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Do you need an edge in social media?
Do you need an edge in this?
If you are one of the many American’s suffering from SSMD (sucky social media disorder) I know someone who can help! On this blog I talk about networking. Typically it is in the face-to-face fashion, however it is extremely important to build your social networks and to use the internet as a vital tool to help you build your personal brand, business brand or to help you add depth to your relationships. Because of that- I highly recommend following @theKenCook to help you out! Check out his blog here;
Happy networking!
-Kyle
3 CRITICAL networking skills
Most of my experience regarding networking comes from a company known as BNI- Business Networking International. In my first job with the New Orleans Hornets, I was fortunately able to join this exclusive group at the expense of the Hornets. I wanted to tell the story of how I went from being a lowly college student to a sufficient networker in just a few months.
When I first walked into an old, classic New Orleans Restaurant known as Dooky Chase- I didn’t know what to think. I was escorted to a back room specifically for this meeting. There were a bunch of people scattered throughout the room, some with business suits on, some with cargo shorts and t-shirts on. Some of the attendees were lawyers, some were plumbers. Everyone had one thing in common-they were business people attempting to grow their business. Coming out of college, beginning my first “real” job, I was greener than California’s government. I had no experience and didn’t know where to start, but I love people and I’m good at public speaking.
I learned three CRITICAL factors in networking that day. Those three factors are;
- Givers gain
- Relationships, relationships, relationships
- Networking takes hard work, it doesn’t fall in your lap.
I found very early on that there were some members of this group that were “window shopping” they were there just to see what business would fall into their laps and to say that they were actively networking.
*NETWORKERS NOTE* If you are going to attend an event- work hard at the event- don’t just go for the coffee or the food. It is Net WORK not net SIT or net EAT.
The most successful networkers I know are the people who have learned to be givers WITHOUT EXPECTATION. I know far too many people who only give because they expect something in return. That is worthless. In life, givers gain. When you give without expectations people feel the genuine attitude and they can’t help but want to help you out. When you give with expectations it is easily snuffed out. Next time you are with someone, focus on what you can do for them and not what they can do for you. I think you will be amazed at how successful you become. I am fanatical about being a giver in life.
Strong relationships equal strong referrals. Seek to build personal relationships with those whom you are networking with OUTSIDE of business. Find out about them and build friendships. You will be amazed at what will happen. One of my favorite things to do after you meet someone is to send them a hand written thank you note. EVERYONE gets hundreds of e-mails a day, how many thank you notes do they get? Use that as an opportunity to stand out among the crowd of people they just met and then attempt to meet with that person one to one to learn about them and their business so that you can become a giver.
To be successful at the two aforementioned topics above, it takes a lot of hard work. Learn to work hard at relationships and you will be a successful networker. People are in love with themselves, attempt to be a person who listens to them and encourages them to love themselves rather than engaging in a contest of who can talk more about themselves. It all takes WORK!
If you have any questions about what I have discussed here or just want to say something different- post it in the comments section.
Happy networking!
-Kyle
Is your mind getting in the way of your success?
Check out this article and post your comments below!
Happy networking!
-Kyle
The Proper Way to Give Your Business Card
If you are on this blog, I assume you have been to a networking event. Doesn’t it irk you when someone walks up to you, an introduction takes place, followed by an assumption that you should give business to that person, either personally or via referral?
How many times have you heard business is about relationships? IT IS. The best way to spoil a relationship, or ruin a first impression is by asking for something immediately. Show interest in the other person, their business and how you can HELP!
Check out this video and share your comments about the content!
Happy networking!
-Kyle
Bonus Post: This Article Rocks!
This is some bonus content for you; Next to profit-keeping the business open-there is nothing more important than culture. Culture is what sustains a successful business. Check out this article and comment to let me know what you think!
Happy networking!
-Kyle Van Pelt
What to expect.
My name is Kyle Van Pelt and I am a hard-core believer in the power of networking. Networking has illuminated the path that has led me to where I am today. If you also believe in the power of networking, then you can expect this blog to help you hone your skills. I think there are many blogs and websites out there that fully intend to help but provide useless fluff. Here is what you can expect from this blog:
- Concise, useful content on networking posted weekly (maybe more…if you’re good).
- Articles, videos, and published content that will help improve your networking skills.
- The myths of networking dispelled.
- Humorous content that may, or may not apply to networking.
If this is the type of content that you were searching for when you typed “how to network better” in Google than I’m happy to provide what you’re looking for.
Happy Networking!
-Kyle
Personal Branding is Vital to Networking Success
Yesterday I read a book on personal branding and using platforms to help get the word out about a product, whether YOU are the product or you are trying to sell a good or service. The book written by,Gary Vaynerchuck, is Why Now Is The Time To Crush It: Cashing In On Your Passion. Networking is the platform that he recommends for building your personal brand! Read more…
Kyle Van Pelt
Networking That Works 