Back in April, I posted comments about how to effectively network online and offline and gave a real life example of what not to do. Last night, at a local multi-chamber mixer, you’ll never guess what happened! I had to post an update….
(If you haven’t seen the post I’m talking about Click here)
My previous blog commented on a networker that I met at our chamber and the mistakes that people make when networking.
Well, last night, who should appear at the mixer but the very same person I blogged about before. Let’s call her “Kate”. I’m sure you can imagine what happened next.
Now, let me remind you, I originally met Kate 8 months ago….has she learned anything new?
Getting to Know People
Networking online and in person is all about developing relationships and building on those relationships before attempting to turn the conversation towards doing business with you.
Last night, I was part of a closed group of 4 people, getting to know each other and having a great conversation when Kate marched up and interrupted the conversation (not a good start). She pushed into the group and proceeded to hand out her cards and tell us about the product she was promoting, without even introducing herself.
Before I knew it, she was gone, on to her next conquest. She didn’t even recognize me, despite having met me twice before and my face being in the local newspaper every month as President of our local chamber. She didn’t ask any of us what we did or ask for business cards so she could follow up, it was all about her and what she could do for us.
So I have to wonder how her business is going.
Being an entrepreneur means growing as a person
After all these months, you would think she would have learned something. But not everyone realizes the power of self-development and how important continuous learning is when you are en entrepreneur. It’s rare to see me without a book or two close by and I’m continuously working on improving myself. I don’t know everything and never will, but at least I can learn something daily to help improve my business in some way.
Effective Networking = More Business Revenue
I highly suspect that the past 8 months have not been productive for Kate and yet she has not changed her approach. I’m sure she’s met hundreds of people – but never taken the time to develop a relationship with any of them. I doubt she’s heard back from many people that she gave her card to, since her approach is so unfriendly and downright rude. And Kate has no way to follow up with anyone she met because she has never once asked for any business cards. As a result, she is the classic example of a network marketer who never makes any money. But the same principles apply whether you are marketing online or offline; have a brick and mortar business, network marketing, direct sales or home based business. Networking is all about the people you meet (not you) and the relationships you develop, including the initial contact and thereafter.
As you go about networking online and attending parties this holiday season, remember these lessons and you’ll go into 2011 with new and stronger relationships that may potentially help you build your business.
Rachel
P.S. Want to know what happened next….
Later in the evening, Kate came up to another group I was in, interrupted my conversation with a potential client (a big no-no if you want me to like you), asked me if we’d met before (only 4 times now Kate) and handed me her card yet again.
Seriously?
