Networking Basics Series: Do You Need Target Practice? Part 4

Networking. Some people view it as a necessary evil, a business task to check off their list. Others view it as an exhilarating aspect of entrepreneurship. They thrive on meeting new people, talking to them about their products/services, industry trends, or the weather!

One of the best ways to get more out of your networking meetings and events is to set goals or intentions ahead of time. Think about it. When you write goals in other areas of your life, aren't your results inevitably more focused and obvious? The same is true of networking. If you set an intention for the outcome(s) you want to achieve before you even walk out the door, you're already on your way to achieving those outcomes!

Here are just a few ideas to get you started, but really, the sky is the limit!

• Meet 5 new people.
• Introduce or connect 3 people who don't know each other.
• Get away from your desk for a while.
• Talk to someone other than the mailman.
• Give a testimonial for someone who did great work for you.
• Get a referral for an expert you will hire.
• Connect with old friends.
• Take a guest with you.
  
• Enjoy a nice lunch.
• Donate a great door prize.
  
• Win a great door prize.
  
• Have fun!

Yes, some of them are silly - but they're all about participating! And notice how few of these have to do with "getting more leads." Networking is about creating relationships, not getting leads.

Here's a challenge: Set 3 intentions for each of your networking functions this week. They can be the same for each event, or different - it doesn't matter. Focus on really accomplishing those goals, and watch to see if your networking experience improves. If it does, come back and tell me about it! Or post a new blog about it to the BananaTude Group!

If you want powerful outcomes from your networking, they're yours for the making!

Read the other posts in this series:

Part 1 - How Memorable Is Your 30-Second Commercial?

Part 2 - Nobody Wants to Do Business With a Deadbeat

Part 3 - "Anybody Who" Is Never a Good Lead

Part 5 - If You Think You're Too Cool to Learn Anything, You Probably Won't

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Do you live in the Phoenix, Arizona area? Are you thinking about making a change in real estate companies? Give me a call at 602-595-8900 or e-mail me.

Let's talk about your marketing strategies - and how to set and achieve lofty but realistic goals for networking, and for the rest of your business.

PhoenixPropertyShoppe.com