"N" Words in Networking

When I am doing acronyms, I often run out of words that start with the letter "N." So, in preparing to write about tips for networking and key words to prompt thinking, I did a little bit of thesaurus work.

Behold! I found so many "N" words that I soon realized I would never get to "E" in one article.

So, I decided to go with the flow ... just like when I am networks.

Here are some words and thoughts on networking starting with the letter "N."

Name - Learn to learn names and use them when talking with people. People love to be called by name.

Net - The net in network reminds us that we are already woven as a net with our interests, relationships, and common needs. When we know that, we can cast a broader net to include more people in our circle of influence.

Nest -When appropriate, a great way to network is to invite people into your home informally. Get to know them better. Include them in larger gatherings or just share a meal.

Noise - Noise is generated when you step forward and say the first words. You are probably going to have to learn to take initiative in meeting people.

Novel - This may be novel to you. You may not have done it before. Don't be terrified. Others have had to start from scratch too.

Niche - Start with familiar territory where there are people who share you interests or whose interests overlap with yours. it will be easier to start conversations and find common ground for more meetings.

Natural - Keep in natural. That means no script, no agenda, no preconceived outcomes. Networking is about meeting people and then, discovering where those meeting lead. When it is natural, it is genuine. You show that you are genuinely interested in people as people.

Number - It is a numbers game. The more people you meet, the more likely it is that you will meet people you can help or who can help you.

Navigator - You can network by making yourself available as a navigator for people entering new territory in their lives or businesses. Show them the lay of the land, provide resources and information. Introduce them to people they need to know and who need to know them.

Neighbor - Remember that you are meeting a neighbor and we have the privilege of being good neighbors. There is always common ground if we will expand our view of our neighborhoods.

Normal - Networking is a normal part of life. We are made for community and very little success happens in isolation.

Need - Be a resource for meeting needs. Orient yourself toward that end. If you are willing to serve, you will find people happy to help you get your needs met.

Narrate - Tell your stories. Also, if you meet someone who is in a new setting, help them understand what is happening around them. Tell the story of the place or organization.

Notice - Notice people in a room that are by themselves or not engaged. They have already noticed that they are unnoticed and they are uncomfortable. Help them feel more comfortable.

Notate - Make mental notes and, perhaps, written notes to remind you of the people you met and some of the points of their stories. If possible, never leave a conversation without some contact information or means to continue the conversation.

Nurture - Be a healthy and nurturing presence in people's lives. Always seek to add value. Also, nurture the relationship with follow up contacts.

Notify - Be a source of communication about events, resources, workshops, meetings, seminars, and other pieces of information that you think someone may find beneficial. Be valuable as a source of information.

Nourish - Have lunches and coffee breaks with people that you initiate or they initiate.

Negotiate - When the time is right, there may be an opportunity for trading services.

New - Meet new people every day. I mean every day.

Near - Look around you. Some folks are closer than you think. Know the people in businesses near you.

Nice - It goes without saying to be nice.

Noisy - You do not have to be loud. You should never be pushy. Lower your voice and slow down your pace to something relaxed. You are networking, not selling.

Narrow - Narrow your focus if it is too broad. The opportunities are boundless. Be strategic about where you spend your time.

Nervous - Find out what helps you with your anxiety about all of this. What self-talk calms and reassures you? Do you need a partner in the beginning? Do you need to brief and debrief with a coach or mentor?

Necessary - This is absolutely necessary to your goals. You need to do it. It is not play time. It is not optional. It is part of your business or profession.

Nonchalant- It is almost like being natural, but it emphasizes being relaxed and casual. Perhaps we cannot say it enough. Relax. Have fun.

Narrative - Build your own narrative of your life and experience that you can condense into a few words. Be prepared to tell about yourself quickly and honestly in a way that makes your new friend want to know you better and ask more questions. That means prepare so that you don't end up talking too much about yourself.

Nostalgic - I can be pretty nostalgic about networking because I have met so many people "accidently" who have come to be very significant in my life.

You can too.