Stop Networking and Start Connecting

Let’s talk about how to build meaningful connections and authentic relationships. A.K.A.-networking.

By definition networking is

“Creating a group of acquaintances and associates and keeping it active through regular communication for mutual benefit.”

But successful networking involves your ability to connect in genuine and authentic ways. Let’s face it, we do business with people we like.

How many times have you gone to a local coffee shop to work? Most of these shops offer a wireless network for their patrons to use. Now tell me, what is your first step in accessing their network? That’s right you have to connect. If you want to gain access, you must first establish a connection. When you are presented with your next opportunity to network, in order to tap into the information, resources, and trust of a person, you must first establish a connection. Connecting is the gateway to endless possibilities.

“You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you.” – Dale Carnegie, How to Win Friends and Influence People

 5 Ways to stop networking and start connecting:

1. Be Genuine– Be sincere, show that you are truly invested in the conversation and your commitment to connect with the person. Give sincere compliments and be yourself. Truly connecting with someone often means you are willing to place yourself in a position of vulnerability by revealing your true self. This will open the door and invite the other person to do the same.
2. Practice Active Listening-This means listening to understand not to be understood. This is where you make a conscious effort to hear not only the words that another person is saying but, more importantly, try to understand the entire message being sent. This is critical when you are communicating with your clients or customers. Look at the person, clear your mind and give verbal and non-verbal cues that you are listening. Provide feedback by summarizing what was said.
3. Ask open ended questions-Ask questions that will help you understand more about the person you are speaking with, without getting too personal. A question like “How did you get into this line of business?” Is a good follow-up to “Tell me what you do?
4. Use the person’s name-Learning a person’s name is one of the first steps in showing respect and building a relationship with someone. I like to use the person’s name at least 3 times in the conversation.
5. Follow-up-what is the point of building a connection if you have no intentions on following up. A true connection will develop over time and eventually turn into a meaningful relationship, but you’ll have to make that phone call, send that email or schedule that meeting. Don’t just collect the business card, actually use the information on it to start connecting.

 

Join us for our next opportunity for you to connect and start building meaningful relationships.

Join us for Cocktails, Conversations & Connections onThursday May 19,2016.  Learn more

 

 

Changing the Way Women Connect

Collecting business cards is not networking.  Networking requires a person to build relationships and make genuine connections.  Let’s face it, we buy from people we like.  The most effective promotional tool is word of mouth.  But before they will spread the word, they have to know you.  That’s where networking comes in.  Here are some useful tools to help you connect.

1. Give Value to receive value.  Be a giver,always seek ways the connection can be mutually beneficial. In other words,ask yourself “Why would someone want to connect with me?”

2.Be strategic-everyone should not have access to your time.  If you have a business or want to grow professionally,create a strategic connection plan.  Make a list of people who have the resources,knowledge and attitude to help you reach your goals

3.Think quality over quantity.  It is not a business card collecting competition.  Build a strong and intentional pool of contacts.

4. Find a mentor.  A mentor is a vital part of your personal and professional development.  The right mentor will help you expand your network and help you deepen your network pool.

5.Look for the untapped power within your existing network.  Allow these contacts to help you expand your network by asking them to make the introduction.

The DIVA Movement is changing the way women network.  We create experiences where women can connect and build relationships in fun and meaningful ways.  Join us for one of our next events. Find more information on our website http://www.thedivamovementohio.com

Connecting on Purpose:The Art of Intentional Networking

Connecting on Purpose:The Art of Intentional Networking

Life can get demanding.  Most women are juggling family, careers, businesses and other responsibilities.  It’s easy to become overwhelmed.

Who pushes you to become the best version of yourself? Who helps you dust yourself off when you fall down?

That person is part of your network of support.

It is vital that we develop, maintain and nurture meaningful relationships with other women.  Building a network of supportive, motivated and empowered women is a critical part of your personal and professional development.

Your time is valuable. The last thing that you need is another meaningless and unproductive networking event. Be intentional about the way you network. To be intentional means being able to distinguish what to embrace and what to let go. It is important to identify and connect with a community of like-minded women.  When women connect great things happen.

The Diva Movement is changing the way women network.  We offer experiences where you can connect in meaningful ways. It is magical to watch women build relationships, learn from one another, and share experiences. I encourage you to try it for yourself. I guarantee that you will experience a boost of motivation, focus and growth in your personal and professional life.

One woman can make a difference but together we are unstoppable.  I invite you to join us for our next experience. When women succeed, we all win.

The Power of Positive Female Connections

One woman can make a difference but together we are unstoppable.

As a woman business owner, I have experienced firsthand the power of female connections.  From mentors, to teachers to youth leaders-these women have made a significant impact on my personal,spiritual and professional development.

We live in a world where women are often objectified. Leading us to believe that our lives,roles and identities exist for the pleasure, enjoyment and judgment of others. Naturally, it can lead to fierce competition. We must resist the urge to compare our lives,bodies,job titles,etc. to other women.  When we let go of the need to compete and decide to combine forces-we become unstoppable.

Connecting is a powerful skill.  But most importantly,it helps you become a more fulfilled individual, a more caring friend, a more loving partner, a more successful parent, a more productive colleague and a more effective leader.

One of the best moves you can make is one toward strengthening your positive female connections.  When women connect great things happen.

Be Empowered:Find a supportive and uplifting network of women like the Diva Movement.

Be Inspired:Connecting with like-minded women will provide a pool of inspired and empowered women.

Be Motivated:The right circle of positive female connections will motivate you to become the best version of yourself.

Connect with The Diva Movement.  Join us for one of our upcoming events.

For more information visit our website