Effective Networking Takes Commitment and Clarity

I’m heading to Computers in Libraries toay so here’s some good advice from SXSW and Duct Tape Marketing:

Effective Networking Takes Commitment and Clarity by John Jantsch

http://www.ducttapemarketing.com/blog/2012/03/09/effective-networking-takes-commitment-and-clarity/

“Commitment

• Networking takes commitment because:
• You’ve got to actually get out and go where people are
• You’ve got to take some time to learn about who might be at the event
• You’ve got to make an effort to get uncomfortable
• You’ve got to actually care about what the new person you just met is saying
• You’ve got to hold off launching into a sales pitch
• You’ve got to commit to meeting everyone in the same way
• You’ve got to accept that people need to meet you
• You’ve got to be willing to approach anyone

Clarity

• Networking takes clarity because:
• You’ve got to know exactly how you add value
• You’ve got to know exactly whom you can help
• You’ve got to keep your business card from becoming a reflex
• You’ve got to have an online connection plan
• You’ve got to have a follow-up plan
• You’ve got to know who else needs to meet who you meet”

Stephen