So many times, I hear of people joining networking groups and then becoming disillusioned because the referrals don’t immediately start pouring in. The fact is, whatever you pay to join a referral/networking group is only an admission price–it gets you into the room where opportunities may come your way, but it doesn’t entitle you to referrals. It’s not enough to simply show up and participate. You must perform to make the most of these opportunities and new contacts.
Despite the built-in structure and focus on referrals, a strong-contact group member can fail to generate referrals or to receive referrals for himself or herself. Networking skills are the number one requirement for generating more referrals. Being in the setting of a networking group simply makes it easier to use these skills. Simply being a member of a strong-contact group does not entitle you to expect or receive referrals. Nor does being a member of a casual-contact group limit the number of referrals you can generate or receive, if you have the skills and use them.
Develop the skills of a master networker by constantly looking for ways to help or benefit your networking partners and earning a reputation as someone who can get things done, no matter what the organization or situation. For example, one extremely savvy and successful networker I know records the names and cell phone numbers of every member of her networking group, and when new members join, she adds them to her “tele-rolodex” immediately. She has found that she has a better chance of seeing closed business between her contact and the person to whom she makes the referral when she can introduce them immediately–right when she learns her contact’s needs.
For more information on developing the networking skills that will help you make the most of your networking opportunities, click here. For even more on networking skills, click here.
This entry was posted on Tuesday, September 2nd, 2008 at 6:00 am and is filed under Connections, Ivan Misner, Networking, Networking Education, Networking Prep, Referrals. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.5 Responses to “The Number One Networking Requirement”
Leave a Reply
September 2nd, 2008 at 11:31 am
Absolutely spot on. Being there is only a part of the journey. Being fully engaged in the process—now that is where the action is!!
September 3rd, 2008 at 11:45 am
So True!!! Just being part of the group wont do the job. you have to provide value to the group and then can ask for the referrals. the law of reciprocity definitely works if done skillfully.
September 3rd, 2008 at 3:24 pm
[...] integrity, which are two of the most crucial business traits you can have. Don’t rush into networking as a tool for referrals, if you are able to do it right, the business aspect will [...]
September 4th, 2008 at 7:57 am
Right on! This is my case. I use facebook,twitter,google groups and the like. It took me 2 years to finally realise what you say.
Thanks
Michel Richer
September 17th, 2008 at 3:48 am
This is game where one need to have highest level of persevarance.Apart from regular timely attendance one also need to work continously for the group to keep it happening.
Regards,
Narendra Damani BNI Awesome Bangalore