Sean Harry | Networking Is Not Selling

Find Your Power Partners

August 27th, 2009 Becky 1 comment

I’ve been in the “networking” business for several years. Most people are surprised to learn that I am shy…terrified of networking events where I know no one….that I am in no way, shape or form a Networking Natural! (I’ve learned out of necessity.) However, I am a keen observer, and I love to study people!

I’ve noticed that those who are most successful do the following:

Have fun
Do not take themselves too seriously
Never miss an opportunity to connect others (Not connect WITH others, but connect two other parties together)
Find Power Partners

Power Partners are the people that share the same clients that you do, call on the same types of businesses, etc. My friend, Sean Harry, says: “They are casting their line and fishing in the same pond as you.” (Maybe not exactly the words Sean uses, but pretty similar.) For instance, if you are a realtor, your best Power Partner is a mortgage lender. If you are Mary Kay Representative, a possible Power Partner would be someone who sells a line of jewelry through home parties. Think about others who sell to your clients. When you’re at a networking function, seek those professions out. You’ll find that to be much more powerful than trying to sell your ‘goods’ to the next person you meet.

What is networking?

March 9th, 2009 Becky 1 comment

The name of my blog is “Networking is Not selling.” What specifically does that mean? If it’s not selling, are you wasting your time going to these networking events, meetings, and mixers?

According to Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary, Networking is the exchange of information or services among individuals, groups, or institutions; specifically: the cultivation of productive relationships for employment or business. But I think my good friend, Ronnie Noize, the Marketing Coach (http://www.veronikanoize.com/) says it best: “Networking is about connecting and serving.”

Yes, connecting and serving. “What can I do for you?” Not, “What can I sell you?”

Recently, I was at a networking function here in the Portland metro area. As a matter of fact, I was attending one of my own I Take The Lead networking meetings. To my right sat a young financial advisor, representing a company I’d heard of but really knew very little about. This young man – I’ll call him “Sam” for the sake of anonymity – had an arrogant manner about him, which was a little surprising since he didn’t look like he was much older than 20. I made the mistake of mentioning the fact that I have grandchildren. The meeting ended, and we all began to disperse. “Sam” nearly broke both his legs from jumping across two chairs in an effort to catch up to me and follow me out to my car at the end of the meeting. Astonished, I turned to see what he needed from me. To my amazement, he went right into sales mode. “Sam” had the only product available that was going to help my grandchildren get a college education, but I needed to get signed up today! For a mere $50 per month, apiece, I could set up an account for each child, and they would forever be grateful to me…blah….blah…blah…blah…blah.

Did he get my business? Heck no! What do you think the chances are that he’ll ever get a referral from me? You’re right. He was not there to connect and serve but, in my opinion, he only wanted to make that next sale. Networking is Not Selling. Many thanks go out to my friend, Ronnie Noize and my other good friend, Dr Sean Harry, who both teach our members how to Connect and Serve.

Categories: Networking, Ronnie Noize, Sean Harry, Veronika Noize Tags:

Network SMARTER…..rather than HARDER

February 16th, 2009 Becky No comments

Dr Sean Harry, also known as the “Bulldog of Self-branding,” shows people how to discover their talents and effectively market themselves. Sean’s clients find new career positions in half the average time. But more importantly, they find engaging work, increased job satisfaction, and environments that fit their personalities. Companies that engage his services get happier, more productive employees and experience significant reductions in turnover.

It’s not surprising that Sean is also one of the best networkers I know.

His QUALIFICATIONS include:Over 15 years of successful responsibility and expertise in:• Training and Development• Organizing people and processes• Recruiting and developing high impact teams• Planning and implementing strategic objectives.• Recruiting and Hiring If you are trying to figure out “what you want to be when you grow up”

Sean, a close personal friend, is also one of our Special Guest Speakers for i Take The Lead Portland meetings. www.itakethelead.com He will be speaking about Networking SMARTER, rather than Harder on February 19th at Noon at El Presidente, 312 E Evergreen in Vancouver. Feel free to come hear him!

Categories: Networking, Sean Harry, Vancouver Wa, i Take The Lead Tags: