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Networking: How Much Is "Networking Dread" Costing You and What Can You Do About It?

Written by: Patricia Weber

Article Overview: Many people who sell find themselves dreading it, doing it stressfully and being reluctant with networking. This is one of a series of articles to turn networking misconceptions into better understandings - and sales.

Networking: How Much Is "Networking Dread" Costing You and What Can You Do About It?

Do you do any embarrassing things in business networking? Many of us who sell, at one time or another, might confess to some dozen or so common mistakes with business networking; these are just three of the top most regretful, most ineffective and sometimes embarrassing ones. If you find one describes you, read the brief remedy that anyone - introvert, shy or even extrovert - can easily put into action.

I don’t meet the people I want to meet.
- If this sounds like you, do you have a specific intention before you go to a networking event? Something as simple as “I’m going to meet three people who I don’t already know,” before you go, and you will find yourself shaking hands with three new people. If you tend to be shy or introverted, find a friend on when you arrive and ask for their help in making those introductions for you.

I leave an event disappointed with results.
- What kind of results have you identified? Networking does not equate to leaving an event with a “sale.” Results may mean an introduction to a prospect, or initiating a new relationship with a connector to others, or starting a conversation with someone about a potential collaboration. Back to you then the question is, what results do you want? You can turn zero results into a success if you are realistic and practical.

I forget business cards (or my calendar.)
- When this happens a person might make the deduction that your networking isn’t serious for business or even just plain isn’t serious. What reminder works for you when something coming up is important to you? How do you remember the birthday of clients? Or someone you love? Think of something that will work at least as good as this or better. You want to be remembered in the game of networking and the business card is one way - when you have them. Other recourses: carry a box of business cards in your car at all times or ask people you want to stay in touch with for their business card.

Before your next networking event, be prepared with these more productive, relaxing and confident approaches to get the results you want! Stay tuned for more Networking Dreads.

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  Networking Mistake Myopia
  Down with Networking!
  Endless Referrals
  Networking Tips for Introverts or How to Break The Ice Without Fear of Falling Through

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Re: Make Friends...Literally BUILD them! - I agree! Networking is definitely the key word here. What does everyone feel about the different Networking platforms out there? Twitter Facebook LinkedIn what are some others?
Re: How can a social networking site make serious money? - Hi There, It is quite interesting, that some Social Networking do produce an income. I think testimonials are always a benefit to share. See one below: This Social Network has changed my life! Every night is a Friday night and everyday is a Saturday!! Because of it, I have been able to leave the workforce 10 years early.It has given me back my life. Many of us would like to retire early. I am sure there are many more. The point is of focusing with great determination. The ongoing challenge is to stay focussed and not be sidetracked into a newer scheme or so. Also I have read, during this financial turmoil, more people turn to Social Networking for various reasons.
Re: Make Friends...Literally BUILD them! - [quote="burnsrunner":1zobscwk]I agree! Networking is definitely the key word here. What does everyone feel about the different Networking platforms out there? Twitter Facebook LinkedIn what are some others?[/quote:1zobscwk] I am on Twitter and Linkedin, have not joined Facebook yet as my time is fairly limited and one needs a lot of time to devote to all these various networking platforms. Unless you do this full time (the networking I mean). MichelleJ
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Re: Simple Idea - Great Advice. - What your success stories on Social Networking for more contacts and connections? Do you have any good business books to suggest? I love the idea of connecting and sharing with other entrepreneurs. Thank you for your input!


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