Really good networkers are usually very easy to spot. Why? They realize that the key to being a great networker is giving first. The best way to know what to give someone is to ask them. How can I help you?

I ask this question as part of almost every conversation I have. 9 times out of 10 I don’t get an actionable response. This is a tremendous lost opportunity… for both of us. I don’t know what I can do for you, and you miss out on a referral or two.

Lawrence Jackson once gave me a document that was the perfect answer. I asked him this question and he fired off an e-mail with EXACTLY what he was looking for. You can see that document on his NetworkInAustin.com profile:
Lawrence Jackson - Friends Forever Enterprises

I’m actually going to work on this myself. In fact, I may even post the resulting information here on my blog?

Just going through the process is a very useful process. If you take the time to write down specifically what it is that you need you won’t draw a blank the next time someone offers you their help.

Of course this is a two way street. First, know how to answer the “What can I do for you?” question. Second, be a good networker and ask others how you can help them. If they can’t answer you might want to refer them to your favorite networking blog. (That’s one way you can help me).

Happy networking!

Scott Ingram

NetworkInAustin.com