Networking for Interdependence
Stephen Covey's "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" teaches us that interdependence is the level of growth we must achieve to allow us to be, create or attain greatness we may not otherwise achieve independently. To combine the talents of a few to reach an outcome that may be greater than that of an individual is truly a lesson that should be carried into business networking.
Very few professionals network for interdependence. Instead, they network for leads and sales. When you approach business networking with such a short sighted goal, the results yielded are sure to be just as shallow. This brings about a host of problems such as fighting for customer retention and the constant need to resort to overly aggressive sales tactics. We must network for interdependence, not leads.
How do I network for interdependence? To network for interdependence you must approach each individual as a potential business partner. Consider them someone whose talents you wish to know and whose friendship and loyalty you wish to gain. It's all about establishing a rapport with someone.
Three Key Steps: There are three simple steps to networking for interdependence.
1. Listen - When you approach someone at a networking event you have to listen to what this person is saying to you. You also need to listen to what they're not saying to you and engage them in a conversation. The goal of this conversation is to expose the talents and skills that each of you possess which may be beneficial to the other. Again, you must approach everyone as a potential business partner who may be able to help you grow or vise versa.
2. Follow Up - You must follow up! Don't throw you time and energy away just to loose someone in the follow up stage. Send them a short email or give them a phone call to follow up on your conversation. If you've told someone that you are going to do something for them, DO IT IMMEDIATELY! Let them know that you appreciate their time and look forward to doing business with them in the future.
3. Repeat - Simply repeat steps 1 and 2 efficiently and often. The more you do this the stronger the relationship between you and the other person will become. Strong, substantial relationships will stand the test of time. These relationships are built on a foundation that will allow you to grow together, interdependently.
Lyndsey Shaffer is the co- founder of the Onyx Six - Women of Color Business Network. Onyx Six is a business development network committed to creating a supportive and influential community of minority women entrepreneurs and professionals. Contact Lyndsey Shaffer by email at lshaffer@onyxsix.com.
Very few professionals network for interdependence. Instead, they network for leads and sales. When you approach business networking with such a short sighted goal, the results yielded are sure to be just as shallow. This brings about a host of problems such as fighting for customer retention and the constant need to resort to overly aggressive sales tactics. We must network for interdependence, not leads.
How do I network for interdependence? To network for interdependence you must approach each individual as a potential business partner. Consider them someone whose talents you wish to know and whose friendship and loyalty you wish to gain. It's all about establishing a rapport with someone.
Three Key Steps: There are three simple steps to networking for interdependence.
1. Listen - When you approach someone at a networking event you have to listen to what this person is saying to you. You also need to listen to what they're not saying to you and engage them in a conversation. The goal of this conversation is to expose the talents and skills that each of you possess which may be beneficial to the other. Again, you must approach everyone as a potential business partner who may be able to help you grow or vise versa.
2. Follow Up - You must follow up! Don't throw you time and energy away just to loose someone in the follow up stage. Send them a short email or give them a phone call to follow up on your conversation. If you've told someone that you are going to do something for them, DO IT IMMEDIATELY! Let them know that you appreciate their time and look forward to doing business with them in the future.
3. Repeat - Simply repeat steps 1 and 2 efficiently and often. The more you do this the stronger the relationship between you and the other person will become. Strong, substantial relationships will stand the test of time. These relationships are built on a foundation that will allow you to grow together, interdependently.
Lyndsey Shaffer is the co- founder of the Onyx Six - Women of Color Business Network. Onyx Six is a business development network committed to creating a supportive and influential community of minority women entrepreneurs and professionals. Contact Lyndsey Shaffer by email at lshaffer@onyxsix.com.
