Considerations for Building a Network of Mutually-Beneficial Connections
Guest Blog Written By: Lynn Miller
In this crowded, noisy world where experts yearn to be seen and heard, people often ask me, “What can I do to get known by more people?”
My first response always used to be “Join a Network!”
Recently I realized my recommendation to join “any” network was a bit flawed.
Why? When your networking goal includes gaining clients, first consider how you plan to build trust and add value to those you meet.
For Example, ask yourself:
1, “Why would I want to meet with people in this network? Do my strengths and offerings compliment those of the person I’m about to meet?
2. What questions might be helpful to ask people I’m about to meet for the first time?
PRO TIP: When meeting with someone I don’t know, I ask them, “What have you recently learned about your business that is causing a shift in your perspective?”
Alternatively, I simply ask, “What’s one lesson you recently learned that’s making a difference for you?”
Next, ask yourself:
“How can I help the person I’m about to meet?
PRO TIP: Maybe you simply need to listen and understand how they work and with whom they work before you jump in to offering to help.
A Recent Story
I recently learned this lesson about listening during a lunch meeting with a long-time networking colleague who “knows everyone.” Frankly I had no idea how I could help him. It turned out his priority was speaking in front of leaders—nothing else. I said “I’ll keep my ears and eyes open.“
Fast forward a few months later. During a follow up networking meeting with someone who was working on a business operations project, I asked a question.
“Out of curiosity, what can I do to help you make a difference with this country club?”
His answer surprised me.
“One thing I’m struggling with is finding good speakers for a series of CEO lunches which tend to bring in the top-earning members of the club.”
I said, “I have the perfect person for you!” This guy would be great in front of a group of CEOs!”
I immediately contacted him to see if my intuition was correct and he said, “Absolutely!” That was all I needed to hear to make an introduction I thought was never possible.
This brings me back to the first question I asked you:
“In this crowded, noisy world where experts yearn to be seen and heard, people often ask me, “What can I do to get known by more people?”
Now I say, “Join the Inner Circle Network! It’s the best way I know to build a circle of colleagues who care about your success and also want to meet potential clients by first building trust with people like you.”
Ready to join? Click here for more details about membership!
Lynn Miller is a business development strategist and an interview expert. Do you want to share your journey to becoming a champion for the businesses you serve? Experts like you will benefit from her 25+ years experience in developing online learning and digital content. Thought leaders like you benefit by expanding your reach and monetizing your expertise at the same time. Lynn’s goal: to help you become known as experts in your chosen field across multiple platforms. This consulting practice helps seasoned authors, speakers and business owners because she knows the challenges of monetizing your expertise.
In addition to Lynn’s consulting work, she is a co-author of the best-selling book, Lead from Within: Entrepreneurs Share Proven Traits for Success (December, 2023). The book is both an anthology and a practical guide to entrepreneurial success. Lynn is currently leading a group of speakers and authors for the national group Inner Circle Business Network.