Essential Steps to Networking Successfully!

Recently, after reading an article by Australia Zoo about their Tracking Turtles Rehabilitation Program, it started me thinking how baby sea turtles and networking success have a lot in common.

Baby sea turtles, when they hatch, have an instinctive sense that they need to head for the sea as soon as they can so that they can feel safe and can thrive. However, before they reach the sea, they may go the wrong way and do many circles before they work out the best direction to reach the water.

In traditional cultures, turtles are recognized for their peaceful determination and steady, persistent approach to life. These qualities and their amazing survival strategies, such as, their method of sensing vibrations in the water through their skin and shell has meant they have survived a long time.

Tyler Lyson, study researcher for Yale University says, “Turtles are very tough animals. If times get tough they can go into a state of animation.”

So how do the qualities of turtles relate to successful networking? When it comes to your networking, it’s important to remember to:

• Be clear on your purpose and outcomes
• Keep going and change course if you need to
• Approach your networking in a steady, confident manner

Five Action Steps to Support You and Your Networking Success:

1. Presence and Listening
When you’re networking, being present and actively listening is important to your success and how others perceive you.

“One of the most sincere forms of respect is actually listening to what another has to say.” Bryant H. McGill

“Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.” Stephen R. Covey

2. Prioritize and Prepare
In order to maximize your time and your conversations, consider the following prior to your event.
Why are you going to this Event?
Why is your target market going?
Where does your target market network?
Who do you want to meet at this Event?

3. Positivity and Proactiveness
When you’re at your events, here are some tips to make networking easier.
Take plenty of business cards
Smile! People generally love to be around happy people
Look for people who are new and help them to feel comfortable
Get there early and meet one person at a time. This helps if you feel shy
When standing in a group, open up the circle and invite others to join you

4. Passionate Detachment
Stay passionate and focused on your direction. Also remember to remain detached from your outcome and not take an outcome that hasn’t turned out the way you wanted it to personally. There are many reasons why people don’t buy or commit at the time.
I learned this very early on from my wise mentor, Nadine Love.

5. Practice Follow up 
Did you know 95% of people do not follow up after an event?
Follow up is key to your networking success because it takes time to build quality relationships.

Would you like to know more about how to improve your networking skills so that you’re clear, confident and at ease every time? Visit http://ultimatespeaker.com.au/events for more information or connect with Kim on 0408 714 088

“Behold the turtle. He makes progress only when he sticks his neck out.” James Bryant Conant (1893 – 1978)

Here’s to Your Networking Success as You Speak from Your Heart and Share Your Message!