Do You Want to Get Better Connected?

A couple of days ago it was shared that there may not be a projector available for the talk. So as a cursory refresher, I wanted to at least write down a few points that should be covered. If you've ever gotten in the flow of writing, you know that letting it come out is better than stopping.

Here are the 10 points I sought to share with the 55ish people at yesterday's meeting. If you were there, you heard eight of these and a handful of bonus tips. Any attendee who correctly identifies one of the two points I didn't cover will receive the very effective workbook for "Finding Harmony".

1. What do you have to offer? Quantify your gifts that are yours to truly share. Put them out there. This practice is effective both online (follow Brad Voorhees on LinkedIn for an example) and at live networking events. While you're at it, switch your mindset from "what can I get" to "what can I give". People love to network with givers far more than with takers!

2. Be concise AND specific about what you seek. You can't expect people to connect you with your ideal opportunities if they don’t know what they are. Far too often we ask for everything under the sun or "anyone" who is/does X,Y, or Z.

Nobody, regardless of how much they like you, will introduce you to everyone they know. Paint a picture of your ideal prospect. And when you do a good job doing so, opportunities to connect will show up.

3. Learn how to relate better to people. The best way to do that is to understand who people are and what drives them. I've told people for years to take a personality test and then make sure they share it with folks who are close to them so they can start to recognize different types. Each type has a preference on how they want to be communicated with. Knowing their type will help you relate to them faster. Want to improve your skills at this today? Go to trybean.com/behavioralelements for a free assessment. Even better ask me how to get the pro version that comes with a detailed report and a consultation with me.

4. Practice "after you" networking. The construct is simple and extremely rewarding. This allows you to quickly understand who you are communicating with. You will be better able to remember their name* because instead of focusing on what you're going to say, you're focused on them. It will allow you to better position your side of the conversation when it is your turn. Best of all, you will see exactly who they are based on how they pay attention (or don't) when you're speaking.

*You DON'T have a memory problem, it's an attention issue.

5. Be more consistent. My first rule of networking is "you gotta show up". This rings true both online and off. Your goal is to be present far more often then you're not. You can't build meaningful relationships by only connecting once every other month. Do yourself a favor and

make the time to be with the people you know can create mutual value with.

This means don't just wait for the meeting or for them to comment. Get proactive!

6. Be more selective where and with whom you spend your networking energy. This is the easiest way to make point 5 a reality. You don’t have to go to every event or site you're invited to. Focus on quality over quantity. I'll be honest, this is a big shift in thinking for me as five years ago I would have told you both are equally important. I was wrong. Covid cleared that up for me in a big way.

7. Get focused on your messaging. Look at it this way.

• Why do they care??
• Who are they?
• How do you solve their problems?

This will inform your ask and your social media strategy. Stop trying to speak to and appease everyone. The more people you're trying to enroll in your mission, the broader your mission will become, to the point where it resonates with no one. Get clear on who you serve and what you can do for them and speak to that, often. You will know you've reached the right level when you're posting or talking about it Every. Single. Day.

8. Own spot 1 in your network's mental rolodex. You want your network to think of you first whenever an opportunity screams your name. You do this by being focused (7) and consistent (5).

9. Leave people better than you found them. Build the reputation of being willing to help when asked. The result of this is you get asked more. The long-term effect is you build credibility, case studies, and become the go to person. Some of the people you help will be in a hurry to help you back. This is the law of reciprocity at work. The best way to leverage this law is by being a person who gives first.

10. Have fun. Or at the very least let your true personality show. Authenticity is being rewarded. People are tired of wearing and seeing the masks other wear. Break the mold. Be the most engaged version of you, you can be.

What tip will you start putting into practice?

What would you add to help others get better connected?

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I'm Terry Bean and I'm your guide to growth through building better relationships and improving communication skills. Available for coaching, corporate training and keynote presentations. More on that at trybean.com.