Networking One-ON-One

I did say One-On-One, not 101. What is a one-on-one?

I had the recent experience to be asked from someone from another chapter of my referral/leads group to get together for a One-On-One. I wasn't too surprised since there was not anyone in my category in his chapter. When I arrived, the person that I was meeting was ready with pen and forms in hand just to provide me a quote on the products and services that his company offered.

The above example is NOT a one-on-one. A one-on-one should be a casual meeting in order to get better acquainted. That's it.

When participating in networking events, it's often tough to get up in front of people to talk about yourself or find the people with whom you really want to talk to. One-on-one meetings are a great next step when with those that you meeting when networking. I often find that I meet people at events that I want to take it to the next step in getting to know them for a variety of reasons.

What is the best way to handle the situation if you find yourself in a situation where it becomes the "hard sell" and not a one-on-one? The best advise that I could possibly give is to be honest with the person as to not waste your or their time. In my case, I think the person was new to networking and really didn't know what a one-on-one meeting was.

The Best Places to Network

We have all read those top ten lists of the best things to do or the best places to visit, but have you ever thought of a top list of the places to network? I am sure we would all say association events whether a chamber or trade association or even at a referral group. But let's look outside the normal and think outside the box. With networking, the possibilities to network are just about almost anywhere. I have networked at my church (not during the service), at sporting events, while walking my dog and I even met someone at the gym that has become a great person referral source. Anywhere you strike up a conversation with others, whether you know them or not, is a great place to network. So when you think about that next networking opportunity don't overlook your social club, the kid's soccer game or even with the person sitting next to you on an airplane.

Ten Commandments of Networking!

This is worth repeating. If you want to gain the most out of business networking, follow the Ten Commandments of Networking!

1) Thou shalt drop the "what is in it for me?" attitude.
2) Thou shalt listen.
3) Thou shalt build a relationship.
4) Thou shalt give the first referral.
5) Thou shalt not tell others of the referral you require; thou shalt "show them" with a story.
6) Thou shalt be specific of the type of referral.
7) Thou shalt reciprocate when appropriate.
8) Thou shalt participate in the network executive, functions, and network time.
9) Thou shalt thank the person who gave a referral.
10) Thou shalt follow up on the referral within 24 hours.