Networking 2.0
Networking doesn’t have to be a chore. Here are four things to remember NOT to do before you head out the door to your next networking event.
Don’t kid yourself: You can’t succeed in business without making connections. The good news is, even a shy person can become a networking aficionado by avoiding these beginner’s mistakes.
Don’t do things you hate. Pick an event that suits your personality. If you are in an uncomfortable environment, you’ll be looking for the door rather than your next connection. There are plenty of networking options out there. Be choosey and pick your events accordingly. We spend a lot of time at PROPEL thinking about our events and venues for this very reason. We want our members and guests to feel comfortable enough to have fun and meet new people.
Avoid unreasonable goals. In a room of 200 strangers, you’re not going to meet everyone or make the “perfect” connection. I like to set a goal of meeting three new people at each event I attend. Find out what they do, think about how you might be able to help them, exchange business cards, and follow up the next day. Three conversations and emails is an easy task to commit to.
Don’t be impatient. This especially applies to you young professionals out there. It’s important to think long-term. You’re not going to walk into a room and simply bump into the CEO of a Fortune 500 company. Every person in the room is worth talking to regardless of age or current profession. That’s because every person in the room represents a possible connection tomorrow, next year, five years, or 20 years from now.
No navel-gazing. If I’ve learned anything in business it’s that people love to talk about themselves. Ask questions. Find out what they do and who they know. You’ll be surprised how many random connections you can make with people just by being curious.
Similarly, instead of looking for people who can help you, always be thinking about how you can help the person you’re talking to. This is absolutely the best way to make real connections in the business community. You’ll make a positive impression, win friends, and feel good about the networking process.
This month’s expert:
Justin Lamontagne • Associate Broker, CBRE/The Boulos Company
Justin Lamontagne has successfully brokered transactions in all sectors of commercial real estate including sales and leasing of office, retail, industrial, and investment properties. He is the current chairman of PROPEL, the Portland Regional Chamber’s young professional networking group. In 2010–11, he will sit on the Maine Commercial Association of Realtors board of directors and the Portland Community Chamber’s board of directors.
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