The Networker #40: Build Better Networking Habits Asking Yourself This Question
We all want to be remembered, right?
Particularly important with networking.
It is, after all, about becoming the person people think of, when they think of what you do.
And whilst you remember the great people and networkers you meet on your networking journey.
It’s also true with the opposite.
Why is that?
Usually due to their networking habits. Both positive and negative.
Their habits have shaped them into the type of networker they have become.
Today, I’ll share how thinking about the type of networker you want to be, and be remembered for, will help shape your approach.
Realigning you if you feel you’re losing direction.
Or not gaining the traction relative to the time you’re putting into networking.
Knowing the type of networker you want to be will dictate and influence the networker you are.
Ensuring you’re networking with positive habits and behaviours.
Because showing up to events with bad networking habits is like going to the gym but eating fast food whilst working out.
Unfortunately, many networkers are on autopilot and neglect assessing their habits and approach in pursuit of the shiny rewards (sales) as fast as possible.
Eventually becoming the person others actively avoid.
Let’s not let that be you.
And it starts with a simple question.
James Clear’s book, Atomic Habits, had a huge impact on me the first time I read it.
I’m a good 3 or 4 times through it now.
And he refers to a way of building habits that shifted the way I thought about them.
He talks about habits as; ‘a vote towards the type of person you want to become’.
In networking terms, we all want to be that well known, well liked, and well respected person.
It’s human nature. It’s only going to help us in business (and life).
But to get there takes regular habits to become that person.
You need to:
- Think about the type of networker you want to be
- Attach a habit that type of networker would likely live by
Think of your habit as casting a vote to the type of networker you want to become.
For example:
- Do you want to be the networker that people remember as being genuinely interested? Build the habit of being armed with open, thought provoking, and stimulating questions.
- Do you want to be the networker that is a connector? Build a habit of connecting 2 people in a helpful and meaningful way at each event.
- Do you want to be the networker that adds value to your network? After interacting with a piece of content, e.g. blog, podcast, newsletter, video etc, share it with 1 person you think would find it interesting or useful.
- Do you want to be the networker that stays connected and engaged with your network? Build the weekly habit of reengaging with your network and checking in (without a hidden agenda).
- Do you want to be the networker that maximises your time out networking? Build the habit of planning a meeting or two before or after every event.
- Do you want to be the type of networker that attends consistently? Build the habit of booking your networking well in advance, rather than the week of the event.
By defining the type of networker you want to be, it allows you to realign yourself if you’re off track or feel like you’re not acting the way that type of networker would.
You can remind yourself of the habits to get back to living by.
For example, if you want to become the type of networker that attends consistently, you may find yourself considering not attending an event because you’re too busy.
Ask yourself; is this the habit a consistent networker would live by?
Is that behaviour casting a vote for or against that type of networker?
The Wrap Up
Remember, your habits become votes towards the type of networker you become.
So my question to you today to ponder is this:
What type of networker do you want to become?
Followed by:
How will you cast your votes?
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