Networking Has No Walls. Networking anytime, anyplace, in a New York Minute

by Jen Gluckow

Networking can take place anywhere. Business meetings, conferences, trade shows, Starbucks, luncheons, elevators and on social platforms.

Networking is defined as interacting with other people whether for business or pleasure. You can make a great connection on an airplane, on-line at a hotel check-in, in the supermarket, at a clothing store, at a breakfast buffet, or anywhere on the planet so long as youre paying attention.

If youre paying attention to your surroundings,
and youre open to meet and be met,
then you can network anywhere.

Many people only network at networking meetings and events. Big mistake! The opportunities to expand your network and make powerful connections are anywhere and everywhere. All you have to do is PAY FOCUSED ATTENTION to what is around you, and who is around you.

ACTUAL MOMENT: While sweating at the gym, I made a major business connection. In New York, most people are quick to come and go, but I try to be friendly (in a New York Minute). After a few weeks of seeing the same people in my weekly Saturday workout class, it was clear we shared something: our love for the instructor and his kick-ass class. That bond made a quick conversation starter and rapport builder before the class began.

I connected with some of the class-goers and learned that one was a Principal of an elementary school. At the time, I was selling educational software to elementary schools, and after hearing about my work, the Principal asked me to demo my solutions for her and her staff. Wow! Because of my networking connection, I didnt need to cold call the school, instead the decision-maker was calling me. Within weeks I got the sale (note the average sales cycle is 3+ months). And, not only did I get the sale, but she referred me to a few other principals in the area!

LESSON: What made this gym interaction so successful? We had something in common BEFORE we met. I used a shared love for the class to make the connection, I was friendly, I asked questions to find out who did what, I created trust, I demonstrated my reliability by following up, and I scored.

EPILOG: Ive built my business through face-to-face networking, making follow-up appointments, and finalizing sales. Successful networking is all about meeting new people, making a positive connection, earning new business, creating positive word-of-mouth referrals, and building rich relationships.

SECRET: Being proactive is the key. Talk to everyone you can, and make a friendly, favorable impression at EVERY opportunity. Make the person youre talking to WANT to continue the conversation and meet again. This will lead to you becoming known as both interesting and valuable.

TAKE ACTION:
Think about everywhere you go each day,
and ask yourself how many missed engagements and
connections are all around you?

Then ask yourself, if a connection opportunity presented itself,
how ready would you be?

The big question is: Are you making the right connections,
or are you letting opportunities pass you by?

You can join a networking group, and I encourage you to, but there are tons of places to network outside of traditional networking groups.

Heres another secret: most professionals try to get THEIR work done and THEIR sales made between 9-5. That means the best time to network is before 9 and after 5 – during non-sales (relaxed) time.