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Written by Michael Goldberg

Networking: Turn Ons and Turn Offs to Keep in Mind

I’m brand new to the Sarasota, Florida area and excited to meet new people and connect with friends that are here. In this pic, I did both!

Chambers, business groups, beach parties, the gym, and organized tours in my new home community have led to some fast friends.

Even some outreach to clients in the area has prompted some opportunities.

I’m reminded that when we meet new people we’re either totally turned on by the meeting or turned off. Like a light switch, there is rarely an in-between.

Here are 10 quick reminders about ways we can turn the light on as we’re looking to make more and better connections. Clap on!

BE BOLD AND INTRODUCE YOURSELF
Take the initiative! What’s the worst thing that can happen?

FOCUS ON NETWORKING
Make conversation about being collaborative, learning, helping, fun!

ASK QUESTIONS ABOUT THEM
If you’re lucky, they’ll ask about you too.

ASK ABOUT LOCAL STUFF
Easy way to connect and get great info.

SHOW GENUINE INTEREST
A very rare but attractive trait. If you don’t or can’t, it’s over.

PAY A COMPLIMENT
About clothing, fitness accomplishment, new do-dad from Amazon.

SOCIALIZE
Say hello, smile, even ask about something fun going on for the weekend.

BE HELPFUL
Watch their stuff for them, pay for someone’s coffee (one of my favorites!).

KNOW WHEN TO FOLD THEM
End conversations quickly as appropriate so they don’t linger.

FOLLOW UP
The FU! If it makes sense, reconnect. Don’t flake.

Using these easy approaches (OK, not easy for everyone – it takes practice!), I have reconnected with past clients, created new business opportunities, and personally connected with people I had only met online.

I also found a chiropractor, met many of my neighbors, accidentally met the guy I bought my new house from (funny story), and got to know a kid that works in a local café that attended high school with my daughter in NJ – she actually lived on my street! (Yes, a story there too!)

The point is we leave opportunity on the table only every single day. By not saying hello, starting a conversation, asking a question, holding a door open, carrying the bag, helping the lady across the street, or by not simply smiling.

Of course, there are all of those networking “turn offs”!

You know, like the person in the online group meeting multi-tasking and not paying attention to the others in the group. (If you haven’t experienced this, it could be you!) 😉

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE NETWORKING TURN OFFS?