Resources
What Is Business Networking?
By John Dickmeyer
Business networking is an informal commitment to trust-based reciprocity
(quid pro quo) between business persons in a comfortable environment to
exchange information, leads, or sales prospects.
Trust (tr st) noun
1. Firm reliance on the integrity, ability, or character of a person or thing.
2. Custody; care.
3. Something committed into the care of another; charge.
4. a. The condition and resulting obligation of having confidence placed in one: violated a public trust.
b. One in which confidence is placed.
5. Reliance on something in the future; hope.
Com·mit·ment (k -m t m nt) noun
1. The act or an instance of committing, especially:
a. The act of referring a legislative bill to committee.
b. Official consignment, as to a prison or mental health facility.
c. A court order authorizing consignment to a prison.
2. a. A pledge to do.
b. Something pledged, especially an engagement by contract involving financial obligation.
3. The state of being bound emotionally or intellectually to a course of action or to another person or persons: a deep commitment to liberal
Rec·i·proc·i·ty (r s -pr s -t ) noun. pl. rec·i·proc·i·ties
1. A reciprocal condition or relationship.
2. A mutual or cooperative interchange of favors or privileges, especially the exchange of rights or privileges of trade between nations
quid pro quo (kw d pr kw ) noun. pl. quid pro quos or quids pro quo
An equal exchange or substitution.
Com·fort·a·ble (k m f r-t -b l, k mf t -b l, k mf t r-) adjective.
1. Providing physical comfort: a comfortable chair.
2. Free from stress or anxiety; at ease: not comfortable about the interview.
3. Producing feelings of ease or security: a comfortable person; a comfortable evening at home.
4. Sufficient to provide financial security: comfortable earnings.
The Fine Art of Mingling and Networking
Don’t fall flat when it’s time to chat!
How we communicate informally at events is every bit as important, if not more so, than being in the spotlight giving a speech. Knowing how to mingle and network may be more important to our overall success in life than anything else - – which is why Norris Advanced Networking and a Toastmaster club offers many opportunities for informal gatherings.
- Do you avoid occasions where you think you may not know many – or any – of the attendees?
- Do you tend to speak only to those you already know or do you wait for an introduction?
If so, YOU may be missing out on interesting and beneficial opportunities! Know that others appreciate someone who takes the initiative to approach them. Here are some networking tips from an article in the Toastmaster magazine by Katherine Meeks.
- Start by saying “Hi, my name is….” To a person standing alone.
- Talk about the food when in the buffet line, or seated at the table.
- Approach a small group by reading their body language to see if they are open for newcomers.
- Ask about the person’s connection to the individual or organization hosting the event.
- Be pleasant and curious. Ask open ended questions about them!
- Try to find something in common.
- Avoid negative comments or topics with people you don’t know well.
- Bring your business cards! Ask for their card first!
- Stay after the event for one-on-one meetings!
- SMILE!