(Image: Allison Bell/TA)
(Related: 5 Business Networking 'Musts')
I met a financial advisor about two years ago. Recently, he contacted me by email out of the blue. He was struggling in the first year of his practice and felt if he didn't get help fast, he would fail. After a quick search about 'How to be better at networking', he found me.
We chatted on the phone for a while. He read my book. Listened to my audios. And I spent some time with him on the phone over a two-month period.
As it turned out, he did in fact fail at being a financial advisor. (Clearly, I'm not very good.)
He emerged in another sales role outside of financial services. Salary, partial commission, the whole thing. He was invited to the launch of a networking group which seemed like a good opportunity for him. The attendees were there "by invitation only" and there was nobody else in the group that sold his products and services. In fact, the group was made up of successful business owners and service providers that were great at networking.
He showed up to the event early and left before it began. It simply wasn't for him. When he was asked about it later, he said he didn't think anyone in the group could help him.
After all the time he spent learning how to network, the guy never learned how to network.
In boxing, you could try to improve your left jab by watching videos of Larry Holmes. But you get so much more out of trying to apply what you've learned by going to the gym and throwing that left at the heavy bag under the watchful eye of a trainer. You'll master that punch through repetition, feedback, and more repetition.
That's how you develop and improve any skill — repetition, feedback, and more repetition.
Networking is about learning and helping others connect. If you're successful, those you help will help you right back – that's networking!
Outside of throwing more shoulder into your jab, here are nine basic approaches to help you improve your networking skills. That is, if you're willing to work the bag.
1. Find the right event.
First and foremost, you don't need to go to events (cocktail parties, chamber mixers, fundraisers, association meetings, business card exchanges, golf outings, conferences, trade shows) to be an effective networker. You can make calls and send emails to clients and referral sources you already know. But if your goal is to get better at networking, you must find an event that aligns with the people you like and the business you're looking to do.
2. Dare to be different.
Financial advisors are a dime a dozen! Not really, but that's the perception of others that attend networking events. Think about it. How many financial advisors show up to monthly chamber mixers? Exactly! So find a way of differentiating yourself.
Become known for one area of expertise that you're passionate about – long term care is a great example. Focus on a target market that's interesting and distinctive. Get involved as a board member. Head-up a committee. Run seminars. Make it your business to introduce those you like to others you like – be a connector! Be the first to sign up for events and fundraisers.
