Four Communication Missteps That Scream Failure And Murder Productive Business Networking
It’s exasperating. You are attending all of the right networking events and industry meetings, but something is not clicking. Your new business prospect list isn’t growing. The phone isn’t ringing with networking follow-up calls.
The issue may be your communication style. From time to time, we all get caught up in our own business targets and lose sight of the point of any communication – the exchange of info. Developing a cosy self-awareness can be your largest networking ally. So watch for the 4 first networking missteps that will hinder you from being as effective a networker as you’d like.
1. Mixed Messaging. Occasionally we think that we’re sending one message, when our attitude and words really say something different altogether. So be definite about the business message you need to send. State it to yourself prior to your one-minute elevator speech at a networking event. Rehearse a second, more casual but concise, business definition for unstructured networking possibilities. If you are not convinced, no-one else will be. For instance, I lately concluded that making an attempt to promote a skill i no longer enjoyed was hampering my networking success. Once I got clear about this it was far easier to clearly position and pitch the skills I was passionate about expanding.
2. Inappropriate Response-itis. It occurs all of the time. I see it in networking, during customer conferences and in selling techniques. You state your key business message and then you fail to respond suitably to the input or reply that you receive. Maybe you keep trying to make the same point over and over ( only a touch restating your primary point ). Maybe you are racing ahead in your consciousness thinking about what you need to point out next instead of listening to what’s being asserted to you. You see somebody else you “must ” talk with and your attention is compromised. In any communication, it is vital to truly listen. Process the response you receive and make it part of your own reply. For instance, replies that indicate active listening include : “I’m satisfied to hear you exclaim that… ” “that’s's an interesting point because… ” Give and take, instead of one-sided promotion, is the only real way to move conversation forward in a manner that’s respectful to both parties.
A serious case of indecorous response-itis : I lately inquired about a business service. Notwithstanding the indisputable fact that I told the sales representative exactly what info I needed so as to make a buying call, the sales representative kept responding with what sounded like “scripted ” replies. After one or two minutes it was clear that this person didn’t know how to go off script to shut the sale or to reply to my questions. Stay flexible. Listen and let the oral cues you receive define your contribution to the conversation.
3. Body Language Blocks. Effective business networking also comprises watching for body language cues. If you should happen to feel your message is being “blocked, ” look to determine if the person you are talking to has their arms crossed in a determined manner. Watch for such cues and use your own body language to certainly reinforce your message. If somebody is presenting such a closed body posture keep your posture relaxed and open. Use hand gestures with your palms upward. In a friendly manner probe to discover what interests them or is vital to them. Folks like to discuss themselves and they need to know their wants are heard. When both yours and their body language is relaxed and respectful ( e.g. Making good eye contact ) your business message has much more probability of coming across successfully.
4. Missing Message Confirmation. This could seem obvious, but often it’s not difficult to forget to confirm that your key networking message was obviously received. As an example, you can reinforce your business message during networking by asserting, “Now that I’ve told you all about my selling experience in consumer products, let me know about your business. ” if you’re attempting to relay product information ask an open-ended question like, “What questions do you have about these nutritive products in particular composed for women? ” It’s equivalent to asking in a private situation, “Am I making sense? “
Successful business networking takes comfy self-awareness and your complete attention. When you start and end chats obviously, while staying alert to physical cues, and are flexible and open to specific unproven opportunities which naturally arise in any conversation, your message gets heard loud and clear.
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Rob Fleming is a Freelance writer with over 10 years experience in Developing unique website content, Website Marketing, and SEO techniques. He has authored hundreds of powerful articles on building site authority and driving traffic to websites. 
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