The Business Exchange Bath & Somerset Issue 7: Spring 2018 | Page 33
HOW TO BECOME A NETWORKING PRO
IF YOUR BIGGEST BARRIER IS YOU-
THEN CHANGE YOUR MINDSET
I arrived in the South West in June 2014 – I had no network and
knew no one. I was starting a new business. Now four years later
I have a healthy local network, a great business and I have made
some good friends.
I thought it would be easy but it wasn’t!
Why? It was me. I had to take a long look at me, my
beliefs, my fears, my brand. I had to start again after
30 successful years. I was my biggest barrier.
So, what did I do?
1. Find your tribe. I found all the fantastic business
magazines (this was one of them). I read the local
newspapers and identified the key businesses, the
key decision makers, the people who were making a
difference in the South West.
So, who are they? Who do you know already? Who do
you want to connect with? Research!
Don’t try to meet everyone at every event – it’s a big
mistake. Get clever on where you spend your time.
2. Make the right approach. Be interesting and be
interested! Build the rapport. It’s not all about you! The
less you speak the more you will hear. Ask about them-
be curious. Find out about their needs – are they Latent
(they are not aware), Direct (they tell you) or Assumed
(you think you know them). Make them feel special.
Show you care. Give back. Help them.
3. Have the right mindset. I had to battle with myself, my
fears and insecurities. I told myself “I am OK, I can do
this, I know my business, I have huge experience and I
only want to meet great people.” I had to close down
my negative ‘self talk’.
4. Follow up and look after your contacts. Give back, help
them and never ever give up.
We cannot survive in a bubble, so networking is
why we need to continually build and maintain our
networks. You are OK – You can do it!
Nicola McHale, CEO Mentor and Coach,
Founder Vi International and Vistage Chair.
For more info:
www.viinternational.com
[email protected]
Mobile - 07887 616606
UK.linkedin.com/nicolamchale
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THE BUSINESS EXCHANGE 2018
33