Like this article? PLEASE +1 it! Evan Signature
Evan Carmichael Top Header about About Home Profiles articles Tools forums inspirational quotes About facebook Twitter YouTube Blog
Share for a Cause











My No. 1 Networking Lesson

Guest post by: Craig Padoa

Article Overview: This is my no. 1 networking lesson that I have found invaluable in helping to build my network.

Free Download - My No. 1 Networking Lesson By Craig Padoa
Name: Email:

My No. 1 Networking Lesson

Like many others out there I try to network as best as I can. There are a number of blogs, books and articles available that focus on networking but personally I find the strategy is often easier to formulate than the actual outcome (execution).


However I was taught a lesson by Jon Burgess that I have found absolutely invaluable and with Jon's permission I would like to share with you.


Basically Jon told me "When you meet someone don't think about what the person can do for you but think about what you can do for them personally". In other words, it does not matter who you are meeting, don't think about how they can help you or what you can sell them etc. Think about how you can help them personally. I took this on board and even though I was hesitant when I met very "senior" execs I still thought I would give it a go.


So every time I meet someone as part of a focused networking opportunity I ask the question, "Is there anyone you would like to meet". You will be amazed the difference it makes when you become a connector. On a side note don't think that Senior Execs do not want to network. Senior Managers may be trying to sell a service, CEOs may want to be directors, Private Equity want deals bought to them etc etc.


Immediately you move from being a person on the end of the phone or table who wants something, to being someone on the end of the phone who can offer something...MASSIVE difference but one that will help ensure you build a genuine and valuable network.

Related Articles
  Networking Can Save Your Life
  Networking Mistake Myopia
  Who Is Your Proud Family?
  Endless Referrals
  Networking Tips for Introverts or How to Break The Ice Without Fear of Falling Through
  NETWORKING ISNT SELLING OR IS IT
  Should you join a networking group?
  The Do’s and Don’ts of Networking
  Three Marketing Lessons from Realtors
  Business Finance & Networking in the UK
  Sales Reluctance Is Not a Two-Letter Word Named No!
  Lessons in Networking: The Ultimate No-No
  Recession Proof Networking
  10 Steps for Developing Your INDIVIDUAL NETWORKING PLAN
  Networking: How Much Is \"Networking Dread\" Costing You and What Can You Do About It?
  Are You Confused About Social Networking?
  A New Kind of Networking for Recessionary Times
  The Difference Between Networking and Selling
  The Gravity of Failure
  Entrepreneur – How Not To Have A Bad Employee?

Home > Management > Craig Padoa > My No 1 Networking Lesson >
Article Tags: Networking

About the Author: Craig Padoa
RSS for Craig's articles - Visit Craig's website

Having been exposed to a multitude of consultancies, spreadsheet jockeys, strategic models and technologies I subscribe to the quote by Sir Winston Churchill, "However beautiful the strategy, one should occasionally look at the results"

Click here to visit Craig's website Dashed Line

More from Craig Padoa
The Problem With Profit
My No 1 Networking Lesson


Related Forum Posts
Re: Make Friends...Literally BUILD them! 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?
Marketing 2012 Marketing 2012 - I am interested in what works for you in 2012, Social Networking, Search Engine traffic, Blogs, Articles, Forums, what? This is a quote from a 2009 Topic "Twitter, Social Networking, What is your Method? From my experience, social networking traffic (Twitter included) also converts at a far lower rate than search engine traffic. Evan Is this still true, or do you use something that gives us better returns and conversions
Re: How can a social networking site make serious money? 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! 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
Re: Marketing 2012 Re: Marketing 2012 - [quote="drdony":2y0daolc]I am interested in what works for you in 2012, Social Networking, Search Engine traffic, Blogs, Articles, Forums, what? This is a quote from a 2009 Topic "Twitter, Social Networking, What is your Method? From my experience, social networking traffic (Twitter included) also converts at a far lower rate than search engine traffic. Evan Is this still true, or do you use something that gives us better returns and conversions[/quote:2y0daolc] Great question Don! I'll create a video reply!


Recommended Article for You close

  Networking Can Save Your Life

Share this article with your friends. Fund someone's dream.

Leave a comment below or share on the left and you'll help support entrepreneurs in Africa through our partnership with Kiva. Over $50,000 raised and counting - Please keep sharing! Learn more.



Featured Article

Bottom Footer



Newsletter

Get advice & tips from famous business
owners, new articles by entrepreneur
experts, my latest website updates, &
special sneak peaks at what's to come!
Name:
Email:
Popular Articles

Executives and Elevators Perfecting That Pitch

Using Social Media Marketing

SEO and the Entrepreneur
Suggestions

Email us your ideas on how to make our
website more valuable! Thank you Sharon
from Toronto Salsa Lessons / Classes for
your suggestions to make the newsletter
look like the website and profile younger
entrepreneurs like Jennifer Lopez.