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Janet, this should be required reading for any person just getting started in business networking. I call the people committing error #1 “Drive-By Networkers”, because they’re just “shooting” you a card and moving along. They don’t get that it’s called networking because it takes some work, some effort to build a relationship (whether online or off).
That’s where #2 comes in, and you’ve pegged it! Goodness knows I’m a talker, but the great way to talk in a networking setting is to ask great questions that let the person with whom you’re speaking really shine. They’ll feel good about you if you show genuine interest. As they say, no one cares how much you know until they know how much you care.
As for #3, adding people to an online list without an opt-in isn’t just rude (and an invasion of someone’s personal online space), it’s a violation of the CAN Spam Act of 2003 (15 U.S.C. 7701, et seq., Public Law No. 108-187) in the U.S. It’s so much better if when you’re doing #4 (the great…and apropos) follow-up, if you can say “Hey, that thing you mentioned that’s a problem for you? I wrote an article about it for my newsletter a few months ago and have attached it…I really hope it helps you and if you have questions, I’m here!”
That shows you listened, that you’re offering help, but you’re not filling their mailboxes with something for which they didn’t ask. (Assuming we’re smart in writing our newsletters, there’s a subscription link that works, even if it’s an old issue you’re passing along. People appreciate having the CHOICE as to whether they want to subscribe.)
Great, great post, as always, Janet. Now if only we could get everyone to listen and follow your guidance!
Thanks, Julie. I really appreciate the time you took to carefully read and respond to my suggestions.
About the subscription link in the newsletter – if by chance you don’t have one, you’ll need to tell people how they can sign up when you send them the sample issue.
.-= Janet Barclay´s last blog ..Don’t Commit These Networking Faux Pas! =-.
Super great tips Janet!
I was added to a mailing list without my permission so I labeled it as spam & sent it back to the email marketing company.
The sender actually PHONED me and told me I was out of line for reporting him as a spammer because he felt that, after speaking to a mutual acquaintance, I would LOVE to receive his newsletter.
This acquaintance obviously wasn’t a “networking shining star” either or she wouldn’t have told him to add me to his mailing list.
I’m with Julie, we need to get everyone to pay attention and follow this great advice!
Read Jacki Hollywood Brown’s post: Conquer Chaos on Deployment
So Person A told Person B to add you to his mailing list? Wouldn’t a nice email connecting the two of you have been more appropriate? Unbelievable!
Read Janet Barclay’s post: Product Review- BusyBodyBook Personal & Family Grid Organizer