How Are You A Remarkable Networker?
Over the past couple of days I have been reading Seth Godin’s book Purple Cow, and am really enjoying what he has to say. His underlying theme of the book is that to succeed in business, or anything that you do, you have to be “Remarkable…” or “Worth ’sneezing’ about” as he says.
As I was reading it I was thinking about how we as relationship builders and networkers can be “more remarkable.”
As I think about it, there is only so much we can do…Everyone does the usual things. Call someone two days after you meet them, send them a card, send them a gift, send them an e-mail…etc etc…but as you know “other” people they meet do the same thing so it is not as “remarkable” as it once was.
I want to ask you as my loyal readers…what is it that you think we as networkers can do to be “more remarkable” than everyone else people meet. What is the one thing that we can say, or do that would make someone who met us “sneeze about us to a friend” and say, “I recently met someone who ______…(fill in the blank)”
I have some ideas, but they are not very concrete.
What are your ideas, or what do you do to be “remarkable”?
January 2nd, 2008 at 6:45 pm
Thank you for bringing this up. You’re right, it seems that traditional networkers have exhausted the things to separate themselves from the pack. Yet I believe that if you still send a gift or give them a tip or referral for their busines, which are both “standard” networking tips, it still has a large impact. This is so because even though they are in a book, most people still do not do these simple things.
A mentor of mine, James Ray, states this: It is not WHAT you do that determines your success, but HOW you do it. There are many people who do what you do, but what separates the truly successful from the mediocre is more than the action of sending a letter. Yes, that can be powerful but the power does not come from the action of sticking a letter in the mail. The power and attractability, I believe, comes from your enthusiasm, energy, and intention. For example, I could meet a potential business partner, or someone who I’d like to start a relationship with and send them a card. In my opinion, what creates the lasting “remarkable” impact is in the intagibles…it is your intention and energy. Are you sending the card solely to get their business or truly want to help out? Did you put some energy and thought into the card? And when you met, were you pissed off and trying to be nice or truly happy to meet them with great enthusiams. I feel these “intagibles” makes 100% of the difference.
What do you think, Scott?
January 3rd, 2008 at 11:25 am
Aaron,
I really like how you put it.
The intention for doing something is definitely important!
Thanks for an awesome comment!
Scott
January 3rd, 2008 at 9:08 pm
Hi Scott!
I subscribe to Maya Angelou’s belief that “how we make someone feel” is what is remembered – above and beyond words or actions.
What can make you remarkable is to really understand and listen to someone so much so that you can continue the conversation that you start, initially, at a later time. Or, send a thank you card or note – that really makes you STAND OUT because most people only “intend” to do that yet never actually take action on that intention.
I believe that quality delivers the quantity (contacts into their sphere of influence after they have developed know,like & trust with you). The vice versa on that may deliver but usually only after expending an enormous amount of time.
Create a few great relationships and you’ll be remarkable to them – and who they know, and who they influence, and who trusts them.
January 5th, 2008 at 12:20 pm
Maria,
I really like how you put it. It is the “effectiveness” of the exposure that you have that helps you continue that conversation going forward!
January 19th, 2008 at 12:56 am
Scott,
Remark-ability in networking starts and ends with what author Jeffery Gitomer posits: You have to give something first in order to really connect.
Similar to the “tone” of the blogosphere if done right, it is all about giving first.
If you want to network with superstars you must first be of value. Once you establish your ability to be valuable you will receive value in return.
Nothing is more true and nothing else matters in regards to networking!
As Jeffery Gitomer says “It’s not who you know–It’s all about who knows you!”
dean http://innerarchitect.wordpress.com
January 19th, 2008 at 3:07 pm
Dean,
I agree with you 100%. I have written about this in some of my previous posts! Thanks for the comment!
January 20th, 2008 at 6:55 pm
Scott Bradley is the purple cow of networking!
January 20th, 2008 at 7:03 pm
Thanks Dan!
January 24th, 2008 at 11:57 am
I have always felt that simplicity is the best policy.
For instance, a firm handshake and a sincere smile while making eye contact has always worked for me.
This lets the person know you are real and down to earth, but mean business. When you later exchange e-mails or cards, they remember you and remember that warm feeling they got from you.
Agree?
January 24th, 2008 at 3:50 pm
Brittany,
Yes very simple but effective!
January 25th, 2008 at 9:34 am
How you are doing Scott? Nice blog post and comments. Of course everybody knows that Seth rules.