How to be a Professional Networker…
If you read all those fancy (and very good)M. Gladwell business books such as the Tipping Point and Blink, you learn about connectors. Connectors are those people you know that seem to know everyone. They are your friend Jim from college that whenever you find something you can and he comes through. In College maybe it was an ounce of hydroponic bliss but perhaps now its an invite to a sold show, a job referral or a new client.
Most people think hes a super networker, i could never be like him, I’m not social enough. Here’s a news flash, you don’t need to be social to be a networker superman.
I consider myself a professional networker. In fact it’s listed on my resume. Recruiters come to me all the time when they need people to hire and I have had friends tell otgher people “I don’t need to network, whenever I need something I just ask Richie”. While this may true and while AD (my friend) does not network and relies on me (which is dumb btw - always be able to do for yourself) he could easily do it. I’m going to share with the world my secrets to being a professional networker.
1) Get to know the host. If you are at an event, it doesn’t matter who you meet on the floor, they are too busy mingling to remember you, get to know the host. Oddly the host is usually the least social at the event because he’s worried about it and appreciates when people care about him. He also happens to be able to connect you with everyone in the room. Know the host and you know everyone.
2) Be Credible. Build credibility around what you are offering. If you do X, make sure you subtlely can prove you know your shit. You don’t want to sound like you are full of poop - people won’t remember you. Support your brand with a good business card, maybe a personal site with a blog and references on it. You don’t need to have a tier 1 domain (like bootstrapper.com) or an insane personal site (like RIchHecker.com) to stand out but you can do little things that help.
3) Have meaningful conversations. How many people you meet doesn’t mean poop for brains. Make a few quality connections. Don’t just pass around business cards. If you want to be a networker, people need to remember you. You don’t have to best friends but they need to be able to associate you with time/place/purpose if you want to be able to do my next point.
4) Leverage other people’s networks. Now, this has nothing to do with using people and even less to do with asking favors. It’s simply getting to know people and get to know what what makes them tick and who they know. Then when you need something casually bring it up and hint at it - if they are a good connection, they will volunteer their help. Don’t beg, market.
5) The single most powerful tool is….you will have to wait for my post next post….
