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The power of conscious networking: How to connect with three networker types

Guest post by: Monique MacKinnon

Article Overview: Do you know your networking type? And how to adapt your communication to the three powerful networking types, to win them over? Learn how to become a more conscious, connected networker and watch your connections grow... before your very eyes!

The power of conscious networking: How to connect with three networker types

Imagine being at a BNI, Chamber of Commerce or other business networking events, where you get to meet and perhaps even present to (if you are the speaker) nine different styles of networking falls, each of which falls into one of three categories of networker types, based on his or her entry into the room. Each of these types is unaware of their true nature and unconsciously enters the networking context in their own habitual way. Here is what you will see:

Networker One: They approach and cross the room in a way that they consider to be “perfect”.

Networker Two: They march into the room and do their own thing, against the flow. (Guess which networker number describes many entrepreneurs?)

Networker Three: They stroll into the room and simply go with the flow, as they do not want to create any waves.

Networker Four: They cross the room, and then double back to help others with their networking. In the end, they usually do not fulfill the networking intentions they had set for themselves.

Networker Five: They wait at the edge of the room until they are the center of attention. Then they focus on looking and sounding as attractive as possible.

Networker Six: They use a variety of fancy styles and even do unusual moves, or say or wear something unique to stand out.

Networker Seven: They do not get involved. Instead, they simply observe what is happening from the edge of the room. (Many introverts can relate to this.)

Networker Eight: They stride into the room and network in a traditional way.

Networker Nine: They “make noise” and have their own little party. For them, what others are doing or not doing will not prevent them from having fun.

These lighthearted insights into the networking types captures “sleepy” networkers’ nature, that is, when they are locked into their networking style. To think and act outside of the box of your networking style, and consequently become more magnetic to, and open to attracting more clients, joint venture partners and affiliates, you need to start trying on” a variety of different networking styles. Compare it to going shopping and trying on different outfits than you normally would, and seeing how it feels to don something off your beaten path.

Firstly, from the nine options provided above, which networker type best describes you? Secondly, which networking style is it? To know what type of networker you are when you are “boxed in”, consult the list below.

Gut-Centered Networkers: Did networking style one, two or three suit you the best?; or

Heart-Centered Networkers: Did networking style four, five and six best describe you?; or

Head-Centered Networkers: Do you resort mostly to networking style seven, eight or nine?

To become a more flexible and attractive networker to your prospects and peers, watch how they behave when they enter the networking context. Then consciously choose which type of networker they may be and practice the associated guidelines outlined below.

Connecting with Gut-Centered Networkers

• Be clear about your topic and in your presentation.
• Be down to earth and practical.
• Give ample facts and evidence.
• Give details and don't skim over your topic.
• Emphasize concrete results (especially short-term) and many concrete examples.
• Keep it simple if possible and appropriate.
• Verify and ensure they are following you.

Networking Secret #1: These networkers correspond to the Myers-Briggs Temperament Indicator (MBTI)/”sensing” (S) types.

Connecting with Heart-Centered Networkers

• Be warm and friendly; treat them kindly in large and small ways; make them feel special. Begin with appreciation and areas of agreement.
• Emphasize human benefits and happiness.
• Remember: You cannot "logic them into submission."
• Use personal anecdotes and examples, and share some personal details about you. This gives them the chance to relate and like you, considerations that are especially important to these types.

Networking Secret #2: These are the MBTI/”feeling” (F) types.

Connecting with Head-Centered Networkers

• Be brief, concise and to the point.
• Present complete and logical arguments.
• Present clear goals and objectives and precisely defined terms; explain what you mean.
• Present the pros and cons.
• Emphasize rational processes and outcomes.
• Use logical, not emotional arguments; play to the head, not the heart.

Networking Secret #3: In MBTI language, these are the “thinking” (T) types.

See how much fun it can be to “stretch” as you network. You will also notice how fulfilling it can be: intellectually, emotionally and financially. Enjoy the process and the progress you experience!

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Article Tags: MyersBriggs Temperament Indicator, networker, networking, powerful networking
Referred by: http://www.prostrategies.com



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