Why do people stumble when they hear the word “networking?” Many people think of networking as exchanging lots of business cards, going to a social function, or getting leads. But networking is building relationships and relationship building means you develop common interests, build trust, communicate on a regular basis and find mutual ways to help each other. In other words, you become a resource to others.

At that national convent

I didn’t have the networking skills one needs to begin the relationship building process. I also lacked the social skills to connect with people. For example, instead of focusing on others and learning about their profession, I compared myself with others, and sure enough, every time I sat down at a general session, I had to converse with a Clarion winner or the president of a company, which did little to raise my confidence level.

I learned a lot from that experience: Keep your focus on others instead of on yourself. To create enjoyable conversations, research before attending a meeting whether it is a local or national event. Ask questions to uncover important information. Most of all, remember that relationship building takes time and you might not see instant results as far as increased sales or new business. You might not even recognize the opportunities in front of you when you first get started.

Realize that if you have been out of the loop, you might be uncomfortable or make several mistakes.

I admit that I was uncomfortable at my first national conference, but I kept repeating a mantra “comfort isn’t a requirement for me.” In fact, on the night of the Clarion Awards Banquet I was seated by two Clarion winners, one from Atlanta Georgia and the other from Washington DC. I remember feeling inadequate because I didn’t live in a big metropolitan area, and I was just starting my professional career. At one point the woman from Atlanta complimented me on my dress and asked, “So, are you having a good time?” To which I replied, “No, actually I’m quite miserable, but fortunately for me, comfort is not a requirement.” (Both women looked at me like I was from outer space!) Even though it was embarrassing at the time, it has become one of my favorite stories when I perform a keynote or workshop about networking. Even though I realized my faux pas, I forged on and made the best of the situation.

Why do people stumble when they hear the word “networking?” Many people think of networking as exchanging lots of business cards, going to a social function, or getting leads. But networking is building relationships and relationship building means you develop common interests, build trust, communicate on a regular basis and find mutual ways to help each other. In other words, you become a resource to others.

At that national conventi

I learned a lot from that experience: Keep your focus on others instead of on yourself. To create enjoyable conversations, research before attending a meeting whether it is a local or national event. Ask questions to uncover important information. Most of all, remember that relationship building takes time and you might not see instant results as far as increased sales or new business. You might not even recognize the opportunities in front of you when you first get started.

Realize that if you have been out of the loop, you might be uncomfortable or make several mistakes.

I admit that I was uncomfortable at my first national conference, but I kept repeating a mantra “comfort isn’t a requirement for me.” In fact, on the night of the Clarion Awards Banquet I was seated by two Clarion winners, one from Atlanta Georgia and the other from Washington DC. I remember feeling inadequate because I didn’t live in a big metropolitan area, and I was just starting my professional career. At one point the woman from Atlanta complimented me on my dress and asked, “So, are you having a good time?” To which I replied, “No, actually I’m quite miserable, but fortunately for me, comfort is not a requirement.” (Both women looked at me like I was from outer space!) Even though it was embarrassing at the time, it has become one of my favorite stories when I perform a keynote or workshop about networking. Even though I realized my faux pas, I forged on and made the best of the situation.

Why do people stumble when they hear the word “networking?” Many people think of networking as exchanging lots of business cards, going to a social function, or getting leads. But networking is building relationships and relationship building means you develop common interests, build trust, communicate on a regular basis and find mutual ways to help each other. In other words, you become a resource to others.

At that national convent

Realize that if you have been out of the loop, you might be uncomfortable or make several mistakes.

I admit that I was uncomfortable at my first national conference, but I kept repeating a mantra “comfort isn’t a requirement for me.” In fact, on the night of the Clarion Awards Banquet I was seated by two Clarion winners, one from Atlanta Georgia and the other from Washington DC. I remember feeling inadequate because I didn’t live in a big metropolitan area, and I was just starting my professional career. At one point the woman from Atlanta complimented me on my dress and asked, “So, are you having a good time?” To which I replied, “No, actually I’m quite miserable, but fortunately for me, comfort is not a requirement.” (Both women looked at me like I was from outer space!) Even though it was embarrassing at the time, it has become one of my favorite stories when I perform a keynote or workshop about networking. Even though I realized my faux pas, I forged on and made the best of the situation.

Why do people stumble when they hear the word “networking?” Many people think of networking as exchanging lots of business cards, going to a social function, or getting leads. But networking is building relationships and relationship building means you develop common interests, build trust, communicate on a regular basis and find mutual ways to help each other. In other words, you become a resource to others.

At that national convent

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