), if you are interested in this, read the conditions of how to invest click here!!!
ROI Calculator for Investors click here!!!