Comments on: Networking Soft Skills Tips – The Surprise

By: Amy Hall

Amy Hall — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 19:29:35 +0000

Wonderful Article! You have clearly articulated the power of relationships, ‘people before profits’. Everyone should be care-full of who they recommend their clients work with. Our people connections are our most valuable resource.

Amy Hall
http://networkingeventfinders.com/

By: Leah Kaiz

Leah Kaiz — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 17:06:29 +0000

Such a great post Kate. It is amazing the types of people you come into contact with when doing business and networking. I think one of the keys to creating synergy is being genuinely interested in what other people have to say and finding out who they are. In this rush rush society where there is much disconnect because we often read well thought out emails etc, it is always most telling when you meet people in person, read their body language and really hear what they have to say. It is only then that you will know if you can truly create a valuable relationship that can lead to shared business. Anyone who treats their customers properly would want to be careful about exposing them to just any networking possibilities after all it is our reputation that will be remembered. I’ve noticed too that sometimes in our haste to feel ‘connected’ many people often say “yes let’s join together on a project.” And only after more interactions realize that may not have been the best fit for them… it’s always important to use those soft skills feel people out and make sure they share the same goals and values you do when it comes to business.

By: Kim N. Carswell

Kim N. Carswell — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 11:00:41 +0000

Another great contribution Kate! Your post is so timely it is unbelievable. We experience so many outdated approaches to networking either in person or through new media, that the social (Getting to know) portion is often omitted. Thanks for lifting up excellent examples of how to effectively connect and highlighting the “Shake Your Head” and “Never Will I Forget” example of a DON’T.

By: Kate Nasser

Kate Nasser — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 03:20:09 +0000

Jaynine, your comments made me ponder and chuckle. Thanks for the RT so others can weigh in and remember the 3 critical steps.
Warmest wishes,
Kate

By: Jaynine

Jaynine — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 01:35:48 +0000

Your blog left me sitting with my mouth hanging open thinking “I’ve met this guy”. I think we all have met this type of person. He clearly did not know how to network.

Thanks for sharing great reminders. I retweeted this so my list can read it and have either have a good laugh or crawl under their desk realizing it was written about them.

Jaynine Howard, USMC (Ret), PhD (ABD)
The Debt Free Business Coach

By: Marleen

Marleen — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 22:32:53 +0000

Great experience and post, Kate!

Thanks for the reminders.

Marleen

By: Liz C.

Liz C. — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 20:53:14 +0000

Oh my God! Kate, this is too much…WOW. I can not believe this guy. But, you are such an amazing person that I believe it was necessary for him to meet someone like you (hopefully this guy will learn one day). I admire you and I say Kudos to you by being able to be a professional at all times. I would have been crying and very upset about what he said. I think I have so much to learn…I am just getting started here.
Take care and thanks again.
Liz C.

By: Kimb Manson

Kimb Manson — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 17:54:05 +0000

Great post Kate, Good thing it was you meeting with this yahoo, there are way too many people out there who look at networking as a way to advance themselves, and thier ego’s without giving one ounce back. I choose to make networking conncections that are a mutual benefit. Much like my twitter and facebook, personally if I do not have an established relationship with the person I won’t follow for long. I need to spend my networking investment time in building the right relationships. I have had a few occasions where people connect just to get to know one of my conncections. Luckily I can spot them right away. Networking should not be about the quantity of connections but of the quality of them.

By: Joan Koerber-Walker

Joan Koerber-Walker — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 03:39:10 +0000

Great Post Kate.
Networking and relationship building is all about finding the right fit.
If you have not done your homework and have not taken the time to learn what motivates the other person, you are likely to be trying to push square peg into a round hole. The harder you push, the poorer the fit. By focusing your networking activity on learning more about the other person including what information they need AND how they want to receive it, you have a much better chance of building a valuable connection as opposed finding yourself in the midst of an embarassing or uncomfortable situation.