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Do You Have a Fear of Networking?
Fear is a necessary part of life. Can you imagine what would
have happened if our ancestors weren't afraid of fire? Or
cliffs? We might not be here!
Our fears do protect us; however, they can also hurt us by
keep us stuck. What's interesting about your networking
fears is that they're not just about networking. They're the
same fears that are part of your life - always. How do you
overcome fears? Don't bother trying. Instead-identify them,
accept them, and create solutions that will turn the fears
into an exciting adventure. As Susan Jeffers says, "Feel the
fear and do it anyway."
Most of us are able to discover enough benefits, enough
"whys" to make networking worthwhile for us. Below is a list
of common fears that coaches hear from their clients. Place
a check mark near YOUR fears (or add your own).
1. I'll draw a blank and not know what to say.
2. I'm not _(fill in the blank)_ (smart enough, successful
enough, etc.)
3. I'm too _(fill in the blank)_ (fat, skinny, ugly, etc.)
4. It's one thing to do introductions, but how do I maintain
the conversation, keep it lively?
5. I'm afraid I'll sound pushy or alienate people.
6. I feel phony and inauthentic.
7. My feet hurt when I stand in heels too long.
8. I'll say something to "stick my foot in my mouth." 10.
It's impossible to break into groups already formed.
11. I'm an introvert.
12. People drain me.
13. I won't have enough stamina to be "on" for the whole
event.
14. Networking is "boring."
15. Why go? It will be SOS (Same Old Stuff).
16. Strangers will think I'm manipulating them when they
discover I'm looking for business.
16. It scares the living daylights out of me!
Description of Networking
"To interact or engage in informal communication with others
for mutual assistance or support."
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language,
Fourth Edition Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved
Networking - we all know it's important. In fact, a recent
Carnegie study showed that 85% of a person's career success
depends upon his or her ability to effectively relate to and
interact with other people. And yet the thought of
networking sends chills down people's spines. Networking is
about creating relationships - you need to genuinely connect
with the person to whom you're talking. "The truth is you
can get more new clients faster by networking than any other
marketing method." C J Haden, Author of Get More Clients Now
Relationship Building
If you don't like the term "networking," call it
relationship building-creating valuable relationships for
you and your business. It's about listening and THEN sharing
your expertise-and contacts too. Just like any relationship,
a good one is not created in just one meeting; think of
networking as something you're going to do-over time-to
build long-term strategic partnerships. You don't "do"
networking; you enjoy it as a part of who you are.
Everyone has networked and sold "things" for others. How
many of these have you done?
-- sold Girl Scout cookies or candy as a child,
-- sold raffle tickets,
-- hosted a Tupperware or Mary Kay party,
-- sold wrapping paper, candy cake for your children.
Additionally, every person knows at least 100 people, and
each of them knows 100 people. So when you meet one person,
you're really meeting everyone they know too. People like to
do business with people they know and trust. Whether you've
moved to a new city, just started a business, or want to
grow your existing business, building a community with lots
of connections is essential for your personal and business
evolution. Remember that networking isn't about instant
gratification-it's about long-term success.
Relationships-business and personal-take time to develop.
Home business owners have an added reason to network. If you
don't get out of the house, isolation and the long-term
effects of isolation-depression-may set in. Still not
convinced about the rewards of networking? Many associations
offer group rates to members on health and liability
insurance, etc.
About the Author: Maria Marsala
© 1999-2004 Maria Marsala. Since 1998, she has been
frequently featured and quoted on the Internet, radio, in
magazines and newspaper articles globally. Maria teaches
home and main street business owners how to grow their
businesses using the blue-chip strategies of large
corporations. Join our online newsletter, "Elevating Your
Business" now.
http://CoachMaria.com
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