TAKE THE PEN: Networking 101
Seinfeld fans may remember the 'Take the Pen' episode.
What the heck does this have to do with business networking? Read on.
I'm on LinkedIn, Twitter ,google+, Facebook, Instagram and a few other social media networks. Aren't you?
There are so many articles about how to network on social media for your biz -- articles about how to leverage all the social networks for leads and business referrals.
Why are networking doors being shut if everyone is so intently searching for opportunities? I've been amazed at networking/leads doors I've opened that were ignored. Yes. You read that correctly. Ignored.
Open your eyes and ears when a lead 'smacks you in the face'.
1. TAKE THE PEN. There's a Seinfeld episode about the astronaut pen where Jack keeps repeating to Jerry: "TAKE THE PEN".
When someone offers you a lead, TAKE THE LEAD.
What you do with the lead isn't in my control. But not asking for the names when offered? Do you think someone will reach out to you a second time with leads or referral business? No.
I contacted someone on LinkedIn not once, but twice, asking if they knew about 'company a' and that I had contacts that could possibly open doors. I like connecting people, there was nothing in it for me.
First time, no response. I followed up and got 'thanks for thinking of me' but no follow-up to connect with me and get the contact names.
2. TAKE THE SWAG When asked for a donation, I've offered my business' PROMOrx branded items for charity goody bags and as door prizes that were not accepted. Why did you ask me for a donation if you weren't going to accept what I offered? (PS We have doggone nice swag with the PROMOrx logo--it's my business!)
3. TAKE THE CALL With caller ID, so many of us screen calls. I understand time management, but being open to talking with someone you don't know could open all kinds of doors.
4. ANSWER THE EMAIL. (Take the email, just didn't work!) When you get an email through LinkedIn, or a direct message that isn't spam through twitter, or a direct email--show business courtesy and reply.
Even if the reply is no thank you, common business courtesy is a reply. (I'm not talking replying to all the group emails--I'm talking about emails from REAL people directed only to you, not a group of 5000!)
Bottom line: When a lead falls in your lap, TAKE THE LEAD!
Blogger: Vickie MacFadden, the PROMOrx.com owner. I'm a tell it like it is Southerner who loves tech and is insatiably curious. I wrote the infamous 5.5 Ways to Know if Your Company Swag Sucks Vickie at PROMOrx dot com