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Talking Technology By Steve Burns, Capital News contributor I attended a number of Christmas socials and networking events over the last few weeks. I always enjoy these networking events as an opportunity to touch base with clients, friends and associates. I have been thinking lately about the effectiveness of networking and how many of us are really taking advantage of this form of marketing for yourself and/or your business. It can be an invaluable tool. I must confess – despite being in the professional services business, I don't consider myself to be a good networker. Like many of you, I am intimidated when I walk into a room of total strangers. I suffer from “butterfly-itis” and I make all of the mistakes that they say you shouldn't make when networking. Have you ever been like me and entered a networking function with a clear goal to meet at least five new people, only to find yourself going directly to your comfort zone of the people that you already know? Why do we do that when we know better? Perhaps, in my case, it is because I have heard all of the tips for networking and I am skeptical as they are not completely who I am—they seem more like gimmicks that are trying to make you someone you are not than anything else. While I am not against going out of your comfort zone and having fun at these networking events, I think that people can see clearly when you are not being yourself. I have met many people at the networking events that were more interested in grabbing my business card only so that they could follow up with me the next day. Perhaps I am radical but my goal when going to a networking event is not to meet as many people and grad as many business cards as possible. My goal is to enjoy myself while establishing what I hope will turn into long term relationships. I usually only give my card to someone that asks for it. So much for Steve Burns being a networking guru. Here is another radical idea. Why doesn't the organization hosting the event help you by making it easier to network? The organization can provide exercises and activities that get people to actually network. This helps people to not do what is easiest and stay with people that they know, which is seeking the path of least resistance. After all if is not called “netSIT” or “netEAT; it's called “netWORK,” and in order to have a successful networking event, the organization can encourage people to “work” the network naturally. I was in Vancouver recently and they had a networking event for technology CEOs and they did something very creative. I did not consider this a gimmick but a lot of fun! As I entered the room, I dropped my business card in the “bingo box”. I was then given a “bingo card” that had nine spots on it. I had to write my name in the center square. Next, we circulated throughout the room and found people that we didn't know. To complete the card, I needed to meet 8 new people (pretty scary for me), find out something unique about them that no one else in the room would know, collect their business cards and have them write their names in the open squares. All of this needed to occur within two minutes! Shortly thereafter, someone called off the names on the business cards that everyone dropped in the bingo box when they arrived. Regular bingo rules applied thereafter. The winner of one of the many door prizes was the first person with three names in a row, either across, down or diagonally. However, they had to say what was unique about the three people that helped them win. It was lots of fun as many of us had some very unique things that people did not know. It was hilarious as many of those that won either had the unique things mixed up between people, made up unique things or couldn't remember who the person was in the first place. Of course, everybody really wins, because everyone makes new contacts through the process. Whether you are an expert at networking or intimidated at the very thought of meeting new contacts, remember that a distinguishing characteristic of many success people is that they network everywhere. The process doesn't have to be traumatic, scary or a waste of time. The best advice that I could give a someone that really isn't a good networker is to simply be yourself. I think that being who you are is more attractive than pretending to be something you are not. Steve Burns is the president and CEO of Burns Innovation and Steve Burns Inc. chartered accountant You can reach him at 763-4716. |
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