I find out exactly where my self-esteem is each time I go to a networking meeting. I may not be aware if it’s high or low day when I walk into the meeting, but as soon as it’s my “commercial”, I know. On a high day, I speak clearly with a call to action or give an idea of what a good client would be for me. On a low day, I get flushed, stumble over my words, seem embarrassed to be in the spotlight and fail to promote myself. I’ve been networking for about 6 months now and I think it’s time I clean up my act, low self-esteem or not. I’ve decided to outline my own networking strategy. I am ready. (Note: I will be finding my “pump me up” song and play it on the way to each meeting, singing at the top of my lungs in my car, as soon as I figure out what it is, I will post it as a comment. ☺)
Step 1: Be Prepared. Every meeting I need: Business cards, fliers or handouts and a prepared and practiced 60-second commercial.
Step 2: Constantly revamp and improve my commercial. I know people who say the same thing every time and I just tune them out. I want people to listen, so I need to jazz mine up.
Step 3: Contribute to the group in ways besides referring. Help plan a meeting at a new location or find a gig for the group to volunteer. Doing different activities with people creates new depths of connection.
Step 4: Create my own group. Maybe it will be another chapter or maybe an entirely new group. Stepping into a leadership role can make a strong impression on others.
What’s your networking strategy?
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