Power of Team Networking

It was an interesting day at the Small Business Forum on Oct 23^rd at the Metro Convention Centre.  There was a main stage of speakers and panel experts sharing their insight on business, life and success.

There were exhibitors from all areas from of business. I had great conversations with friends who had attended the event. 

It was great to network with attendees and exhibitors, great way to seek new business opportunities

Tom Kaufmann, Sales Trainer and Cold Calling specialist, joined me as we took a tour of the exhibitors at the event. Three strategies were applied.

1^st Ask questions

We asked numerous questions about the organization and what they did. This helped us understand their business, and what’s their value proposition was. 

2^nd  Listening

Actively listening and engaging in conversation with value added information.

3^rd  Business card exchange

If there was an opportunity to exchange services, we did exchange business cards.

Within 45 minutes we both walked away with 2 paid speaking leads and 2 opportunities to write articles for online websites that have high traffic.

Many attendees had approached me throughout the day stating that it wasn’t a great day. I shared them my results and they were impressed. I told them it’s about  “quality not quantity”

Moral of the story

Going to industry events is about ask questions, listening and understanding what value you bring to the conversation.

Tom Kuafmann experience

The biggest thing I have learned in attending these type of shows is not to judge an opportunity by their booth. Approach and ask questions. This allows them to speak and tell you all about their business. They will, if they are smart, ask you about your business. Now you have increased your branding and made a business friend/contact.

Do not approach a stranger you wish to speak to by being a walking – talking commercial. You all know what we do at home with commercials!

People you meet at a trade show will rarely present themselves as an immediate opportunity for business. Make a friend first – then later on, potentially make a sale. Make them want to know you better by listening to their needs, or maybe even, a colleagues needs that you can address at a later date. That way everybody wins.

How to be a great (savvy) connector!

A great connector is defined as individual who strategically focuses on providing connections, opportunities, ideas and resources that empowers and assist someone else dreams, goals. Great connectors believe that when we all work together, everybody wins! When we support each other, everyone gets encouraged. They attend various events in an effort to “to give rather then get” says Bonnie Chan Founder of Network to Grow.

To deliver on the above mention definition, below are some tips that will help you become great & savvy connector!

Listen first

Being a great listener allows great connector to genuinely understand the needs and want of each other. They are interested to first understand before being understood. Great Connector want to know your story. They act as magnet, absorbing information before sharing valuable resources to connections.

Get Engaged

Great connector don’t passively listen, but rather listen to every word they are listening to. They ask strategic questions to clarify to dig deep into the conversation on topic. They stay engaged in the moment and stay present in the conversation. They have the ability to make connections and help create results!

Building Relationships (ongoing)

Great connectors focus on building (ongoing) relationships above all other intentions. They understand and acknowledge that trust is the basis of all good things in that keep people moving in this world of opportunity. They don’t push or promote their personal agenda, rather genuinely actively listen and engage in the conversation to authentically engage and support to whom they are speak with.

Stay Connected

Great connectors don’t do “one meeting and that’s all”.  They are relationship builders throughout their journey of success. They encourage ongoing connection in specific and engaging ways, whether contact cards, email or social media. They follow up and follow through on a continued basis and grow the relationship.

Impress with the Knowledge

Great connector aren’t out to look good. They let their thoughts, ideas and connections show their value. They are present and engaged in a effort to help others reach their goals. Great connectors embrace diversity and in the end they make everyone around them look and feel awesome!

Bring something to the conversation

Great connectors are always ready with connections at their fingertips. (via phone or iPad). They will what they can to assist, empower to create a successful engagement with whom they are interacting with. Even if they don’t have something to offer at the time, they will refer another great connector or follow up with information via email if information is promised. They have high integrity in doing this. They may be someone in the room that they can connect them with if possible (hense they are savvy connectors)

Offer your expertise and knowledge

Great connectors understand they don’t have all the answer. They are the McGyver (80’s TV Show) of resources! They focus on providing their expertise (in their field) and the knowledge (wisdom) and if they are not able to provide it directly they will offer strategic and specific connections who can. They are aware of their own strengths and weaknesses. They will do whatever they can to use their strengths to prove the “super hero level support and actions” stated by Emmanuel Lopez  Author and Movie expert. They want you to reach the next level your journey of success.

Share challenges & Opportunities

Great connectors understand they need assistance as well. They are willing to their struggles authentically and openly and accept constructive feedback and advice from their peers. Great connector are driven to achieve their dreams and goals, and understand that to win they must work in creating strategic and win-win connections with others.

Stay cool

Great connectors are cool, calm and collect in the storm. They are the stabilizers during the time of uncertainty. They have a plan of action amidst the chaos of the moment. These abilities enables for greater connection, opportunities and growth for everyone.

What the next step is to go and Connected in the 21^st Century and make it happen!