Creating Networking Connections: Causes are the Key!
By: Mark J. Carter, One80 & Saving The World
How do you connect with people at professional networking events?
How do other people connect with YOU in similar situations?
Many people use (traditional) “elevator speeches”, “personal infomercials” and other related tactics. Which are ultimately designed you get you interested in buying their product or service.
If you don’t enjoy being sold something new every week or feeling like a sales person when introducing yourself to other people…what can you do instead?
When you meet a business professional you might be able to work with in the future (maybe an architect, developer or business owner) BUT have no immediate reason to do business together—how can you fuse that connection anyways?
Get involved with a CAUSE (a non-profit, a community organization or other professional group). That way you always have something to talk about besides “what you do” and you can create a common ground without an immediate business transaction.
Getting involved with non-profits and cause-related organizations helps your networking world in many ways, including:
- You meet like-minded people in “non-sales” environments ; which creates a comfortable and interesting common ground.
- You have more than “elevator speeches” to talk about—”how did you get involved with (the cause/organization)?”
- You double your chances for networking opportunities—while most people are at the usual business events you can build an additional network through organizations you’re passionate about helping.
Here’s an example of an organization, Networking For A Cause, which connects professionals with a variety of non-profits they can get involved with (and we have an event in Boston this week):
The Boston Event: http://www.networkingforacause.eventbrite.com
THE KEY: Be sure to get involved with a cause that you are genuinely passionate about; your sincerity (or lack of) will clearly show while you’re talking about it.
