Networking Basics: the Two "P's" and Two "C's"

These days we are caught up in social media and electronic communication. Yes, the are great tools for networking and marketing, but the basics never leave the process.

Some things never change. As we tell our trade show clients: "if you do this right, you can sell on a bare piece of concrete."

Picture not having Facebook, Twitter or your blog: could you still network effectively?

Sure you could. Just remember these basics:

• Patience
• Persistence
• Consistency
• Content

You need to be patient. Good things take time. Don't go into a room of people expecting a sale or even a relationship.

Keep it up: as in social media where regular posts and filings get you attention over the long term, so it is with basic networking. Be there, regularly, to be noticed.

Be the same and present yourself consistently. You will be memorable.

Provide value. As in social media give people things they can remember and use. They will remember you.

Relentless

Lessons from Court

After a day doing jury duty, I realized I learned a lot from the experience.

Going to court to serve on a jury of somebody's peers (even if only was traffic court) drove home these points:

• Patience and persistence are required
• Listening is important
• Multitasking is a key skill to have

Being patient when you have hours to kill between assignments is critical. You are on their clock just as you are many times with your network.

Listening, in all areas of your life, is more important than talking. Listening to the judge's instructions, listening to the bailiff as to where the bathroom is and when you can go to lunch and hearing evidence. If you are talking, you miss all of this.

Multitasking goes without saying: Time between panels requires you to read or make notes or make solid conversation with your fellow jurors.

A learning experience all around.

Relentless

The Three Ps

My colleague, Rob Brown, reminded me of another mantra for networkers and business seekers: the three Ps.

• Patience
• Persistence
• Passion

Patience. Good things come to those of us who wait. It is really true.

Persistence. Keep at it. Don't be rude or impolite, but keep at it.

Passion. It's worth your time and energy, go for it and do it with wild abandon.

Relentless

Rob Brown is the principal in RDB Consulting, www.rdbconsulting.biz