Column: 7 ways to turn passive networking into active networking
Photo by Flickr user quinn.anya
One of the mistakes that beginning networkers make is waiting for everyone else to take the first step. They hand out their cards and then sit by the phone, waiting for it to ring.
Now, it does happen, once in a great while, but, really, the best networking relationships won't happen unless you take the first step.
Let's look at some passive behaviors and their more effective active counterparts.
Passive: Handing out your business card.
Active: Asking for their business card.
Passive: Waiting for them to call.
Active: Making the call.
Passive: Hoping to schedule a coffee when you get home after the event.
Active: Getting them on the schedule while still at the event.
Passive: Listening for their story.
Active: Asking for their story.
Passive: Hoping to meet someone at an event.
Active: Inviting someone to an event.
Passive: Going to an event.
Active: Going to an event with a goal in mind.
Passive: Joining a group.
Active: Participating in a group.
Always remember that active networking has nothing to do with selling. This is about making connections and strengthening relationships.
The good news is that, with active networking, it's all up to you. Why is that good?
Because you can do something about it.
So go out and get active. Waiting for your relationships to build themselves is not on the pathway to networking success. Putting out your hand and saying "hello" is.
Greg Peters, founder of The Reluctant Networker LLC, writes, speaks and coaches about good networking practice. For more tips that can help your connections count, go to www.thereluctantnetworker.com.
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