NJ Business Networking Blog

‘What’s In It For Me?’ Networking

I recently received an e-mail from someone who read an article I wrote about collaboration and working together. He said, “The type of networking you talk about describes the way things should work, but in the real world most people seem to have an attitude of what’s in it for me?“ He asked, “How can I prevent wasting my time and efforts on people, only to find that they have this kind of attitude?”

The short answer to his question is this—stop hanging out with the wrong kind of people and start actively seeking out the right kind of people. Trust me, I’ve been there and done that when it comes to getting stuck with the wrong people. Moving beyond that and building the kind of network that wants to help you (knowing that you also want to help them) is a journey—not a destination.

I have two suggestions to make finding the right networking partners easier. First look for some of the signs relating to people who fit the profile of good networkers. They include:

• People who ask how they can help you or what they can offer you (and mean it) before they ask anything from you.

• Individuals who show that they are willing to work on creating a professional relationship over a period of time because they understand that they must develop credibility with you before asking for your business or your referrals.

• Those who make the time to go beyond the normal business interactions with those whom they want to be able to ask for support.

• Professionals who understand that networking is more about farming than hunting and show it in their actions by making the effort to get to know you outside of the business environment whenever possible, knowing that the more of a friendship there is between you, the more expectations you can both have from each other’s networking efforts.

• People who do what they can to bring business and contacts to you and their other networking partners, who share pertinent information with you, and invite you to business meetings that’ll position you favorably with others you need to get to know.

• Individuals who give of their time and knowledge in order to help their referral sources succeed.

Second, immerse yourself in the process of relationship building.

A network that is a mile wide and an inch deep is not a strong network. Create a personal network that is both wide and deep. Meeting with people regularly is the key to making this happen. Participate in networking groups where you are going to see the same people on a regular basis. This will help you develop relationships and screen out the what’s in it for me? networkers.

Written by Dr. Ivan Misner and reprinted from Entrepreneur.com

One of the best networking books I’ve come across is The Go Giver by Bob Burg and John David Mann and it gets our highest recommendation. This easy to read book does an excellent job of illustrating through parable, the new school approach to networking and building relationships.

Providing value first and foremost before ever expecting anything in return, be it business referrals or otherwise, is crucial in developing long-term business relationships.

Please watch the video book review below by Benjamin Bach

Blogging For Business can be Powerful for connecting with your target audience and building relationships. Are You Ready To Unleash The Power Of Blogs in Your Business?

It’s been simmering below the surface for years and now this power shift has finally boiled over into simultaneous national recognition. Like Goliath being slain with a lowly slingshot, the mainstream media (in the form of Dan Rather) came to the undeniable realization that they were no longer in control of information.

Blogging For Business The Smart Way

Within 30-minutes of that now infamous TV special on “60-Minutes II” broadcast bloggers were digging into the facts and questioning the validity of what had just been presented by the 42-year broadcast veteran. In less than one week, CBS admitted it could “no longer vouch” for the memos. And just weeks after the election, Rather announced his retirement and the blogosphere won another victory.

No matter what your political affiliation is, this incident is one very public example of the power of blogging. Blogging is quickly… Read more »

Excellent customer service is virtually a necessity in today’s competition fierce business environment. As a product, service or solutions provider, you need to meet or EXCEED customer expectations… Do you?

In today’s world, relationships are more important than ever with your client base. You MUST make an impression. You MUST do your very best to be remembered. Keep in mind, that doesn’t have to mean some grandiose gesture. The little things really count. This is vital if you are looking for more repeat or referral business.

Learn a quick lesson from Frank the cab driver in the video below. Then go to the smart referral system to see the system he uses to make the lasting impression that you know you NEED to be making as well.

You can find more about Shep Hyken at his website.

Chris Brogan had a post on his blog last week called “Social in Real Space vs Social Networking”. This theme seems to be popping up a lot lately, and what I love about blogs, bloggers, and the blogosphere is that each of us is allowed and encouraged to continue the discussion on a variety of topics. His post is great, as it talks about how one can leverage their on-line networking activities with their in-person meet and greets. Read more »

We’ve heard it before - networking is a fundamental element of building a business. What’s a business without suppliers, customers and overall, a community of support? Large or small, businesses need to pay close attention to creating a world of reliable and valuable contacts.

For small businesses, in particular, there are resources dedicated to cultivating effective networks. First stop: your local chamber of commerce. Small businesses comprise the bulk of chamber of commerce membership in the U.S. In fact, almost 96% of U.S. Chamber member companies have fewer than 100 employees. Read more »

Pay it Forward (Warner Brothers Pictures, 2000), is one of my favorite movies. In it, a young boy has a remarkable idea that instead of paying someone back for a kindness they have given, you pay someone forward with a kindness you have to offer. The rules of paying it forward are simple:

#1 It has to be something that really helps people.

#2 Something they can’t do by themselves.

#3 I do it for them, they do it for three other people Read more »

Business networking events are ideal places to meet new clients. But it’s not enough to just show up. If you park yourself at a table, or gossip with your business partner, you won’t make any new connections.

The problem often lies in knowing what to say. For most people, it’s intimidating to approach a stranger, introduce yourself, and start a conversation.

Chances are, before heading out to a business or social event, you think about what you will wear, how you will get to the event, and even where you will park. How often do you plan what you will say once you get there?

This article gives you 7 tips to help you prepare for a networking event, so you never feel tong-tied or at a loss for words.

Before the event, use these ideas to plan three or four conversation topics : Read more »

Turning contacts into allies is of critical importance for maximum results in your networking. Remember, though, it is always necessary to provide VALUE for others as well when networking.

The gradual relationship building process is not only about you and your needs, it is about the other person almost moreso.

Understand this, and your networking efforts will be greatly rewarded.