Third Generation Networking Podcast

Debby and Greg (The Networking Guru and Reluctant Networker, resp.) answer listener questions about how to use social media, especially LinkedIn, in their networking practice. While by no means social media experts, both have found techniques and mindsets that have made their use of various platforms into powerful tools to expand and strengthen their existing networks.

Thank you to:

- Jen`ee Wilson, CESP Employment Consultant, https://www.linkedin.com/in/jen-ee-wilson-cesp%E2%84%A2-b5190021/

Comments:

https://www.facebook.com/TheReluctantNetworker/

Listen for:

[1:30] Why people might not be responding on LinkedIn

[6:50] Ways to use LinkedIn to extend your network

[8:50] Changing the mindset from "What can I get?" to "What can I give?"

[11:15] The downsides of cold emailing

[13:10] LinkedIn Connections vs Facebook Friends

Listener Randy Poll asked about how to get better results from his referral passing group. Greg (The Reluctant Networker) and Debby (The Networking Guru) discuss the specific case of getting better referrals from the group, but also how to get better results in general from your networking groups.

Please comment at:

https://www.facebook.com/TheReluctantNetworker/

Listen For:

[2:40] Types of networking groups and how they differ.

[4:30] Setting appropriate goals depending on the type of group or event.

[6:30] Beyond being an active member.

[8:20] Paying attention to your networking budget -- Money and Time

[10:20] Specifics for ROI with informal groups like Chambers

[13:00] Specifics for ROI with structured groups like BNI

[15:30] Being specific in your requests

[18:00] Asking questions and making observations before you join.

Thank you for the question:

Randy, Poll, Realtor

Special Mention

Maumee Chamber of Commerce

Listener Swatee Kulkarni submitted a couple of great questions about how to deal with awkward situations and conversations when you are networking. Greg (The Reluctant Networker) and Debby (The Networking Guru) discuss how focusing on the other person can eliminate most uncomfortable conversations.

Special Mention:

Don Moss, retired law enforcement professional and Financial Advisor serving the needs of police and firefighters retirement.

Listen For:

[2:30] What to do when you run into them for the third time at the same event.

[3:15] Using the INFER and GIFTS tools.

[7:20] What happens if you run into the same person for the third time this week?

[9:45] We're both reluctant networkers! Help!

[13:25] You did what? Coping with unethical behavior.

[19:00] Think first. Don't be the one who makes it awkward.

[21:00] Focus on competition and kill the conversation.

Maybe you've run into this yourself. Someone asks you to meet them for coffee. Being a good networker, you agree. When you are sitting down across from them, though, you find out that they were just using the tools of good networking to manipulate you and you are now the target of a full-on hard-sell sales pitch. Doesn't feel very good, does it?

Join Greg (The Reluctant Networker) and Debby (The Networking Guru) as they discuss some of the unpleasant traps they've fallen into and learn a trick or two to escape.

Be sure to comment at:

Listen for:

[1:40] What does being authentic mean in networking?

[2:20] When inauthenticity is worse than the hard sell.

[7:30] How manipulation derails a good conversation.

[8:40] Dealing with the "Wile E Coyote" moment

[10:45] Breaking their pattern.

[13:15] Asking for too much too soon.

[17:00] Using techniques to manipulate.

Debby (The Networking Guru) and Greg (The Reluctant Networker) return to the studio to discuss one of the most basic networking questions: How do you choose which networking groups to join? Believe it or not, the Chamber of Commerce isn't always the right group for you.

Be sure to comment at:

Listen for:

[2:43] The importance of knowing what you want to achieve

[4:30] How do you find those groups which meet those needs?

[6:30] The emotional qualities you should be paying attention to.

[8:30] Don't forget the practical qualities

[9:40] The importance of good leadership, especially in troubled times

[12:40] Other costs and their effects on ROI

[14:15] The importance of giving back.

Join Greg and Debby as they discuss one of the commonly misused concepts in networking -- the elevator pitch. Debby even promises to be nice about it!

Thank you for the question of the day:

Douglas Stout, Permaculture Enthusiast

Be sure to comment at:

Listen for:

[1:50] Origins of the Elevator Pitch

[3:00] Downsides of misuse

[4:30] Situations when the pitch is appropriate

[5:50] Responding to "What do you do?"

[11:00] How to describe your business in a longer format

[14:00] Creating your story

Resources mentioned:

Debby Peters "Tell Me Exactly What To Say"

Kindra Hall "Stories that Stick"

Simon Sinek "Start with Why"

Connext Nation Mini Course

How do you continue to provide value to your relationships as you build them. How do you continue to provide that same value after the relationship is strong? Greg and Debby tackle this question from listener David Bodner.

Listen for:

[2:50] Debby and Greg disagree about what they are actually talking about.

[5:00] The importance of real conversations not sales pitches

[7:20] It's not always about giving all the time. Sometimes it's better to ask for help.

[11:00] Looking for excuses to stay in contact.

[15:00] The importance of showing up.

Thank you to David Bodner, Financial Advisor  (www.DavidBodner.com) for his question.

A whole host of fears can stand in the way of you and your success in networking. Join Greg and Debby as they discuss how to work through or around these stumbling blocks.

Listen for:

[6:00] The importance of being proactive vs reactive

[7:00] Dealing with the fear of technology

[9:00] Why video can eliminate fears that audio alone may present

[10:45] What to say when you are in the conversation

[13:00] Overcoming the fear of rejection

[16:30] Dealing with the fear of feeling inferior or stupid

You have connections in your network right now that, for a variety of reasons, won't connect you with potential clients or contracts. Maybe they don't know you well enough yet to trust you with their reputation, perhaps they don't have any connections with your target market, or possibly they simply aren't yet ready to trust you with their reputation. Are they useless to you? Not hardly! Join Greg and Debby to learn more about how you can get the help you need and that your network is willing and able to provide.

Never again be at a loss when the other person asks "How can I help you?"

Listen to learn:

[2:30] What you can ask for

[3:30] Simple requests appropriate for new relationships

[4:20] Asking for more as the relationship builds.

[5:50] Heavy lifting for the strongest relationships.

[7:10] 5 categories of requests

[12:30] The many benefits of asking for advice

Names mentioned:

Wayne Baker

Linda Petersen

Diane Spadola

It's a scary time right now. News stories are telling us about the spreading COVID-19 pandemic. Whole countries are going on lockdown. Companies are banning travel for their employees. Organizations large and small are cancelling their regular gatherings and events, cutting off many of the opportunities we once had for networking. What are we supposed to do?

Join Greg Peters, the Reluctant Networker, and Debby Peters, the Networking Guru, as they discuss how we can network from a distance. Recognize the skills you pick up now to deal with this threat can serve you in the future even after the current crisis has subsided.

Listen for:

[4:45] Using "new" tech to connect across the distance.

[7:30] Pushing outside the comfort zone to meet remote people.

[10:00] The benefits of using technology to extend and strengthen the reationships.

[11:45] Using texting in an appropriate way

[13:40] When is email enough?

[14:28] Neat tip: Use the phone to schedule the email.

[17:55] Benefits and disadvantages of different connection methods.

[19:00] Using social media to connect

People and Resources:

Mark LeBlanc, Speaker and Business Coach

Connext Nation Podcasts