Conversations with people are great, but if you’re not putting enough action behind your business networking you might find that the results are below your expectations. Here’s some ideas on how to get a little more action from your conversations…
We all know what Elvis had in mind when he crooned those immortal lines “A little less conversation a little more action”…(and it wasn’t networking!!!) but there’s definitely something to learn from The King of Rock n Roll!
Stay with me…
It’s essential to be having plenty of good conversations in your networking circles, but if that’s all you do, then you’re probably not going to be satisfied with the overall results from your time, money and energy.
Now don’t get us wrong. We’re definitely NOT tired of talking!
In fact, it is essential that we have lots of conversations with our networking contacts so that we can really get to know THEM!
It might be said a lot but – people do really buy from people! Getting to know the person behind the business is essential, as that’s where the friendships blossom and turn into actual value.
So, how do you get MORE action from your networking conversations?
We know how important it is to set up some 121s with the people we meet networking.
In the ‘Know Like and Trust’ process, it is in our 121 meetings that we achieve the Knowing and Liking bit. And we’ll certainly need to have more than one conversation in order to get beyond Knowing and push into the Liking part.
Relationships can’t be rushed.
However, if we want our connections to consider us trustworthy (and therefore someone they can refer), we have to build credibility and reliability into the mix; and the best way to do that is to deliver on some actions.
How Can We Build More Action Into Our Business Networking?
Ok…grab your coat and let’s start walking…
At The Growth Community we recommend that our members structure their 121 meetings so that there are equal amounts of time spent on finding out about each other as well as setting some actions for what happens next. Whether that’s another conversation or something they commit to do for each other.
This ensures that the 121 has some outputs, however small, that connect the participants more effectively. This allows them to demonstrate that they are active networkers and that they do what they say they’re going to do.
They can then set up a follow up conversation and plan in some more actions further down the line.
Doing something for the other person demonstrates your integrity – Doing what you say you’re going to do – and shows that you are credible and reliable. These are the essential tools for gaining trust in a relationship and makes you well placed for referral business in the future.
So, what do we mean by action?
Let’s be straight here, the actions you agree in your early 121 meetings are unlikely at this point to be juicy referrals – unless you are lucky!
The relationship is just getting started and trust is not yet in place. BUT there are many ways that you can take action to prove yourself in those early days.
Here are a couple…
Make introductions
This is such an easy thing to do and could have massive impact (ultimately). Networking is all about extending our contacts. You know lots of great people that may be this contact’s target audience, a potential collaboration or just someone on the same wavelength as them. Each door that opens, has the potential to open another one. So, think about who you know that they might just enjoy a coffee with. It may lead to something big, or it might just be a nice gesture. Either way you get brownie points!
Engage in each other’s marketing
If you’re active on social media, do PR, email marketing, blogging etc then you need more people to see it. The act of simply liking and engaging on some social media posts means that your audience get to see their content too. Being a guest blog, collaborating on a piece of email marketing or podcast… there are tonnes of ways that you help each other. Even simply inviting them as a guest to a networking meeting, expo or association event you are going to could pay dividends and it’s a great way to continue developing your relationship in a social way and introduce them to some new people.
Recommend a course, workshop, webinar or book
One of the best ways to grow your business is to acquire more ideas and knowledge. So, if you’ve found something helpful, share it with your new contact. It could make a real difference to them and their business.
So come on, come, come on, come on…
Next time you’re in a 121 have a chat about some next steps and if possible get your diary out and plan in your next conversation. Actions don’t need to be grand referrals (that will come!) The little actions often lead to the big stuff, but you have to start with one small step to show that you are about Actions – not just conversation!
More Resources & Great Conversations
If you want to expand your business networking knowledge you’ll find lots more articles on our website including tips on having 121 meetings, how to build trust in your relationships and why networking is great for startups.
And if you want to start some great new conversations that turn into actions then come along to one of The Growth Community’s friendly and purposeful networking meetings at a location near you.
