Maybe that should be my new tagline for my business. I am kidding. I do a lot of networking and here’s the thing – I observe (and experience) people doing wackadoodle (that’s the technical term) things all the time that are absolutely going to lose them connections and business, instead of making them.
Here’s my question to you, “Have you been at an event and introduced yourself and then, before you have a chance to say another word, they start their word vomiting?” Here’s what word vomiting sounds like…”Hi Kim, I’m Hilda and I sell vitamins in fact my vitamins are the best in the world they are all organic and they are backed by research that only my company has done in the Amazon Rain Forest we source these vitamins from native people that we pay a fair wage to and we love all people in the world – would you like to buy some?”
It feels like an assault, instead of a conversation. My first thought is “breathe”. Ok, that’s probably not my first thought, and I don’t think I can write my first thought without being censored.
I am assuming that you would NEVER do this yourself and if you do, my advice to you is STOP. Stop now.
What should you do instead?
Here is the golden rule of networking:
GIVE more than you get. Be a connector.
Go to networking events with the idea and attitude that you are there to help other people make connections and grow their businesses. It is rarely, if ever, appropriate to sell at a networking event.
We will definitely talk about this more and I will give you some great ideas to rock your networking and grow your business.
Graphic courtesy of sheelamohan/freedigitalphotos.net
That would be an interesting tagline: Stop word vomit Now!
I’ve definitely met those type of people. As I was reading your post, I couldn’t help but imagine the voice of an 80’s valley girl. Like gag me with a spoon already.
Look forward to reading more about networking experiences and ideas.
That’s precious. The picture I get in my mind of the valley girl is vivid – it would make a great You Tube video. Thanks for your comments.
Kim
Hi Kim,
I love your up front, no BS style of writing, it’s so refreshing.
With regard to the ‘word vomiting’ issue, I have, unfortunately, come across several of these over the years and not just in business. Some people just can’t seem to help themselves in giving you their self obsessed life story, in sometimes graphic detail. Whoa, tmi (too much information). They definitely have an ailment I call verbal diarrhoea.
I digress.
I try to live by Zig Ziglar’s philosophy: You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help other people get what they want.
I look forward to reading more of your posts.
Gill
Gil:
Thanks for the response and reminding me of Zig Ziglar’s philosophy. I agree wholeheartedly. I am currently reading his book about closing sales – it’s wonderful.
Kim
Hi Kim,
I enjoyed reading your post on Stop Word Vomit Now. I think you are spot on, and the best part for me was: GIVE more than you get. Be a connector.
Go to networking events with the idea and attitude that you are there to help other people make connections and grow their businesses.
I have learned a little from this post, and wish you well in your future postings.
Thanks
Alonzo
Thanks Alonzo. I’m glad the ideas were helpful.
Kim
Wow Kim this is a really great post.
You are a real wordsmith. I feel as if you are actually talking to me not just writing a post. I shall have to try and learn to do this somehow.
Take care
Pauline
Thanks Pauline. I appreciate it. I’ll try to keep giving you good information.
Kim
Thanks for the heads up – I appreciate it and I’ll look into it.
Kim
Hеy there would you mind stating which blog platform you’re using?
I’m looking to start my own blog soߋn but I’m having a tough time deciding between BlogEngine/Wordprеss/B2evolution and
Drupal. The reason I ask is because уour design and style seems different then most blogs and I’m lߋoking for something unіque.
P.S My apߋlogies for getting off-topic but I had to ask!
No worries, I’m glad you like it. I am on WordPress, and I am using an OptimizePress theme.
Hope that helps.
Kim
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Do you’ve any? Please let me recognise in order that I coսld suЬscribe.
Thanƙs.
Thanks Mitchel.
I look forward to hearing from you again.
Happy Networking!
Kim
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I cеrtainlƴ enjoyed every little bit of it.
I’ve got you bookmarked to check out neա stuff you post…
Thanks!
I look forward to hearing more from you.
Kim
There’s definatеly a grеat deal to learn about this
isѕue. I really like all of the points you hаve made.
Thanks Clarence.
Learning how to network well is certainly an art.
Thanks for commenting.
Kim