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On this week’s GoalChat, I talked about networking with success strategist Robert Butwin and connector Michael Roderick of Small Pond Enterprises. Whether you are an introvert or extrovert, you can’t reach your goals on your own, you need your people. So set networking goals for the new year!
Robert and Mike, both of whom I met through networking, shared a variety of tips and anecdotes. This included advice for: meeting new people, finding communities, starting conversations, showing up as your best self, and more.
Define Networking
- Robert: Developing meaningful relationships before you need them
- Mike: Networking is not climbing a ladder, it’s spinning a web
Networking Tips
- Mike: The point is not to “Get out there, do all the things, meet all the people.” You need to know what you are looking to do/to accomplish, and what matters to you
- Robert: Try to avoid going to places that do not lead to a good conversation. Rather than think, “Me, me, me,” ask what you can do to help others. Give first
- Robert: The order is “Like, Know, Trust.” Find people you like, get to know them, then build trust/share them with your trusted network
- Mike: There are 3 types of meetings/conversations: steamroller – they just talk about themselves and what they need; the 2-way pitch – mutually beneficial transactional; great conversation – where you develop rapport on a personal level
Networking #GoalChatLive
Goals
- Mike: Write down 2 or 3 people you feel would be open to hearing you share a problem, a challenge, or an issue; practice being real with them so you are ready to be real with strangers
- Robert: Remember to REACH: Reputation Matters, Experience, Authenticity, Clarity, Being Helpful
- Bonus Goal from Deb: Set Networking Goals
Final Thoughts
- Robert: Your success is based on the strength of your network, get comfortable networking
- Mike: They keys to the doors you need to open are in other people’s pockets, you have a pocket full of keys
Links
- Learn more about Robert Butwin and Michael Roderick and check out the GEM Mixers
- Connect with Debra Eckerling, Robert Butwin, and Michael Roderick on LinkedIn
- Subscribe to GoalChat, Taste Buds with Deb, the Book Proposal Podcast, and the MPN Meta Marketing Show
- Join the Taste Buds with Deb and Write On Online Facebook Groups
- Learn more about Goals with DEB and TheBookProposalExpert.com, and join Deb’s next Goals Mixer on December 17
- Get your copy of Your Goal Guide: A Roadmap for Setting, Planning and Achieving Your Goals
- Order 52 Secrets for Goal-Setting and Goal-Getting
What’s your best networking tip? Please share in the comments.
Next Week
We are talking about Authorship with Brenda Knight and Rob Lange. Join us on Monday, December 22, at 4pm PT, for #GoalChatLive.
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For more inspiration, motivation, and tips, follow @TheDEBMethod on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram. And connect on LinkedIn.
