Attitude Defines Your Networking Altitude, So Be A Radiator Not A Drain

A post it note with the question are you open to change on itLet’s focus on networking and why attitude is important.

What Is Business Networking?

Business networking is the art of creating new opportunities for yourself and others by building trusted professional relationships.

It’s about the art of communication and connecting with people.  Having an understanding  of other people’s businesses is crucial.  The skill of telling not selling is vital.  Business growth and personal development are inevitable.  Mutual support and purposely creating word-of-mouth for you and your business are easily achieved with the right approach.

When it comes to business networking, good or bad, your attitude, persona and approach can determine your networking success. My advice is  be a radiator and not a drain!

Let me explain in more detail….

Learn To Radiate

When you’re networking, what you put out there will come back to you.  I’ve found that the secret is to radiate a good attitude towards other people.  If you want help, support, ideas, companionship and referrals, then that’s what you need to radiate and give out to others.  Only then will you get the results you want, because you will get back what you give.

PositivityPositive Mind, Positive Vibes, Positive Life Messages On Pieces Of Paper Pegged To A Washing Line To Show You Need Positivity When Networking

Be positive about your business – people will be inspired and want to spend more time with you. Networking and negativity do not go together!

Even if you’re having a bad day, having a positive attitude can make it a good one!  The more you tell other people you’re feeling good, the better you will actually feel.  Leave any negative emotions or thoughts at the door.  Enter the room with a smile and a can do approach.

It’s true what they say, if you say you’re fine, you probably will feel inwardly negative everyday.  Whereas, if you say you’re feeling good, you probably will give out opportunities daily.

My point is that we can’t always control what goes on around us, but we can choose how we react to everything.  So, don’t take any negativity with you to a networking meeting or event.  No one wants to hear doom and gloom.  Radiate your positivity and you will make everyone you meet feel positive too.

9 People helping each other up to the top of a mountain to illustrate how everyone can success when helping each other when networkingHelpfulness 

Constantly think about how you can help other people to get referrals and have a helpful attitude.  The more you help others get what they want, the more they will help you to get what you want.

If you’re a member of a networking group, put the time into having one-to-one meetings with your fellow members, so you understand their business model, unique selling point, what differentiates them from their competition and what their target market is.  That way, you will be able to recognise and create future opportunities and referrals for them.

If you’ve been to a networking event, the fruit is in the follow-up and the relationships you build with the people you meet.  There’s always an element of trust involved with introducing other people to you network of contacts, which is why the follow-up and relationship building is crucial.

Share Knowledge Image that says share knowledge to build trust when networking

You have a phenomenal amount of knowledge. What’s second nature to you is intriguing and amazing to other people.  Freely share useful information with other people.  This will go a long way to building the trust and confidence people need to refer you and your business to their contacts, particularly if you’re a service provider. I learn something new from my network every single day and I’m very grateful for that.

Rumour has it that sharing is caring, so why not see how a sharing and caring attitude will help your business fly?

CommitmentA tick box with a tick for being completely committed

Show other people how committed you are by attending when you’ve booked to go to a networking event or meeting. Do what you say you will do and always follow-up when you’ve promised that you will.

When I’ve attended a networking event or meeting, I set aside my ‘power hour’, later that day (if it’s my breakfast networking meeting) or first thing the following day (if I’ve attended an evening networking event).  I use this time to reflect or go through any written or mental notes I have made.  I then set about scheduling follow-up tasks, so that I do everything that I’ve promised I will.

The greater the commitment, the greater the rewards! Come hail or shine, get up, get dressed and get networking!  A committed attitude is everything when it comes to building your reputation and, therefore, future referrals and recommendations you’re likely to receive.

Smiles

Big yellow animated smiley face

We all smile in the same language, so give it a go! A simple smile really does go a long way and is often the first form of communication.  Other people, especially if they’re new to networking, will feel more at ease and welcomed when you smile.  You will feel much happier in yourself, too, especially if you’re networking at a time of day that’s out of your comfort zone. At my BoB Clubs networking groups, I always welcome my members and visitors with a huge smile.  It’s difficult to have a bad attitude and smile at the same time, so give it a go!

 

New Mind Set = New Results ImageMindset 

Focus on what you can do and what you can change.  It’s pointless worrying about things that are out of your control.  Don’t have a fixed mindset, because it will destroy any positivity that you have created.  Always remember that YOU control how you feel.  Therefore you’re in control of your attitude!

As summed up nicely with one of my favourite Zig Ziglar quotes of all time, which I believe came from his book, ‘Selling 101’, “It’s your attitude, not your aptitude, that determines your altitude.”

A shift in your attitude will change your thinking and allow you to take back control of your networking success!

 

————————————————————————————————————————————–

 

I hope you found this networking blog useful.  Please leave your comments, because they will help me to help you.

By all means, if there’s a networking topic that you would like me to cover in a future blog, please contact me and I’ll be happy to do that for you.

You may also find these blogs useful too.

Thanks for taking the time to read these networking hints and tips.

Click here to find out more about how my networking training will help you become a networking ninja.

Very Best Wishes,

 

Tracy HeatleyTracy Heatley

PS:  Fee free to share, but be kind and please credit the author!

Leave a comment