Have you ever had someone come to you and say, “Hi [insert name here], I am the best [insert profession],” they hand you their business card, tell you to call them sometime, and walk away?
If you are like me, you have several stories that can answer that question with a definitive “YES!”
This begs the question: “What were the results?” Have you ever called that person back? My educated guess is “Never.”
Christie Ellis shared with us the principles of Go-Giver Networking. It is pretty simple and straightforward…it is more about “giving” than “getting” and yet, while it is a seemingly little principle, it is a deceptively powerful networking component to have in one’s arsenal.
Just what is “networking?” Someone shared that it is the idea of connecting with people. The challenge is that you have only 9 seconds to build that immediate connection. So just what do you do? The answer in a nutshell is: make it about GIVING and ADDING VALUE. Spend more time finding out about the other person than trying to “sell your wares.” In truth, you will be sharing about yourself anyway in that little interchange.
When looking at networking with the Go-Giver attitude, FOLLOW-UP is key. It is what happens AFTER the networking event that will make a productive impact. Here are some very simple things you can do:
In the end, networking is ALWAYS better in person. However, never discount social media such as LinkedIn and Facebook! It helps you maintain relationships, stay in touch and offer your own brand (Yes, you are your own brand). People often stay more connected with those with whom they are also connected online.
Regarding social media, here are two notes:
These “Go-Giver Networking” notes are based upon a book “The Go-Giver: A Little Story About a Powerful Business Idea” written by Bob Burg and John David Mann. In it are the Five Laws of Stratospheric Success:
The “Go-Giver Networking” is not about YOU. That is what I learned.
JobBrokers is a staffing company “linking people with Opportunity”. Chrissie Atchely shared that they have a wide range of jobs that they have to fill from High End jobs to simpler Entry Level employment in many types of fields. They are extremely careful with their core values and relationships between the employers and the people they place.
Charles Schwab was up next. Shannon Grimes (who used to be Feltes before her recent marriage), in her normally effervescent manner, gave us all a rundown as to what the company is all about, what they are like to work for and openings they have. They are a “most admired company” by Fortune 500. Charles Schwab is a financial institution with the goal to make their clients financially fit. They have 88 positions open in the valley. To apply as a Career Connector, go to bit.ly/CareerConnectors, create an account and profile and upload your resume. (Author’s note: we will forgive Shannon for being a Chicago Blackhawk fan).
Training to You was represented by John Dvorak offering plenty of training opportunities. He reminded us of the Workforce Investment Act offering grant money to unemployed or underemployed individuals to increase their skills. Note: If you are a veteran, there are special offerings for you. Just contact John and he will explain in detail. Please note that on September 20, 2012, they are offering a “LinkedIn 202” seminar from 12-1pm for those wanting to further their knowledge of this media.
As with most things in life…it is not about you. Be a “Go-giver Networker.” Not only to make it more effective but more enjoyable. “Hello. My name is [insert your name here]. Tell me about yourself.”
