Bringing Back Ease to Networking
MTYL Memo #12: Two recommendations to actually enjoy networking again.
This one is for all you thoughtful people who dread networking events. I get it. They can drain a person faster than my phone battery was draining by the end of my first European Wander Session.
The “status-checking” gets old, as does the feeling that you have to convince people that you and your business are, in fact, very interesting.
Let’s change that. And not by making awkward or insincere observations on what people are wearing :-)
When people ask you “So, what do you do?” try one of the following:
Share a brief synopsis. Include just enough to spark a question or two if they’re into that sort of thing. Let their curiosity lead the conversation, or their lack of it end the conversation (or switch the focus to them).
Respond with a question. Use this to assess their interest in your area of passion, or to draw them into having an actual, real conversation. It cuts through the surface-level conversations we’ve all gotten used to, and can keep you from babbling on about something they might not be interested in.
An example:
Person A: “So, what do you do for work/business?”
Person B: “I’m a psychic and tarot cart reader. Are you interested in this sort of stuff?”
Person A: “Not at all, actually. But I still wouldn’t mind hearing about your business.”
This sort of candor leads to a mutually honest conversation, and who knows—it could end up being very interesting and advantageous. But only because both people have established where they stand, and neither is feigning or trying to force interest.
What have you done to make networking more enjoyable/rewarding?
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The hardest to convince is sometimes yourself
Being in the wellness space most of my career, I've always dreaded business networking. Some people don't respect my work, some don't get it and others want me to save them. It's sort of a no win so I try to say as little as possible. I am going to think about your suggestions. There is hope!