There are many definitions of networking. In fact some people define networking as something more like direct selling.
For example, if someone is handing out their card or a brochure at the door to an event or even during a "networking meeting", that is more akin to direct sales versus networking. Direct selling is fine. There is a time and place. I just don't confuse it with networking.
Networking for me is sharing knowledge, resources and compassion. This leads to a conversation that MAY involve the sale of a product or service.
Compassion by far is the most underutilized AND it has the highest return on investment!!
When I say share compassion, I mean engage those skills of being present for the person. When you ask how they are or how is the family, mean it. When you ask how the job search is going, mean it.
This takes major listening skills and just being there.
Sharing this piece of networking takes less movement and more keeping still.
The payoff? I haven't met a person yet that wasn't struck by how much I truly cared about what was going on in their life. It trumps any sort of other conversation.
I suspect because most people aren't willing to truly "go there" and "be there" for another person in the business world. And this is memorable for the individual and they WILL remember you.
That my friend, if you're counting, is a sale. hmmm so I guess you are direct selling....YOU.
[NOTE: Video follows. If you don't see it, you might need to go to the original post at www.thomasmangum.com]
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