Sip, drink, dance but see the prospects


As human beings, we are naturally social and over the course of our lives, find ourselves at countless events and gatherings. Despite this inherent human trait, a lot of us usually fail to recognize the networking opportunities we stand to gain.

Being prepared and able to leverage on these opportunities is key. Opportunities don’t come at fixed times or when we expect, they usually come at times we least expect or are prepared. An opportunity to network with a potential business client may present itself on a weekend in a most informal setting when we are least prepared. In essence, we should always be prepared to meet every opportunity regardless of the timing with our very best.

Having this “it’s a weekend and I’m not at work” attitude has cost lots of businesses high paying clients. The skill to be learnt is how to balance business with pleasure or relaxation. The long-time phrase “all work and no play makes jack a dull boy” still holds true today; while it is important to take some time out over the weekend or on free days  after a stressful week to cool off, it is imperative to also understand that the opportunity you choose to ignore today may never happen again.
Consistency in building a strong business network and keeping a sharp eye out to recognize opportunities are key qualities for business growth. Recognizing a lead and maximising opportunity of course doesn’t mean you should go harassing people who are trying to relax and have a good time. Just like the Boys Scouts motto, always “be prepared”.

I have compiled a 5-step process to guide you in achieving your goals.
  •  Clearly define your business goals. Write it out and make adjustments if necessary.
  • Define your Potential target. Decide the kind of network you need to build to achieve your defined goal.
  • Rehearse! Remember to go over what you will say, being courteous and exchanging pleasantries. Most of the people worthy of your network are leaders in their own right. It is important to be polite and brief. If you perceive that you are intruding or disturbing, calmly back down in a way that a future conversation is still possible.
  •  Have an alternative; so you don’t restrict your mind to a particular set of people. Have an open mind and don’t limit yourself to just prospects.
  •  Set a weekly networking time budget for you, it could involve planning on being at some specific events or venues where your potential leads frequent. This doesn’t mean you should stalk people, you might get in trouble with the law for that

                                                                                                                   
Watch out for Networking Tips (Part 2) Until then, Keep networking.
@whurmie






Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Surest Tips for Your Next Interview………….(Part 1)

Image
When Bola received an email inviting her for an interview at XYZ limited. She was overjoyed, although she has been called beforehand by the HR of the organisation to ask if Bola will be free for the interview the following week to enable her send an invite. Nonetheless Bola was still very much excited as she has been out of job for so long and needed a miracle to happen to enable her cater for herself, her aged parents and siblings.  She prepared herself for the interview, reading all she could about XYZ limited and its activities. She prepared so hard that she staged a mini interview at home with her younger sister as the interviewer. She got so familiar with the normal interview question of “Can you introduce yourself” “Your strengths and weakness” and many more.   Two days before the interview, she had ironed her clothes and has set aside one of her best flat shoes silently praying that the job be hers. It wasn’t only Bola who was invited for the interview...
Read more

THE BIG BLACK DOG

Image
The Central Referee blew the final whistle, signaling the end of the match. Hisses and abuses, to the extent of curses, could be heard from rows of wooden benches facing the big screens as they stood up, one after the other . Disappointment could be easily read on their faces, as they walked out of the viewing centre . Their beloved Football Club still continues to wallow in her poor form, yet to break the jinx of "one win in one month." Like other fans who had left in dejection, I stood from where I was, at the right corner of the middle row where I watch ed the game wishing for a draw till the 95th minute s . My eyes felt dizzy, legs seemed like a bolt of lead. Chelsea had just disappointed again! I barely made it to the port where my phone was charging . T h e defeat had hit me more than I could imagine . Not because I had played on any form of online sport betting site, but because this weekly English Premier League games seemed the on...
Read more

Are Leaders Born or Made?

Image
The above is a major debate that has taken over several platforms with no final conclusion as to whether leaders are born or made. Many have argued that leadership qualities have been imbued in some humans right from birth and only manifest as they grow while others have argued that leadership qualities come out from attending several leadership programs and trainings. A child who exhibits leadership traits from childhood would gladly be on the side of those who have argued that leaders are born while the timid child who went through several leadership trainings would promptly object to this. We spoke to five young business leaders to hear their view on this and here is what they have to say: “I strongly believe that leaders are made based on the following: the concept of leadership is such that demands evidence of track records and as such, qualities that typifies one must be evident. To say that leaders are born is to outrightly draw a line of segregation and declare...
Read more