Nothing Like a One on One

Networking is a constant activity in my world.? All kinds of meetings come and go, and it’s amazing how many people keep showing up week after week saying exactly the same thing, not really getting anywhere. Kind of sad to see how they are struggling with reaching out to the world, but the good thing is that in a quality network, other people will step up to show support anyway. There is room to grow, and by reaching out we learn and grow. After all, nobody was born knowing how to network!

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On the other hand, some people are clearly getting a lot out of the meeting time, setting up one on ones and making deeper connections. For me, networking has been the most valuable strategy to get leads, connections, and referrals, ever.?

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What makes this a true statement?? It’s simple.? I set up one on ones with people I feel share my values, even if I don’t see them as potential customers, because you never know who they know, and there may be more going on than it first seemed. How are you going to find out if you never talk? By doing this, I have solid friendships in the marketplace that I know I can count on if I send someone to them, and people feel confident in sending people to me.? It’s the fact of taking the time to build trust, to talk about life, and values.? It keeps business from being some boring scramble for money, and it turns it into something that makes life better.

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With one-on-one conversations, you learn about yourself, too.? How do you present your skills when somebody is questioning you deeply about them? What issues come up as you are talking about what you do and how you do it?? It’s a good reflection of your own energy as well as a chance to find out what the other person has to offer.

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Communication is my jam.? It’s the heart and soul of everything I do, and it’s the most fascinating topic I can imagine.? What do different groups of people find to be important?? My favorite question in the world.

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What’s important to you?? Let me know, and let’s grow.