Three Ways to Better Networking

Recently I was in a local networking meeting with other business owners. When it came time for introductions and networking, I struggled to stay engaged and energized. It was not because the meeting was bad, but that the networking approach felt salesy. Anyone else have this experience?

The typical introduction pattern is almost always the same. “Hi, my name is Bobby and I am a realtor. When you are ready to sell your home I can get you top dollar…” Blah…blah…blah…

Here are a few ideas for creating more engaged networking activities.

Ask Interesting Questions:

Instead of asking the static “Where are you from and what do you do?”, try these different approaches:

• “What is something you are passionate about?”
• “What are you most excited to accomplish today?”
• “What is your story?”
• “What is the most important thing I should know about you?”

Become and Connecter 

I attend a lot of business networking meetings representing my two businesses. One of the things I have tried to implement is becoming a master connector. My businesses solve for a niche market, however, because of networking I am connected with many other businesses and services. My goal at each event is to connect people with people. Through my focus on helping connect others I have created a network of businesses that are built on trust. People trust other people that have their best interest in mind. When you connect people with people you are creating relationships of trust.

Seek to Serve

Too often network meetings feel like sales meetings. Everyone is striving to sell the newest product or service. Instead of telling everyone what you do, flip the script. See how long you can go find out all about other people without sharing what you do. Strive to find out what they need and how you can serve them. Then use the answers to their interesting questions and needs to connect them with a business or product that will truly solve a current problem they are facing.

The more you serve and give to others, the greater the trust and deeper the respect people with have for you.