Successful networking is all about “giving to get” – slowly and gently creating evangelists for you and your personal brand.
One of the best ways to attract people to you and engage them to want to help you is by being a good listener because:
- Most people love to talk about themselves and be heard with intent interest by the listener.
- Most people are not being listened to, but crave it.
- Most people, especially at networking events, have their own agenda and are not good listeners.
People move about so quickly these days. They’re self-absorbed and have short attention spans. Keen listening seems to be a lost art, along with so many other basic courtesies and good manners. It’s a rare personal attribute – one that is greatly valued and can differentiate you from your peers.
Being listened to makes people feel valued and good about themselves. People remember those who give them that boost by being truly interested in what they have to say. They’re much more inclined to keep that good listener top of mind when they hear of an opportunity that may be a good fit for them.
Are you a good listener in these important ways?
♦ Are you paying attention to ways you may be able to help this person?
♦ Do you keep your ear to the ground for others in your network to determine if this person you’re talking to now could be the answer to their organizational needs?
♦ Do you ask questions and listen to challenges facing this person’s organization? Maybe you’re the answer to their problems. If you’re not, you may know someone who is.
♦ Do you listen carefully to determine if the person you’re talking with is someone you want to continue to network with or is she/he an energy-drainer? After all, it’s nearly impossible, and quite exhausting, to be a sounding board for everyone who needs your ear.
Your takeaway:
Good listeners set themselves up for reciprocity in networking. Being an intent listener may just make you more memorable than the powerful personal brand message you express when networking.
Related posts:
Top 10 Tactics to Build a Vibrant Executive Network
Executive Networking Secrets: Mind Your Manners When Building Your Personal Brand
