Liz Lynch Executive Director Center for Networking Excellence

Bonus Tip Day 7: Ask Appropriately

"Say that you are looking for advice, not leads. Initial contacts are more likely to be able to help you with your elevator pitch than to connect you with a live prospect, but the point is to get in front of as many people as possible." - From 102 Secrets to Smarter Networking

The Lowdown: Nothing is worse than being put on the spot. Remember how uncomfortable you felt in school when your teacher asked you a question you didn't know the answer to? You squirmed in your seat hoping an answer would come or that someone else would jump in to rescue you. On the flip side, when you did know the answer, you eagerly put up your hand to share your knowledge with the class. And it felt great, didn't it?

Imagine how your contacts feel when you put them on the spot with a request. If they're able to help, they gladly do so, but if not, you put them in a very awkward position from which they will do almost anything to escape. People feel good when they can help you, and bad when they can't. Not being able to help can stir up feelings of inadequacy and powerlessness, and no one likes to feel that way. It's okay to ask for help. I encourage it. But you have to ask for something that's both possible and reasonable to get.

One thing that's easy to get is advice. People are often very free with opinions and love talking about their experiences. Start the conversation with a topic your contact can converse about. Once the conversation gets going, he's more likely to ask, either directly or indirectly, what you need. At that point you can speak in general terms about the types of clients and opportunities you are looking for, in a tone that doesn't imply that you expect him to help you get them. You're simply putting it out there. Take the pressure off both yourself and your contacts by asking appropriately.

Networking Resources

Conference Success Secrets: Learn a start-to-finish system for meeting high quality contacts and building key relationships for your business through networking at conferences, conventions, trade shows and seminars. It may be all the networking you'll have to do for a while, IF you know what you're doing. 55-minute audio, plus full transcript and unique conference planning booklet.

Networking to Win: Imagine walking into a roomful of strangers and walking out with solid business contacts! This 45-minute audio program will show you how to maximize your networking efforts. A comprehensive step-by-step guide. Comes with full transcript and action-planning worksheets.

102 Secrets to Smarter Networking: Why read a 200 page book when you can get all the tactics you need to build your network in just 20? A great overview for how to network smarter, not harder. Also makes a great gift or giveaway for clients, colleagues and employees.

Center for Networking Excellence LLC
666 Greenwich Street, 428
New York, NY 10014
212-812-4408

Click here to email me

Copyright 2004-2007 Liz Lynch, All Rights Reserved

Day 1 Bonus Tip l Day 2 Bonus Tip l Day 3 Bonus Tip l Day 4 Bonus Tip l
Day 5 Bonus Tip l Day 6 Bonus Tip l Day 7 Bonus Tip l About Liz l Site Map