Great networking really isn't about business at all. It's about people. Referrals, word of mouth, and more business are really just side effects. Don't get me wrong they're great side effects, but they come later.

I'm sure you've heard over and over again that people do business with people they know, like and trust. There are a couple of major points here. The first is that people do business with PEOPLE. That's the first distinction. The second is that these people that they do business with are those that we know, like and trust.

If we're wanting people to get to know us, like us and trust us should we really be talking about what we do? NO! The relationship comes first. We need to get to know each other as a person. If you're not been reading my blog for very long go back and read some of my earlier posts about questions. Ask people personal questions, get to know who they really are.

This is also the reason why my blog is so personal. I want people to know what's going on in my life. Read about what's important to me and realize that I'm a real person. Especially for the folks who haven't had a chance to meet me. It's important that they know that I'm not a boring networking tip machine, and that I'm approachable. I want them to feel comfortable walking up to me at a networking function, or just picking up the phone and calling me.

Give this some thought the next time you find yourself at a networking event. Are you only talking about what you do, or are you talking about who you are? Are you only asking about what someone does, or getting to know them and what's important to them?

A little shift in perspective can have a major impact on your results.

Happy networking!

Scott Ingram
NetworkInAustin.com