Ah Yes, networking, bah humbug!!

There is so much stuff out in the book market and weblog market and lots of other places that put a lot of effort into convincing that the key to success in any endeavor is networking.  Well, it isn't.

Like any other tool, it is just a tool.  Thus to use it correctly may mean you get what you are after, but to wrongly use it leads to ruin.

A couple weeks ago, a couple insurance representatives came to my office.  It was obvious to me after a few moments, that this was about them helping themselves by using me and my resources.  It became even clearer when I told them that at best it was still in the exploratory stage.  That didn't take the pressure off one bit.  And while I don't dislike these fellows, I don't trust them.  They made no attempt to engage my trust, but rather to get what they had come for.  Yes, I do find that a turn off.

Have you ever had a friend, or someone you know at a networking event that walks over and flat out tries to sell you?

Whatever the typical response is, I want to run to the woods. 

So how do we, or I, do it?  How can I approach you without taking advantage of you?  How can I network without doing this, without trying to take advantage of you or of our relationship?  How can I recruit you without you feeling imposed on, or for that matter not, in fact, being imposed upon? 

My ideas of marketing is to develop relationships, not clients.  I seek your help in finding others you know that need my services and I do likewise.  I send out stuff for you, not because you asked me, but because it is good for both you and me.  If I send out a brochure or something from you, I put a  post-it on it telling how I know you and what you can  possible do for them.  For example:  I am working through some stuff about Living Trusts, part of which is long term care.  So my Chiropractor, Steven Prom of Fairview, OR gives me Shelly's card.  He tells me she might be able to help.  Well, she works as a financial representative for Country Financial.  It also happens that my grandson, who lives in Washington, works for Country also.   I get them together to help me, and to help each other.  By the by, Shelly is in Wood Village, OR across the street from Fairview.

If you should be interested in any of these, here are their phone numbers:
                                  Dr. Steve Prom, 503-465-9100
                                  Shelly Gorton, 503-492-2228

Now was that so hard?  It is all about relationships, not sales, pressure or whatever.  It is not only who you know, but how you know them.

Coach Charles