Karl Edwards presents Working Matters

Tag: networking

  • Listen In -> Natural Networking #4: Keeping Conversations Context Appropriate

    There you are on the sidelines of your kid’s soccer game cheering yourself hoarse.

    There next to you is another parent trying to assess your insurance needs.

    What’s wrong with this picture?

    The context isn’t appropriate for professional networking.

    In this week’s show, Claudia and I look at the context of our networking opportunities.

    If both of you parents in our example were ignoring the game and searching for a discussion topic, then work could be an interesting and relevant diversion. But in this example, our antagonist seems blind to your engagement with the game.

    Natural networking, on the other hand, would recognize that this is a family event and that you are both there to support your kids.

    Consequently, any conversation and relationship building would center on soccer, your brilliant kids, blind referees, or how much time is involved in all these practices and games.

    Conversation happens. Relationship building happens. Trust builds. Connections form. But the topic is not work.

    How sensitive or appropriate is your networking to its context?

    Listen in.

    Just now joining the conversation? Catch up on the entire series here.

  • Listen In -> Natural Networking #3: Fostering Conversations and Discovering Connections

    Who was that you were talking with at your most recent networking event?

    Do you remember anything more than whether or not they qualified as a sales prospect that should be tracked?

    Tracked. Like prey to a hunter.

    In this week’s show, Claudia and I offer a different, healthier, and, we believe, more effective way to think about networking.

    How would it affect your style if you were tracking conversations instead of prospects?

    Networking that views others through the lens of sales potential filters out a hundred other possible connections that could propel a relationship forward.

    Tracking how close to closing a sales deal you are with each prospect also limits your options for follow-up prompts, topics, and occasions.

    Keeping track of conversations, on the other hand, opens up a thousand contact points, areas of shared interest, personal issues, public opinions, etc. that are the bread and butter of authentic human connection.

    Conversations don’t need to end, giving you a vehicle for keeping in contact, following up, and showing continued interest. Conversations give you a means for building trust and relationship over time.

    What if networking were a natural process of initiating and fostering conversation?

    Listen in.

    Just now joining the conversation? Catch up on the entire series here.

  • Listen In -> Natural Networking #2: The Disconnect of Techniques and Formulas

    Beware of the “How To” workshop!

    Granted lessons on how to use a table saw or how to weld might save your life or at least a valuable limb.

    When it comes to issues of how to be yourself in business, though, the “how-to” techniques are more often obstacles than aids.

    In this week’s podcast discussion, Claudia and I look at networking techniques and the pitfalls of applying these formulas in a non-thinking or flat-footed manner.

    Yes, it is effective to ask probing questions about what people do when attending a networking event. Having said that, people know instantly when you are not really listening to them.

    Some of us want the effect of active listening without really being interested in the content of what we just heard.

    There is no way to fake natural networking. Techniques are tools for the craftsperson not rules for the technician.

    Do you find yourself depending on networking techniques and formulas to make professional connections?

    Listen in.

    Just now joining the conversation? Catch up on the entire series here.

  • Listen In -> Natural Networking #1: Rethinking Networking for a New Economy

    I hate networking.

    I suppose, more accurately, I should say I hate networking events.

    I hate the uber-confident professional masks people wear. I hate the feigned interest in my business, which is really an assessment of whether I have potential as a client. I hate the polite exchange of business cards, as if either of us plans to do anything with them but expand our e-mail lists.

    This week Claudia and I begin a new discussion series we’ve entitled, “Natural Networking.”

    This series is for my sake as much as yours.

    It began with a personal need to rethink networking to better fit my own style and personality.

    It became a realization that in the current economic turmoil, the impersonal, manipulative, superficial, technique-based “rules” of successful networking are on the way out.

    Demonstrated integrity, credibility, character, generosity, and competence are the building blocks of the trust necessary to network beyond superficial exchange of business cards.

    Successful networking is being achieved by the people who can sustain conversation beyond any given professional event. Successful networking is best accomplished by those most comfortable with being themselves.

    Join us for the discussion. 

    Natural Networking
    Week #1: Rethinking Networking for a New Economy
    Week #2: The Disconnect of Techniques and Formulas
    Week #3: Fostering Conversations and Discovering Connections
    Week #4: Keeping Conversations Context Appropriate
    Week #5: Being Yourself, Your Greatest Asset

    Listen in.

  • BlogWorld 2010 -> 7 Ways to Take Action Now

    BlogWorld BadgeThe largest Blogworld yet is behind us.

    What now?

