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As the U.S. Ambassador to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Mary Kramer shares with Melissa how she was called upon by President Bush to serve as a U.S. Ambassador. In Barbados, Mary uses her networking abilities to felicitate connections among people to develop and maintain stable democracies.
Listen Now
Named one of the best Networkers the in world, Bill Dexter is the Executive Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer for MTV Networks. Listen to Billy as he shares with Melissa how he makes Networlding apart of his daily vocabulary.
Contest to Find the Best Networlding Businesses!
We are looking for the best Networlding businesses in the following cities:
How do you know if a business is a great Networlding company?
Please answer the following questions about the company or companies that you think are the best places to Networld.
Help us by naming and answering the following questions for five or more companies and you will receive a gift certificate to Staples for $50.
* Please keep your open-ended responses to two-sentences or less.
1. Does your nominated company have a broad base of influential members? If so, how many?
2. Does the company value diversity and how does the company show it?
3. Does the company have a Positive Public Perception? How does the company give back to the community?
4. What great programs does the company have? Describe a few
5. Open Ideas. Is there something your nomination does that is novel? Has your company found a way to provide better Networlding opportunities? Tell us about the uniqueness of your nomination.
Please have your nominations and answers in by Dec. 31, 2006.
From your responses we will compile a list of the best Networlding companies across the country!
If you have any questions please contact Networlding at info@networlding.com
Potential Partner Guide
First think about your values and imagine the ideal mix of people you would want in your primary circle. Avoid editing yourself; let your ideas and imagination flow. Jot down your wish list. Explore sources to find connectors, influencers . . . in other words Networlders.
Consider the following:
FAST Company magazine
40 under 40 lists (Crains usually publishes this)
Magazines that list the best companies for women to work in, the best ethical companies, the companies with the best CEO’s (Sources include Forbes, Crains, Fortune, Inc, etc)
Showcased articles in local newspapers – business sections, on top business leader (you are looking for people who, through their words or stories, espouse complimentary values to yours)
Referrals from your local chamber to top business leaders
Research on the web with heading such as “socially responsible companies, business leaders, top business leaders, etc.)
In establishing your primary circle it is necessary to consider what characteristics these individuals should have. It is important to find people who will not only support where you are now, but will also help you grow and be an active part of a mutually beneficial relationship. People in your primary circle should have some or all of these characteristics.
1. Has a wide variety of connections
2. Is very observant of people
3. Has a talent for staying in touch
4. Outwardly focused
5. Sensitive to other's needs
There are five more important characteristics to seek in a potential primary circle member. This information is available in the Networlding Guide Book. To get a free copy contact Melissa at Networlding. Click Here
Everyone has their sights on a company or a few companies that they would like to work with. That particular company may best showcase your talents, develops new skills or maybe the company simply has the same values you do. But, how do you get in? What is the best way to establish a relationship with people in the company? Each week Networlding will present a rule, or suggestion, for gaining access to the companies you want to work with.
1. Leverage the Corporate Grapevine
Every company has one. It is not formal but still, according to management consulting experts like Drucker and Peters, is the real power in an organization. The grapevine is made up of certain individuals who have the ability to influence more than others. These people might be at the top of the company or somewhere climbing toward the top. They exhibit great skills in communication. They know how to get things done quickly and at the same time, grow even stronger professional friendships. They can be at the top of an organization, in line management or not.
The best networkers are “connectors” who will connect you with others for mutual gain. Ask your network who they think these “connectors” are at an organization you are targeting and then ask to be introduced to them. Set up regular calls with connectors and share support for one another. You will find “connectors” are the best networking partners.
So you have made it to an event or you find yourself in a Networlding opportunity – how do you increase the quality of your conversation and ensure that you are Networlding and not building the flimsy connections of a networker. Here are some great conversation openers to initiate a great business relationship and quickly learn about the person’s values. Try these questions out when Networlding at your next event.
1. What interested you in attending this evening?
2. What is one thing you have done this week that has been really exciting to you?
3. What one quality matters most to you that people should have to work with you effectively?
4. Is there any person you would like to meet here tonight?
5. What one talent do you have that makes you most proud in your work?
This is only half the list of suggested questions. To receive a copy of the rest please e-mail Networlding for more information at Info@networlding.com.
Three Strategies for Networlding at Events
David, a have been involved with Networlding for a few months. He had competed most of the workbook and had seen his business relationship evolve from weak connection to more supportive and mutually beneficial relationships. Looking over his action plan David decided to start attending trade organization events. Armed with his new Networlding knowledge David always reviews the top Networlding strategies before attending events. Starting with:
1. Be yourself. Be authentic. Maintain eye contact. Be present with others.
2. Think exchange. Like any healthy relationship, a Networlding relationship is based on mutual exchange and benefit.
3. Clarify your own values. Notice how others express their values, beyond what they may tell you. This is a critical time saver.
There are several more strategies and guidelines outlined in the Networlding workbook. To find out more please e-mail Networlding at Info@Networlding.com.
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