The Real Secrets of Networking

This Weeks Feature Article

People have always asked me, "Why are you such a good networker Leo?"

And after sharing a lot of great hints and tips on 'how to network' over the years... it actually dawned on me that I hadn't really shared what I consider to be the real secrets of networking success.

I'll be sharing the first one in this newsletter... and subsequent secrets over the next few newsletters... so keep an eye out for them...

So... thanks for wanting to learn about how to network better!

You’re now one step closer to being an amazing relationship builder!

I am sharing these "secrets" to guide you towards becoming a great connector and become better at relationship building so that you will experience loads of networking success on a regular basis.

What’s more, you’ll enjoy those successes straight away, not some time in the fuzzy future.

Powerful confident conversations are your birthright. You don’t have to be born with a supposed 'silver tongue'.

Communicating effectively is something you can learn, and quickly.

But first I need you to brace yourself for the shocking truth.

Are you ready?

Are you sitting down?

The only thing standing between you... and being able to network. connect, communicate and build strong relationships, is… well… you!

Annoying isn’t it?

That means that you and you alone may have been delaying your goals and dreams, when you could have been enjoying them by now.

Why would anyone NOT want to move towards their goals and dreams.... you know... the ones that will give you so much pleasure?

Sounds crazy right?

Usually what stops us is 'stinking thinking'.

That’s when you get stuck on an old idea that doesn’t help you be in alignment with your desires.

You may not realize that you are suffering from 'stinking thinking', as these thoughts usually lurk insidiously on the edge of your mind, keeping you comfortable and safe, but not allowing you to progress.

Here are some examples of 'stinking thinking':

• I'm very introverted so who am I kidding, thinking that I can network!
• I can’t start a conversation to save myself, so why would I embarrass myself by even trying?
• What will others think of me?
• I don’t have time to study….
• I can’t afford to learn any new skills…

I could go on but you get the idea... often we are not even aware we are having these thoughts that stop us before we even get started.

I know, because I was there myself, well... a long while ago!

But guess what?

You don’t need to be a great talker or be super confident to work with me.

And as for what will other people think of you?

Get ready for them being surprised, amazed, delighted and envious!

These ideas are designed for people who don’t want to waste time in reaching their goals.

Looking back, I really do wish that I'd had a mentor to guide me through what I will share with you. It would have saved me a lot of time, money and energy...

NOW... you get the benefit of those years of experience.

The simplest, easiest and most powerful networking tips are often overlooked, given lip-service to, or are totally unknown.?

Here are some of the most powerful business networking secrets you can have?in your hands.

The first Secret to Start With...

How not to get stopped before you have even started.

Here you are... excited and terrified to begin your relationship building journey, possibly even experiencing some sleepless nights as your mind races with wonderful new possibilities. Perched on the very edge of a grand adventure you are longing to go on, but then an unwelcome friend turns up.

It’s called FEAR.

Everyone experiences fear to a greater or lesser extent whenever they are starting something new, venturing into unknown territory.

As we leave our predictable comfort zones and try new things, we enter into a process of change (yep... that word again). Part of us wants to risk and grow, and part of us wants to play it safe leaving things exactly as they are (hoping that things will change without any effort).

Rather than letting it stop you, you can force fear to be your ally, galvanizing you into action so that you don’t fail.

I've taken risks too (particularly... since I was very painfully shy), one at a time, and I have been able to grow into a confident connector, speaker, networker... now educator.

Looking back at these steps which were quite scary, I feel so thankful that trusting that little voice inside me won out and I was encouraged enough to give things a go.

Now I have a life that I thoroughly enjoy.

I have always found encouragement and positivity on the other side of fear, and a bigger more wonderful life to be had. Sometimes it’s simply a matter of trusting where the heart wants to lead you.

Yes, I acknowledge that fear can be your companion at times, but don't allow fear to put the brakes on your new opportunities.

So recognize that you are fearful, and get on with it anyway, because you know that it will turn out great.

Looking forward to sharing the next secret soon... Happy Networking.

Welcome to The Anarchist Marketer, a weekly newsletter where I share marketing,

communication and networking insights and experiences to accelerate growth and success for your business and personal life. So, let’s see where this journey can take us.

If you find the newsletter helpful or interesting, I’d really appreciate hearing from you. LinkedIn loves comments and so do I!