    The hours of helpful (and not so helpful) seminars, the miles we walked on the trade floor, the networking parties, and the innumerable conversations with vendors, future partners and potential customers. We are hopefully inspired. We might be overwhelmed. We are definitely exhausted.

    We came away with many new ideas. Maybe too many! Maybe just enough so that once we get back into the grind of our busy lives, we don’t find our way to act on any of these great ideas.

    It is too easy to leave all those great ideas in that closed notebook on the desk. Too often we never get around to sifting through the computer files where we stored those ingenious tidbits that were going to transform our business.

    Here are 7 trajectories of action that you can use to guide your after-the-show efforts.

    1. Attitude Boost

    Participating and persevering in a still-emerging industry during a struggling economy requires courage, passion, and energy.

    Select one source of inspiration from the expo that resonated deeply with the challenges you face. What is one way you can transform that model, story, and/or attitude into a vehicle to recharge your juices, restore your confidence and/or rededicate your efforts?

    Take action to boost and reinforce your attitude for the work ahead.

    2. Personal Branding

    Feeling your blog is lost in a crowded sea of exponentially expanding bloggers, consultants, experts, celebrities and companies?

    Which one or two speakers at BlogWorld do you remember most clearly? Why do you think the memory is so clear? How do they describe themselves in their title, (more…)

  • Loving Monday: Networking as Refreshment

    loving_mondayI just returned from a networking/learning event in Vegas. Blogworld Expo. A mix of bloggers, podcasters, new media start-ups, advertisers, internet techies, and those who would make their fortune off of us.

    Networking as a marketing strategy is, of course, a must. But for the busy and the more introverted of us, it can be a chore.

    But what about networking as refreshment?

    NetworkingHere’s what I mean… or rather, here’s what I experienced.

    When I travel to an industry event two dynamics take place. One, I get away from my day to day context. And two, I am in the company of those who more easily recognize and appreciate my abilities.

    Getting away from my day to day context enables me to take a step back and get some perspective. Unlike a vacation, though, the different perspectives I encounter at an industry event are within my professional context without being my own context. It’s refreshing and invigorating for me to be challenged by the successes and failures of others. I learn. I reflect. I discover new resources, connections and methods.

    Being in the company of those with similar skill sets boosts my confidence. I don’t get the blank stares. I don’t have to explain what I do. I don’t have to defend my involvement, in this case, with new media. The conversation is energizing and catalytic. Our relational starting point is one of mutual respect, understanding, and support.

    How and when the business benefits of networking manifest themselves will probably always be somewhat of a mystery to me. But the only way to meet the people with whom there may be a valuable business connection, is to meet a lot of people with whom we will never do business.

    Meeting those people can be a chore. Better though is when meeting those people can be a source of refreshment.

    I come to work today refreshed.

  • Listen In -> Job Hunting in a Difficult Market #3: Who Can Help Me Get There?

    Asking for help is awkward.

    It can feel like an imposition to ask our busy working friends, family and associates for help with our job hunt.

    Believe it or not, though, help is exactly what these people are glad to do. The people who know you are naturally disposed to want to help you.

    The key is making it as open and flexible as possible how people can help you. We need more ways to let people know what we’re looking for without limiting the form that help takes.

    In this week’s show, Claudia and I discuss networking and interviews. Join the discussion as we figure out how to show up authentically and communicate to a variety of people what we’re looking for.

    Listen in.

  • What is “Courageous Networking?”

    Insightful Link

    I came across a helpful term this morning. “Courageous networking.”

    People experience networking differently. Some love making new connections. Some can’t stand it.

    If you’ve just been promoted, though, and are learning to function in a new realm of expanded responsibilities, freedoms and pressures, you need as many connections as possible.

    “Courageous networking” has to do with being active and systematic about finding and connecting with the sorts of people you need. Check out William Byham’s post, Just Got Promoted? Network! Network! Network!

    He’s got some specific ideas for what you can do.

    On your side,

    – Karl

  • Listen In -> Uncertainty & Stress #5: Stay Connected to Your Relational Network

    If you were to lose your job, how surprised would your network of acquaintances be to hear from you?

    What if you were already in conversation with a wide circle of people on an on-going basis?

    In our series on Uncertainty and Stress, Claudia and I conclude with a look at the value of maintaining casual relationships.

    No special skills are necessary. No massive investment of time is required. Just you at your most natural, authentic and comfortable self, taking an occasional initiative to check in with those in your circles.

    Talk about something you can do to reduce your own stress levels!

    Listen in.

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    Catch up on the entire series on Uncertainty and Stress.