Here is a photo of me at a networking meeting this week.
As the UK continues with lockdown and compulsory WFH, this is how you do networking in 2021.
Looking ahead, at some point we will be able to actually meet each other again – I look forward to that.
But the online genie will not be going back into the bottle so better recognise what has changed so you can network online too.
What has changed?
• No more walking into a room full of men in suits. Who wears a suit now – and only a minority will need a suit and tie in the future.
• No more Elevator Speeches: no getting into elevators with others for a while. But you still need to introduce yourself – see what stays the same below.
• No more business cards – like, actually touching something from a stranger? Connect on Linked In.
• On Zoom in breakout rooms you need to focus the questions more: interrupting or clarifying is different from when in the room.
• No more handshakes – or connected myths about being able to tell what someone is like from the need to visit hospital as a result of over firm greeting: usually this is a male thing.
• There are numerous online networking platforms. LinkedIn is the obvious one I guess – I think I am probably connected to you on there. But more recently Hopin, Guild, Lunchclub & Airmeet offer new possibilities too. Scroll down or keep reading for the links.
What stays the same:
• The nerves. Some people do not relish the prospect of meeting strangers. So, making confident introductions and contributions is still important.
• Introductions – Say something interesting about yourself. Your job title or occupation plus organisation name barely cuts it.
• Referrals and recommendations are hugely powerful. I have been introduced to many of my clients by word of mouth. And once recommended, whoever is listening will then check out that person on their phone, probably on the spot.
• Trust is built through sharing – stories, examples,
• First impressions count – yes people will form an opinion based (rightly or wrongly) on how they see you and what they see in your background.I hope you like the books on my bookcase…
• First Impressions – the ABC of Appearance, Body Language and Communication is a useful guide.
• The key skills of asking questions and listening. Especially listening – a difference now is you need to look at the camera.
• Connect and follow up – meeting for the first time is only a start. Who has ever bought from you, or recommended you, based on one meeting?
• Be picky – you do not have to go to every meeting. Focus on where you think you have the most impact – which may be where you will make the most contribution.
In summary, remember that at work you are networking despite the fact you are not at an event labelled ‘networking’. Every conversation and interaction, whether online or – one day – in person, you are building a relationship, building trust, and helping someone form an impression of you. Whether you do this consciously, sub consciously, deliberately or by ‘synchronicity’.
Or whether you like it or not…
https://hopin.com/explore
https://lunchclub.ai/weekly
https://guild.co/
https://www.airmeet.com/
I will be running a session ‘The Why & How of Networking’ for Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday 10th February. This networking masterclass is for start up businesses (started in last 12-18 months) based in Coventry & Warwickshire and is part funded by the EBRD.
I will be joined on this by Helen Brewster from ATL Solutions – who I first met around 20 years ago – while networking at the Chamber of Commerce. You can find more details here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-why-and-how-of-networking-with-phil-ingle-tickets-136343169089?aff=ebdssbonlinesearch
If you think you meet the criteria, please email startyourbusiness@cw-chamber.co.uk
Buzzwords of the Week – Private equity
Definition – Lamont’s Financial Glossary ‘Funds controlled by corporate venturers who buy controlling interests in large, often quoted companies, with a view to maximizing shareholder return. …variously described as assets strippers and scalpers or benign and creative entrepreneurs depending on the commentator’s perspective’.
Alternate View – Huge grey area to this definition, between the black (assets strippers) and white (benign & creative) of Lamont’s wonderful summary. Which means ultimately it is about the commentator’s summary: from this commentator the summary will depend on who is in the game. Look at the nature of the people, not just the numbers. Oh, and if they quote ‘2 and 20’, move on… (Ask me about 2 & 20 if not sure or look here https://www.investopedia.com/terms/t/two_and_twenty.asp
Connect with me.
New for 2021 -; Friday at 9: Virtual Coffee
You know I like to connect: how about a virtual coffee next Friday 22nd at 9.00am? Indeed, every Friday at 9. A quick chat for around 30 minutes about the tough business questions of the day, your questions and my answers – or just catch up. I’m always interested in how things are going for you.
When: Jan 29, 2021 09:00 AM London
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/friday-at-9-virtual-coffee-with-phil-ingle-tickets-137919088707?aff=ebdssbonlinesearch
Prefer next week?
When: Feb 5th, 2021 09:00am London
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/friday-at-9-virtual-coffee-with-phil-ingle-tickets-138622779465