Networking – Should You Collect or Connect?
Networking can be fun and it can be intimidating, it all starts with your mindset. Compare these two mindsets:
"I have to network for my business, meet lots of people and collect lots of business cards."
"Getting out there and "networking" can be a pleasant experience if I approach it with the desire to connect meaningfully. I can remove the pain and pressure for a transaction to occur."
The difference here is the focus. Are you focused on collecting or connecting? Understanding the difference between these two concepts will allow you to remove the stress and pressure from this key business activity.
If your focus in collecting (or traditional networking):
- Networking is often perceived as "What am I going to GET?" and "What’s in it for ME?"
- Short-term approach vs.. Long-term value of connection
- All about quantity (how many business cards can you get?)
- Perceived as less personal
- Focus is often on talking about you
If your focus is on connecting:
- Has a different quality and energy to it
- Focus is on "What am I going to GIVE?"
- Focus on being of service first
- All about quality (not quantity)
- Long-term value of the relationship and how it will evolve
Have you ever wondered how to get BEYOND networking and truly connect with potential customers and partners?
Tags: Direct Sales, entrepreneur moms, Networking, women entrepreneurs, work at home moms
