NETWORLDING

Three Questions to Open Up a Conversation and Start Great Business Relationships

What does it take to create a great relationship? It all starts with great questions. Whether you are attending a meeting, a conference or an after-hours networking event, asking questions that “open up” relationships can make all the difference.

The questions below are examples of those you can use to start engaging conversations. Your goal in meeting others is to help them feel at ease and at the same time, generate some conversation that will serve as a springboard for future conversations. You are searching for Points of Commonality (things you share in common) and Points of Credibility (things that make this person unique and valuable to your network. Take a look at the following questions and think how you could use these questions to start your own engaging conversations. With each question, I add suggestions as to how you can use it to open up further exchange. What interested you in attending this evening (today, etc.)?

This question is particularly relevant to get someone to talk about something positive. For example, say your connection says, “I came here to see how I could expand my technology company. I specialize in helping other businesses integrate their IT initiatives together so departments are more in alignment with one another.” Now let’s say that you do business with the types of companies this person would like to connect with; now you offer, “I would enjoy meeting with you outside this event to see how we can support one another in meeting companies that could use your skills.

A second great question is, “Who is the best networker in this organization? Hopefully, that person will be at this event and you will be able to get an introduction to him or her. You also want to ask why they chose this person. You will usually find that most people have met great networkers—people who have networks that reach wide and deep and who, in general, enjoy meeting new people and networking with them. Interestingly, though, you will also find that often great networkers don’t’ know or connect with other great networkers. This is one of the best questions as you can be the “connector” to bring these people together, and, in doing so, become part of their networks and a great networker yourself.

Who is one person you admire most in your industry? This is a particularly good question to find other top influencers and, hopefully, great networkers you would like to meet. You are looking for those influencers who are “ready, willing and able” to network with you. By asking this question you Great networking starts with great questions, so the next time you go to a networking event or you just want to brush up on your networking skills, try asking one of these great questions and see what happens.

Someone Special to Watch

David Hornik, Guest Blogger

When he isn't blogging for TED, David is a General Partner at August Capital where he invests in early stage software, infrastructure and Internet-related companies. Prior to joining August Capital, David was a corporate and licensing attorney who represented and advised numerous Internet and enterprise software startups. David has worked with such companies as Yahoo, Six Apart, Evite, Tickle, PayCycle, Ofoto, When.com, WhoWhere?, DoneRight and Sonique.

David has taught Computer Music at Stanford, legal writing at

Harvard

Law

School

and teaches Intellectual Property and Business at Stanford's Graduate School of Business. He's also written for the Journal of Law and Business and The Harvard Journal of Law and Technology. He was a founding editor of and frequent contributor to Actual Malice, Stanford's short-lived satire magazine.

David is also the editor of VentureBlog. His musings on life can be found on SaysMe, his personal blog. [Back to the TEDBlog]

Guidelines for Effective Networlding Participation

Networlding is about creating communities of support, built on trust, respect and well-being.  It is a process of collaboration that achieves mutual goals and leads to professional and personal fulfillment. This is the Age of the Relationship, where our relationships become one of our most critical assets.  Networlding is based on a Seven-step process. The following is the commitment I make to this process:

•    Create a safe Networlding environment and commit to confidentiality so that people can feel safe.

•     Contribute to the creation of an environment that supports everyone and gives opportunity for all to participate.  I acknowledge that this is not therapy.

•     Develop rapport and chemistry first before discussing leads and referrals.

•     Be an active listener; listening more than I will talk. Learn about individuals so that you may find ways to support them. 

What else can you do to ensure mutually beneficial relationships?
For more information and to take the next step click here or call Networlding at 312 - 421 - 4213

Great Conversation Starters

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

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.

Real Time Actions to Broaden Your Network

Once you have identified your values, established your goals, and formed your primary circle how will you stay connected and how much time will it take.
Certainly you could fill an afternoon with activities; attending functions and connecting with people and planning. However, what if you only had an hour. How much could you accomplish in one hour? Here we have listed five effective tasks that can be completed in one hour.
The Networlding One-Hour Action Plan:
1. Search Events
2. Search Linked In.
- Thousands of potential contacts join Linked-In everyday. Get your information out there or new a new connection
3. Sort through your contact
- Establish a plan for when you can converse with them and how you will maintain your primary circle.
4. Converse with one primary circle contact
- Ask then what new projects they have been working on or what interesting people they have met. Offer then your support in their ventures.
5. Interview a college
- Discuss how they incorporate their values and interest into their job. Think about how you can do this too.
Acknowledging that there are many Networlding actions that can be accomplished in a short amount of time will allow you Networld effectively with even the most hectic schedule. There are many more one-hour action plan ideas that are available in the Networlding workbook. To get a free copy e-mail Melissa at info@networlding.com.