Inspired by Social Media 101 by Chris Brogan.
Going to a tweetup can be fun. Delivering and receiving value though requires a bit something extra. Today let’s talk sharing.
Expectations abound for networking events. Some come looking to make friends, others business contacts, a few even seek jobs. Notice a theme? It’s about them and what they want.
Knowing what you want is great but the if you want to be in the elite crowd you’ve got to come ready to share something, something remarkable.
Elite sharers aren’t telling stories about their job. They won’t be the guy talking about how great his blog is doing. The conversation won’t include the lady talking about her latest nail visit.
What does your Twitter crew want to learn about? What is weighing on their minds? Is there a new gadget, service or even rock band doing something you might be the expert on?
Oh yeah, if you bring a great new gadget, don’t play show and tell. Let them play as much as you can stand and then just a bit more. Huge trust builder.
Once you figure that out, bring it. Whatever it is though, let it be the center of attention.
Don’t have a thing? No clue what your twitter buds are into? Never met even? You can still live up to being elite. Be a listener.
Listener? But wait, you thought you were going after clients. Stop right there. Are you interested in potential clients, perhaps ones that just know your name? Or are you interested in someone that trusts you enough to seek you out later?
Listening is a skill. Polishing it up at tweetups is a win-win. Listening will move people. They’ll move from strangers to first names. From first names to friends or at least trust. From trust to the sky.
Lecturing on how to listen isn’t the point here. Just remember to listen earnestly. Listen like your job and social life depended on it. That’s the elite approach. Listening like that leads people to change.
What are you bringing to your next networking event? Got the newest gadget? Bring it and let folks play with it. Know some inside scoop about a local company? Share it and let others lead the conversation. Got nothing? Give your ears and your mind.
Related articles by Zemanta
- Books Galore, Social Media and More (toddrjordan.com)
Similar Posts:
Networking tip for the win!
Sure thing. I'll change up the title, though I did tag it networking.
- spam
- offensive
- disagree
- off topic
Like