Why Networking Is The New Dating
Andrew McDonald
In the Coaching Lounge with Rebecca Gordon
Think back to your very first date. How did you prepare for it? I bet you didn’t just turn up with the expectation that everything would just fall into place.
Way before the moment of that super important event, I reckon there would have been some conscious and unconscious application of thought and energy on what needed to happen to present your amazing self and leave, knowing that you did your very best to make your interaction go smoothly... and maybe even get to the next date!
Your practical and mental game-plan might have included choosing a wonderful outfit that made you feel special, comfortable and confident; thinking of interesting snippets of fascinating things you could share or thought-provoking questions to ask that would ensure an enthralling conversation.
Then, there’s the emotional stuff that we all get caught up in when we think of going on that first date. On one hand, we think that we’re playing it cool: “Everything will go ok… it will be a breeze.” Or we may be consumed with thoughts of self-doubt: “OMG! Supposing the conversation runs dry? What do I do?” “What if I get flustered!!”
A first date can generate dual emotions. The sense of excited anticipation and positive expectations can intermingle with internal pressure to ‘get it right’, so much so, that the whole thought of going on a date can become depressingly daunting at the same time.
Replace ‘dating’ with the word ‘networking’. Does this portrayal of dating feel very much like your networking experience? Does it feel like a pressure to mingle with a crowd of strangers hoping that somebody you meet there will be 'The One'?
Andrew McDonald, Founder and CEO of Possess Your Success, LLC, is an expert on networking. He superbly asserts:
“Most times people approach networking almost like a transaction. However, it is about making a connection, like a friendship. You must connect with people, learn about their interests, and care about them. You must also provide them with value; something they desire. When both of your interests are aligned and each person values each other, a relationship is formed and you can use that to fulfill each others needs.”
Andrew McDonald
I think that’s an awesome way to view networking – or dating come to think of it. MAKE A CONNECTION and SEEK TO LEARN SOMETHING ABOUT THE OTHER PERSON. Sorry for using capitalization that seems to ‘shout at you’, but I think the message in Andrew’s interview needs to come across loud and clear. To hear more of Andrew’s tips on how to establish fruitful and beneficial relationships all you need to do is click play on Andrew's image below.
If you don’t tune in today, you might miss an important strategy that could be useful to implement at your next networking event. But I understand your time may be limited, so I’ve made it easy for you to fast forward to some specific gems of interest from Andrew:
05:32 - Focus for success
14:44 - Networking tips for introverts
18:20 - Elements to include in your pitch
27:55 - What to do immediately after a networking event.
Reach Andrew here: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn,
or Periscope http://bit.ly/PYS-MasteringSuccess
You can also e-mail Andrew at amcdonald@possessyoursuccess.com
Download your first two chapters of Andrew’s informative book here: www.possessyoursuccess.com/freechapters and get the book here: http://bit.ly/PYS-MasteringSuccess
Find out more about Rebecca Gordon and Self-actualization Coaching here: https://satellitelifecoaching.com/
Find out more about Hal Elrod’s ‘Miracle Morning’ here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0uRp7BoPVY
Learn about Inroads here: https://inroads.org/
Enjoy!
Rebecca
Mission
Email: info@satellitelifecoaching.com
Website: www.satellitelifecoaching.com
Phone: +44 9121) 411 9500
Facebook: facebook.com/satellitelifecoaching
Twitter: @satellitecoach