Networking and Winnie the Pooh!

• Sean Humby (Bristol Business Network)
• Monday 15 February 2016

"The things that make me different are the things that make me."

― A.A. Milne

We are indeed unique, our businesses are unique because it is "us" that are in them so celebrate this - share this and don't just follow the crowd with what you say, how you do business - how can you stand out? Is it by delivering an unbelievably brilliant customer experience? Or consistently over delivering? Or by being a great connector? Or by always working to a win/win scenario? It's your choice!

"If the person you are talking to doesn't appear to be listening, be patient. It may simply be that he has a small piece of fluff in his ear." A.A Milne

Be patient - yes but also use your "talking" opportunity at a networking event effectively - and I must thank Matt Richardson (Recognition Express) for talking about this during his seminars - how are you going to grab people's attention and then what are you going to say that they will remember and even better pass on? Time spent thinking about this and preparing for this means that your hard earned cash and your limited time (we have all only got 24 hours in a day after all!) are going to be used to the best effect.

"Weeds are Flowers too, once you get to know them."

― A.A. Milne

Never, ever discount anyone you meet - regardless of what they do, who they are, what role they have, where they are from, the industry/business sector they are in - be polite, courteous, never dismissive and treat them as you yourself would like to be treated. From acorns do great oaks grow and by getting to know and building the relationship with the people that you meet then opportunities will arise.

"Some people talk to animals. Not many listen though. That's the problem."

― A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh

We may think we go networking to talk, promote, shout about our business - but we shouldn't! Go and listen, ask questions, be interested in what others are saying as that is where you will discover the opportunities. Networking is not about selling and a successful networking event is not about coming away with orders - it's about starting, developing and growing relationships, building trust, understanding others and others seeing what it is you can bring - and when the people that you have met and engaged with need what you (or those that you know) can offer to help them - then bingo!

"It is more fun to talk with someone who doesn't use long, difficult words but rather short, easy words like "What about lunch?"

― A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh

Again, a thank you to Matt Richardson for talking about this! Never use the jargon, slang, acronyms that are in your business to just anyone. Will they understand? Do they care? What does it mean anyway? Einstein said if you cannot explain something so that an 8 year old can understand then you need to think again.

"You can't stay in your corner of the Forest waiting for others to come to you. You have to go to them sometimes."

― A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh

Networking is about getting out and meeting people and standing in a corner of a room (on your phone - checking that you are still wanted, needed, liked !) is going to be a waste of your time and money. Think about what you'll say when you are approached or when you approach someone. What question will you ask to break the ice? Bob Burg has this down to a tee (10 great feel good questions - thank you Bob!) . One tip where perhaps people will come to you - be the first to arrive at an event - as long as you are off your phone - then people will gravitate to you - smile, think about your body language and hey presto a conversation can start!

"A little Consideration, a little Thought for Others, makes all the difference."

― A.A. Milne

Networking is not about you - what can you do for others - share knowledge, connections, opportunities - what goes around comes around - abundance theory - win/win - you get the gist!!

"As soon as I saw you I knew a grand adventure was about to happen."

― A.A. Milne

And a great one to end on! How do you know that the people you will meet are not part of your next grand adventure? Have that conversation, be interested, listen, don't just think about what you are going to say and who knows what can happen!

Sean Humby is Director of Business Network SW and host of the events in the South West - bringing decision makers together monthly at lunchtimes to build long term business relationships. The events in the South West are held in Bristol and have been since 1993

The environment Business Network SW provides is relaxed and business focused to ensure that you and your business get the most benefit. Guaranteed conversations leading to connections and collaborations. Guaranteed you'll leave be better informed and connected than when you arrived!

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