First, a 'networking mindset' could be defined differently depending on who you ask. Let me tell you how I define it.
A successful networker cares more about others than themselves. They go to networking events in the hopes that they can potentially be a resource to help connect other people to each other, or offer advice/tips that can help others in their businesses.
They DO NOT meet new people and immediately start telling them why they need their products/services. Their values and actions are not dictated by "what am I gonna get out of this?"
Ok, now that I've written this you're probably thinking, "Wow, what a Pollyanna!" I'm not at all. Think about it. How much would you be able to gain if every time you went to an AmSpirit Chapter meeting and every person in the room was focused entirely on helping others and not themselves? If twenty people are in the room, 19 of them are focused on trying to help you.
Think about going to area wide AmSpirit events with the same attitude. I've heard from some AmSpirit Business Connections members that they do not go to area events because they think that their 'target audience' customer will not be there. Or perhaps they will not go because too many people in their same business category attends.
If you think that AmSpirit Business Connections is just comprised of 'potential customers' you are selling yourself short. Think of it as hundreds of potential advocates for your business!! By not going to events because you think your ideal customer will not be in attendance isn't accurate. What if your 'ideal customer' happens to be the best friend or next door neighbor of someone who IS in attendance. Wouldn't you like the referral?
I've never thought of my chapter as my potential customers. If I did, I would have finished 'farming' for business from them and quit by now. Which is why some AmSpirit members join and give up in a few months, never realizing the true value of the organization.
In summary, take some time to evaluate your 'networking' mindset over the next few weeks. By thinking of others first, you will realize a return on your investment. More people will want to reach out to you if they know that you will do the same.
Yes, there will be a few self-centered people in your life that will always think of themselves first, not matter what you do. The more successful we can become by giving can maybe convince the selfish of the 'error of their ways'.
A successful networker cares more about others than themselves. They go to networking events in the hopes that they can potentially be a resource to help connect other people to each other, or offer advice/tips that can help others in their businesses.
They DO NOT meet new people and immediately start telling them why they need their products/services. Their values and actions are not dictated by "what am I gonna get out of this?"
Ok, now that I've written this you're probably thinking, "Wow, what a Pollyanna!" I'm not at all. Think about it. How much would you be able to gain if every time you went to an AmSpirit Chapter meeting and every person in the room was focused entirely on helping others and not themselves? If twenty people are in the room, 19 of them are focused on trying to help you.
Think about going to area wide AmSpirit events with the same attitude. I've heard from some AmSpirit Business Connections members that they do not go to area events because they think that their 'target audience' customer will not be there. Or perhaps they will not go because too many people in their same business category attends.
If you think that AmSpirit Business Connections is just comprised of 'potential customers' you are selling yourself short. Think of it as hundreds of potential advocates for your business!! By not going to events because you think your ideal customer will not be in attendance isn't accurate. What if your 'ideal customer' happens to be the best friend or next door neighbor of someone who IS in attendance. Wouldn't you like the referral?
I've never thought of my chapter as my potential customers. If I did, I would have finished 'farming' for business from them and quit by now. Which is why some AmSpirit members join and give up in a few months, never realizing the true value of the organization.
In summary, take some time to evaluate your 'networking' mindset over the next few weeks. By thinking of others first, you will realize a return on your investment. More people will want to reach out to you if they know that you will do the same.
Yes, there will be a few self-centered people in your life that will always think of themselves first, not matter what you do. The more successful we can become by giving can maybe convince the selfish of the 'error of their ways'.
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