Leadership Training

“Hello, how are you?”  My name is…”

Whether it’s because you’re in sales, have moved to a new area, starting your own business, or just looking to meet some new people, networking is a must to stay active and involved in your business community.  So where do you go?  How do you start?  These days, there’s a variety of options:

1)  Online through your blog

Yes, there’s blogging, of course.  In fact, if you’re wondering why nobody is reading yours, Alister Cameron (a self proclaimed ‘blogologist’) has some words of insight and advice, specifically stating that, “massively successful blogging is about establishing and maintaining mutually beneficial relationships.”  He then offers some steps to gain that personal relationship level.

But what about more traditional means of networking?

2)  Take a continued learning class

Enrolling at a local university or with an accredited business class not only makes you smarter, but teams you up with peers looking to do the same.  You never know whom you might meet or what companies will be represented.  Your own company should offer a tuition reimbursement program for such class work, so long as it’s pertinent to your job.  If not, well, perhaps it’s time to find a company that does…

3)  Social networking

No matter where you live, there are bound to be plenty of events and activities you can take part in.  Your city chamber of commerce should certainly provide some social outings.  Take a look at the local business journal as well, for a calender of events sponsored by various organizations and companies.

Of course, once you get to one of these events, how do you break the ice?  Meeting people at a large networking event can be an unnerving process, even for usually sociable people!  Of course, it always helps to go with a co-worker or friend, whom you can fall back on (or have them rescue you if needed)!

But if you’re still feeling queasy about mingling, there are companies that offer classes to enhance social communication.  Pinnacle Performance specializes in teaching interactive communication skills in a way that can help prepare you for any social situation.

Above all, make sure that you don’t take too long into the night to switch over from alcohol to soda, lest you make an impression that’s hard to forget!

networking, blogs, social skills, business classes