What is networking? Why is networking important? I mean is it really that valuable to network?
“I must go up to someone and speak to them! I must step outside of my personal space into their personal space and chat. I must communicate something. I must tell them about ME! What should I say? I’m going to look stupid. They are not going to like me! How do I start a conversation with a total stranger that I don’t even know. I can’t do that, no way!”
“Ok I am going networking! I am going to sell everything I have on me tonight. I just can’t wait to show everyone my goods. I will talk over them and only talk about what all my products have to offer them. I will be amazing. They are going to love me! They will throw their money at me for all my merchandise and services!”
You laugh as you read this, however that is how so many people network. They are either scared to death or they are working to WOW you with what they must sell you and you just must buy what they are offering right now, this minute.
Networking is simpler than you think, so stop overthinking and for the love of chocolate chip cookies please stop overworking it.
Networking – the action or process of interacting with others to exchange information and develop professional and/or social contacts and relationships.
You are building relationships. Yes, relationships, friendships. You are building a rapport when you are networking. People want to know who they are doing business with.
Let’s talk about rapport and networking!
