Red Box Virtual Office Newsletter - January 2008
6 Networking Myths to Demistify
When you work in Marketing you know the value of networking. Networking can mean different things to different people, and as a consequence, there is a noticeable diversity in skill level and commitment to networking. Some people are very good at it, and probably love it. Others are still developing this skill (whether they realise it or not!). And others hate it. With a passion!
From my experience, the majority of networking hesitancy stems from negative perceptions about networking. Successful networkers know that the true nature of networking is developing and maintaining genuinely helpful relationships with others. They also know that the focus should be on finding ways to help others, rather than looking for people and opportunities to help them. Whilst networking can aid business success, you should not be selling or pitching your services when you are networking.
We all have some inner networking demons which we have to manage when we get wheeled out by our employer, or when we are trying to develop our business. So what are the most common of these demons? I believe that there are six common reasons that people hate networking...
1. They believe that networking is the same as selling.
Wrong wrong wrong! Networking is about relationship building not selling. If you try to sell while you are networking, not only are you likely to feel uncomfortable by the prospect of networking, but you will also inevitably fail. Instead, focus on helping others; it is easier, more comfortable, and more successful.
2. Bad experiences count for so much.
How often have we come across the inept networker, thrusting their business card at you and everyone else who has a hand, or talking ad nauseum about how fantastic they are and how successful their business is? These people give networking a bad name, and turn people off being involved. You will never escape these people, and in some ways they are a blessing, as they make the rest of us look so good!
3. They believe that people are born with the ability to network.
Networking is a skill, and it can be learned. Some people learn by watching others and noticing the approaches they use and the way they connect with others. Others will learn by reading about it and attending training. I have observed over the years that often the best networkers are those who have more introverted personalities. This is due to their relaxed approach, the focus on individuals and developing one on one relationships, their ability to have a depth to their conversation, and the structured approach they take to keeping in touch with people.
4. Networking is a long term proposition. We are an impatient species, and we want immediate results. Some people go to a function and assume they will charm everyone with their good looks and wit, and Wham! Bam! They will walk away with a massive contract. Sure, this can happen, but rarely. When you are networking you are building relationships, and the possibility of that relationship bringing benefit to you is more likely to be in the future rather than immediately. The key is to be patient and persistent. It can be a hell of lot of fun maintaining contact with people, and typically the pay offs are far more valuable and abundant than if you take a shorter term approach.
5. Meeting the 'right' people is hard.
Networking is a strategic activity. You need to consider your business goals and network in the right places, with the right people and at the right time. Never underestimate the networking value of people you meet, you will be amazed by who they know and how they could potentially help you.
6. It's uncomfortable talking to people who are not 'like' you. Sure, it is. It is so much easier to speak to someone who we consider to be like us - in age, gender, occupation, or social standing. There is instant common ground. However, it is hard to build common ground when it is not so visually apparent. The key is to ask good questions to engage the other person and then be genuinely interested in what they have to say. Focus on the other person and on finding ways to help them. You will be amazed at how interesting people are when you become more naturally inquisitive!
Lisa Butler, Director, Paragon Associates Pty Ltd.
Author "Networking Exposed: Discover the secrets of business networking"
www.networkingexposed.com.au
Why Your Logo Should Cost More Than Your Lunch
After taking part in a few forum conversations about $50 logos, and then reading David Airey's - What's Your Logo Worth it prompted me to put pen to paper. Why should a logo cost more than your lunch?
1. A logo is the very first impression people get of your company - before a potential client even walks through your door, your logo is a representation of your company. It can make a company appear large, small (whether it really is or not) fun, serious, professional.
2. A logo needs longevity - once a logo is designed it will represent your company for many years.
3. A logo needs to be original - a logo should be designed specifically for your company. A cheap "generic logo" may not reflect your company's values. A cheap logo may also use clip art which could end up being used by another company.
4. A logo should look professional - you wouldn't take a potential new client to MacDonalds for lunch, in effect this is what is being done with a cheap logo. A logo should give your company a professional image, appropriate to its needs.
5. A logo should reflect the time and thought gone in to designing it - one of the problems here is that people don't always realise the amount work that goes into a professionally designed logo:
- The research - even if the budget is quite small I would expect at the very least to find out who the company's main competitors are and how they present themselves
- The brainstorming of ideas
- The rough sketches
- The 4 or 5 logo options worked up on the computer
6. The amends, tweaking and further amends - a logo is the starting point of your whole corporate image. The colours typography and style of a logo will often dictate the corporate look of the rest of a company's literature.
Tara Roskell is a freelance graphic designer based in Northamptonshire, England with over 15 years experience in design. Contact her for more information on design for your company.
