This is a guest by Rich Lazzara, who I had a chance to interview for the interviews with up and coming bloggers podcast. Look tomorrow for the interview which is absolutely fantastic. Rich is an entrepreneur, executive, and businessman who is in the business of manufacturing luxury Yacths, and teaching people who to use social media and digital marketing to to grow their business. I recommend you subscribe to his RSS Feed.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, small business owner or online marketer your ability to network with others will be directly proportional to your success. I have found that the more I network, the more I share, the more I help people, the greater my company and brand grows.
When people talk about networking they generally approach it from the standpoint of wanting to meet people so they can gain something. However I want to talk to you about the new networking model and how it’s not about what you gain but what you give.
Why You Need To Network
Business today is both hyper complex and yet surprisingly simple. I realize those contradict each other but let me explain.
The world of business moves at such a frantic pace that it is impossible to have the entire skill set to master all aspects of your business. New ideas, techniques and technologies continually come at a blinding pace. Today thought networking is easier and more simple then its’ ever been. Networking with others opens the door for you to offer your skills to help them navigate this ever-changing world.
You might be thinking, wait a minute did I read that right, skills to help them? What about me? I want you to think about approaching networking differently for two reasons.
First, helping others allows you to develop a relationship easier and faster. If you’re genuinely trying to help people without expecting something in return you will find yourself in growing demand. Sure there will be those few people that take and never give back but you will be surprised at how many will return the favor when you need it most.
Second, the art and skill of understanding how to meet people’s needs is so essential to being a successful entrepreneur. If you can practice and hone the skill of recognizing people’s needs and then meeting them, you will be better prepared to sell. Whether that means selling yourself, company or product, knowing how to spot a need and meet it is fundamental to your success.
How I Network Online
While the Internet is the greatest sales tool ever invented, its’ ability as a sales tool is closely followed by its’ ability as a networking tool. You must be online and proactively involved in networking. By far the single greatest online networking tool I have ever used is Twitter. However there are many others too. I utilize the common online methods of networking such as Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Blogs, Forums and Commenting. I find a different group of people on each, which is why it’s important to be involved in all of them. Online can’t be beat in terms of reach, however meeting someone in person is much more valuable to developing a more encompassing relationship. You need to be focused as much on meeting people offline as online.
How I Network Offline
One of the skills that many people tend to shy away from is offline networking. Here’s a benefit with offline networking over online. A working relationship can be established in one-third the time, as it can be online. Furthermore in my experience they seem to be more cemented and longer lasting. When you actually meet someone face to face you have the ability to hear their voice, see their reaction, shake their hand. It allows you to understand who they are and what you can do to help them. Plus it gives you the opportunity to show them how passionate you are about what you do, how much you care, which in the end that will draw people to you. Just look at all the online personalities that are successful, why do you think they’re involved in public speaking so much?
Networking with Darth Vader and Harry Potter
Get outside your comfort zone and more importantly your industry. One of the things I find very beneficial is to network with many different types of people. I find myself going to trade shows or online to interact with people that I may not have any obvious business synergies with. However this allows me to meet new people and learn new things. Networking outside of your typical peer group and industry is a very good way to expand your network exponentially. While at first you may not see a need to go to Comic-Con, as an example, it’s something that can be potentially valuable down the road. Remember you want to approach networking with a “how can I help you” attitude and you may be able to connect one group to another and help both.
Networking is a skill that comes natural for some and is terrifying for others. Unfortunately if you’re in the latter you need to push past that. Networking with others is one of the cornerstones of business and its something that if you work on everyday will help launch you on the path to success.
Do you focus on networking? Twitter is my most useful online tool, what’s yours? How about offline, what are some networking events you go to?
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It’s a great idea to get your network expanding into different niches. These days, you never know how your contacts can help others. Also, in future there is a chance that you may change niches. It doesn’t hurt to have a network in your new niche already established.
Gordie, great point on changing niches! That is so true. I have seen that manifest itself in my life on several occasions. You never know where business is going to take you. Being prepared to enter into new networks can be the difference in your ability to adapt.
Thanks for the good comments.
@Gordie: I think expanding into different niches was one of the most eye opening things I talked to Rich about. When he explained that he goes to tradeshows that have nothing to do with his industry I thought that was one of the most interesting strategies for networking I’ve ever come across.
@Rich: Thanks for the guest post. I learned alot from it and it’s making me even think about how to network outside the things I’m currently interested in because I know it could lead to some interesting things.
Srini, your welcome, thank you for allowing me to be here. Your site is on the great road to success. Keep working hard…everyday! Thanks again.
This is a great post, but moreso it is an example of the synchronicity of ideas that is becoming more happenstance than ever on the blogosphere.
What I mean is that just today Brian Clark released an ebook that talks a lot about this, you and I have talked a lot about this, and recently others have talked quite a bit about JV’s and getting outside of your niche to be a better entrepreneur.
There’s power in unified effort, and I really like the networking model. Achieve twice as much in half the time.