I’ve seen all too many make the mistake of trying, often too hard, to be interesting to attract attention. Be easily remembered, bring value, and pay attention to others, they would be more than happy to connect with you.
Everything I learned about networking, I learned through my involvement with Business Network International (BNI) many years ago. Because knowledge becomes useful only if you apply it, I use what I have learned in BNI in every networking event I attended since. Also, because I’m a firm believer in the “Givers Gain” philosophy, here are my top 3 lessons and their applications that I would like to share with you.
Be specific
In an event where there are hundreds of attendees, you definitely would want to stand out. However, that doesn’t mean you need to act dramatically or dress over the top. It simply means you have to come with a “be specific” mindset. You would want to talk about one (1) thing consistently. You would want to talk about the one (1) thing that you do exceptionally well. You would want people to remember and recall that one (1) thing and associate it with you. Many people make the mistake of wanting to show everything that they have. They end up cluttering people’s minds. Remember, “clutters” tend to be removed and forgotten by people at the end of the day.
Don’t sell
Sure, you’ve invested your time and money to attend the event, definitely, you would want to get your return on the investment (ROI) fast, but please think twice about quick gains. Don’t do it at the expense of your reputation.
If you’ve been specific, naturally people having an interest in that specific need will find their way to you. In that situation, don’t make the rookie mistake of annoying them by pushing your product or service. Instead, listen and find out how you can help them. Use your ears proportionate to your mouth – remember the ears to mouth ratio is 2:1.
Many people make the mistake of “sabotaging” themselves by making it difficult for people to genuinely connect with them. People connect when there is a common interest and two-way communication.
Be interested
When you’re specific and not selling, you allow yourself time to build your interest in what others have to say. You become more aware of their pain points and needs rather than being preoccupied with what you want to say next.
Being genuinely interested in other people would encourage reciprocation of the same energy back to you. You will learn a lot more when you talk to people and you can help them to connect with other people that you know. Becoming the connecting bridge adds value to your existence and by having value, people would want to keep you in their sight – which in turn makes them want to remember you more!
I’ve seen all too many make the mistake of trying, often too hard, to be interesting to attract attention. Be easily remembered, bring value, and pay attention to others, they would be more than happy to connect with you. In the long run, insyaAllah you will benefit.
Happy networking!
