Wednesday, October 31, 2007

66 Tips For Better Networking - #45

Route 66 - The Journey Toward Success

Stop Being Greedy

My friend John has a great point about why many people do not find success with networking. It is because too many people are greedy. Sure, they show up at business events, but it is with the intention of pouncing on every potential client they can find. They never bring any value to share with others.

He says that he sees it all the time. Business professionals show up at industry events like they are there to play a game of "Hungry, Hungry Hippos". Bam, bam, bam, bam....they attempt to take all they can without any concern for giving.

Then these same people have the nerve to complain about the lack of executives in attendance at business events. Who can blame them. If a CEO or CFO pops his head into the mix at an event, he will get cold called by nearly a dozen bankers, lawyers, copier salesmen, etc... most of whom they never even met. They were spotted and are now seen as open prey to the aggressive person hungry for a sale.

Additionally, few professionals ever bring their clients with them to meetings for fear they might meet a competitor. Come on, if you have a client you should know that you competition is already calling them, so hiding them away does no good for anyone. One of the best things you can do to improve your relationship with your customers and others is to invite them to join you at key industry conferences and networking events. It gives you the chance to share some quality time together, and allows you to show others in your network that you are helping to contribute to the success of the event by pushing the executive level attendance.

John is the best at this. Rarely does he attend an event where he does not bring a few customers, prospects and other friends with him. In just a few years he has developed an amazing professional relationship and some deep friendships in town. He has rebranded his company as an important player standing alongs side law firms, accounting firms, consultancies, and other service firms. His friendships cross industry lines with people from the C-level suite on down.

Why is John admired by so many? Because his lives in a world of surplus, not scarcity. He thinks everyone can win in business, and has no fear of his competitors knowing with whom he does business. He believes in his abilities and is willing to help others along the way to achieve success. He is an evangelist for those people in his network who he appreciates, and will talk people up with no direct pay off for himself. This has come back around and he is very successful.

When you stop being greedy, you will be amazed how much more information and opportunity will flow toward you.

Have A Great Day.

thom

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