Success Pointer – Social Networking

Earlier this year, Tom Coffing, was a tremendous guest on my radio show. We talked about what he attributes to his success.  We created a success pointer list  on one of my earlier blogs in April, I think.  Scroll down and you will find it.  

In this blog, I’d like to highlight one of his success pointers, Social Networking.

What is social networking?

Social networking is connecting and creating relationships with others. It’s meeting new people and beginning or enhancing a relationship with them.   Relationships do require some effort; however, they  pay forward big dividends.   Relationships require learning, listening, give and take, nurturing, helping, receiving and asking.

How can you be most successful at social networking? Here are some simple steps.

 Introductions (I)

Introduce yourself with a polished introduction.

Create your polished introduction by making it memorable and interesting. You want others to remember you, so give them something to connect with you by giving them a lead-in.

Write some introductions down.  Practice them when you are out and about. Test which introductions feel most comfortable to you and give you good results.

Don’t forget to ask the other people for their introduction, “And you are?”

Ask an open-ended question (keep the flow of conversation) (O)

An open-ended question requires the other person respond with more than a yes or no answer.

By asking this question, you find more information out about this person in order to continue the conversation.

When you ask the person about themselves, you have given them license to talk about their favorite subject, which is themselves.

Some examples of open-ended questions/statements:  Tell me about your day.  Tell me about some of your favorite things
you do in your spare time. What do you enjoy most about what you do in your career?

Uncovering (U)

Uncover interest and commonalities. Actively Listen. Comment.  Look for that common ground, how you can help that person & create a connection. (Treasure)

Close/Collect

Positive close. Let them know you will follow up with them by sending them an email. Exchange information/cards. (Collect)

To more easily remember: Introduce-Open Ended Question-Uncover-Find the Treasure & Collect it. I.O.U Treasure  & Collect

In summary, by practicing the above steps, you will be more effective in conversation,  connecting with others and
creating relationships.  The quality of your relationships  is what life is all about.

My pleasure to connect with you,

Marie

The above can be adapted online as well.  In future posts, will talk more about online connecting.

Networking Resources:

Dig Your WellBefore You’re Thirsty by Harvey MacKay

How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie

*Tom Coffing, President & CE0, Coffing Data Warehousing; Athlete, Writer, World Renowned Speaker (The Speech Doctor) Golf Coach & Caddy  to Carling Coffing, Pro-Golfer

 Get a free gift when you listen to this past episode- one gift is 185 page Speech Doctor Manual.

Tom Coffing (Tera-Tom) developed a tool that allows people to use for free, which built has data base by thousands. Talk about connecting!

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