Comments on: The Virtual Networker

By: Lori

Lori — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 14:07:33 +0000

Devon, I'm guilty of forgetting to promote, too. :) Not always necessary anyway, I feel, because people will remember you as that nice person who took an interest.

Gabriella, I think mine was the flu. It wasn't as nasal as a cold, and the aches were close to unbearable. Today, a little better.

Ashley, it really is easier to disengage online, which is why we need to be so careful not to overdo it, I think. I've stopped following people who shout the loudest, I'll tell you!

Cathy, exactly. When I head to this year's conference, have a dozen new people to have lunch and dinner with, and hey, if work comes from it, great. If not, I've enjoyed someone's company. :)

Amen, Paula! Brevity in all things, I think.

By: Paula

Paula — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 23:55:57 +0000

I try to make a good impression by being genuinely interested in my contacts. Reciprocal communication is important. Neither person should dominate a conversation in person, over the phone, in e-mail or online.

By: Cathy Miller

Cathy Miller — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 22:14:43 +0000

Hi Lori: Sorry to hear about the cold. Mine was short-lived, except for this occasional cough that won't go completely away.

I think as networking as long-term. Marketing is more immediate and specific. I find networking works best when I'm not looking for anything in return. You're sharing, getting to know someone. If something comes from it, great. If not, well, at least you met someone new and in this small world of ours, you are bound to run into them again. Better to have left them with a good impression.

By: Ashley

Ashley — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 19:09:45 +0000

I love that you're bringing this up, Lori. I have been in those situations at networking events or even online when I get the super hard-sell from someone. Thankfully it's easier to disengage online, but it puts me off that person's services forever. Especially when they've outright asked for the sale and I've said no, multiple times. It makes me wonder how they get any business at all. Maybe I should try the hard-sell with them next time and see how we'll it goes over…

By: Gabriella F.

Gabriella F. — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 18:11:31 +0000

Sorry to hear you've got this cold crud, Lori. I developed it just before new years, and I'm finally feeling like I'm on the mend. Go Mucinex!

I think you make excellent points about networking. I'd even boil it down further: Be easy to like and helpful long before you talk about your work.

People want to work with people who make their lives easy. Best way to do that? Be low maintenance, and continuously share ideas others can benefit from. When people see you that way, they'll always think of you when they have a need you can fill.

By: Devon Ellington

Devon Ellington — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 14:04:50 +0000

I'm genuinely interested in people and their stories, so I truly want to hear what they have to say.

Sometimes, though, I forget to promote my end of things, but I figure, if it was an interesting enough conversation, we'll have more chances.