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Are you networking or loitering?

By
Mortgage and Lending with Infinity Financial Mortgage

There is a fine line between Loitering and Hanging-around.  Sometimes it is hard to tell the difference.  Networking on the other hand you can see from a mile away.

Just being in a room chatting with your fellow business people is often confused with networking.  Has your office mate ever told you: Oh man, you should have been there, I met a thousand people and passed out a ton of cards...what an awesome networking event!!  Enthusiasm aside, this chap was loitering in a room full of people and from the sound of his rant he probably needs a mint to mask the commission breath.

If you are a networker you would probably answer: Actually I was there too, I met a handful of outstanding professionals and got their cards.

A networker doesn't thrust his card into the outstretched hand, he shakes that hand and develops a relationship.  He looks for opportunities to deepen that relationship with a call and a hand written note.  He actually takes the time to listen to the the professional standards and services that his new potential networking partner possesses to see if there is a match as opposed to crowing about his own experience, products and services.

Networking is mutual.  A relationship built on mutual respect and mutual need that benefits both parties.

I have to run to a meeting so I will build on this in a future post.

Comments (3)

jimmy realty
jimmyrealty - Crotona Park, NY

am glad you are spuse this point. what is the atractive for agents been in networking website.  can be referral, relantionship or looking for clients...

Aug 27, 2008 11:12 AM
Manolis "Manny" Sfinarolakis
Keller Williams Realty - West Hartford, CT

Bring up good points.  Often times I am quick to hand out my card because I am afraid I will forget by the end of the conversation.  Will be more relaxed next time I am in one of those situations.

 

Kind Regards,

Manolis

Aug 27, 2008 11:25 AM
Scott Otsuka
Infinity Financial Mortgage - Roseville, CA

Manolis, I think you will find if you are engaged in the conversation and are sure to ask for their card, they will not let you get away without taking yours.  Also, if you follow up with a note you should certainly enclose your card.

Thank you for reading the blog and especially for the comments.  I post a couple times a week, subscribe if you're so inclined. 

Aug 27, 2008 12:19 PM