Genuine Networking vs Fake Networking

Genuine networking is about building relationships and creating long term connections. It’s also about being genuinely interested in the other person and listening attentively. If business can be done, excellent, if not, there is a genuine connection and everyone feels good about the experience.

Shallow networking is about connecting and finding contacts. It’s about meeting people, identifying who they are, what they do, how they fit in your world, how you fit in theirs, their industry, their community connections and what business is possible. The experience people have centres on your mutual interest . You can be genuine in shallow networking, however it misses the depth and richness of connection experienced in ‘genuine’ networking.

Fake networking is about being seen, talking to the ‘right’ people. It’s about building personal brand, profile and image. Fakers are only interested in contacts who can help them progress and connect to the connections they want. Fakers either gush all over you and can’t stop complimenting you, because you can help them or, if you don’t have anything of perceived value to them, they ignore you and make you feel unimportant.

Many people confuse Shallow networking with Fake networking. There is nothing wrong with shallow networking. It is about an equal exchange of time and contact. However, many events don’t give people enough time to deeply connect. That is where business card exchange is essential, as is organising follow-up meetings. Follow up is where genuine connections can then be built up over time after networking events.

How do you spot a Fake Networkers? The common things they do are:
- not listen to what you say
- look for more important people
- continually forget your name and information
- not pay attention to you
- talk about themselves
- tell you what they want to tell you
- ask you a question and ignore your answer
- interrupt you
- talk up and exaggerate to build their self importance

Strategies for dealing with fake networkers are:

1. Remember, other people will know they are fakes. Remember, how you deal with the fake will be noticed by others in the group.
2. Be polite to them and keep moving.
3. Do not spend too much time with them.
4. Remember, anything they tell you will only be one perspective of the truth.
5. Do not tell them confidential or sensitive information. They will use it, if they can.
6. Keep the conversation light and away from gossip.
7. Do not get angry with or talk badly about them, even if they offend you.
8. When they take a breath, change the topic of conversation.
9. Don’t take their behaviour personally. It’s their stuff, not yours.
10. Enjoy them. Remember, we all have been caught up in our own self-importance at some time in life. Just see how funny it is, and know the faker is missing out on knowing YOU!

Being aware of these three networking styles creates the opportunity for you to interact powerfully with others. Be conscious of how you come across and manage other’s behaviour when you interact with them. Always remember, long-term professional relationships that grow your business, require genuine interest and connection. Question: How could you be interested in others even more than you are now? What would you say or do differently?

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Anne Barr Anne Barr has over 26 years experience in sales and marketing, six years as a franchisee. She has assisted over 367 business owners and purchasers to achieve their goals in career change, transition and exit strategy. She holds the designation of Certified Franchise Executive from the International Franchise Association, Certified Business Intermediary from the International Business Brokers Association and Board Certified Broker from the Texas Association of Business Brokers. Anne is active in professional organizations, networking groups and volunteers for non-profit entities. As owner/operator of four successful businesses, Anne has proven people skills and enjoys helping clients find the right "fit" in business ownership. Visit www.FranchiseOpportunitySpecialist.com for more information about me and my company. - Visit Anne Barr's Website

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