The Art of Networking

Networking is so much more than talking about ourselves, handing out cards and hoping to find potential clients.  Networking is an opportunity to establish friendships and create meaningful collaborations. It’s an invitation to bridge our businesses with people we connect with energetically.

I get so tired of going to events where all people do is want to talk about themselves. No one is listening to anyone. Few people are truly interested in establishing friendships. So, I have come up with a few experiments you might want to try.

1. As an experiment, when you walk into a networking event, move through the room while connecting with your heart, not your head. See who you gravitate toward. Then, move through the room while connecting with your head. See if you can feel the difference. Notice the different kinds of people you meet while you focus on each aspect.
2. While beginning a conversation with someone, instead of immediately telling them what you do and handing them your card, ask them what they do first. By showing genuine interest in what other people do, you create a space for shared conversation and an opportunity for both parties to participate in a mutual exchange.
3. If there is someone at your table monopolizing the conversation, find an appropriate moment, and suggest that everyone at the table share their name, where they are from, what business they are involved in, and how they would like to be supported. When everyone feels included, there is a balance that takes place and no one feels left out.
4. If you are shy and are not sure how to start a conversation with someone you don’t know. Look around the room and see who you are attracted to. Perhaps it’s someone wearing an interesting hat or tie. Go over to them and talk about what you were attracted to. It’s a wonderful ice-breaker and most likely, they will have an interesting story to share with you about that item.
5. Hopefully, you will have had one or two conversations with people who you would like to see again. When you return home, rather than sending out a generic e-mail to everyone you met at the event, you may want to send out individual e-mails to the people you enjoyed meeting and would like to see again. The personal note is so much more appreciated. Besides, it will confirm your heartfelt sincerity.

The bottom line is, that when we make an effort to commit to evolutionary communication, we consciously behave from our highest wisdom — and everyone benefits!