I hope like me you are beginning to meet people where you’re in the same space. I am having coffees and lunches now and it’s wonderful. Yes, more time travelling and money has to be spent. But for me it’s worth it. What’s your view?
“Are you a nosey parker?”
This briefing goes around the world to my global audience so it’s possible some will never have heard of this phrase. When you are called a ‘nosey parker’ it means someone is saying you are a curious, sometimes inquisitive person.
I had to know the origin of this; this is it. Matthew Parker, who was Archbishop of Canterbury (1559-75), had rather a reputation for prying into the affairs of others. He therefore acquired the nickname ‘Nosey Parker’.
Are you a ‘nosey parker’? I hope so because unless you are curious, you’re not going to be an effective networker.
When you don’t ask enough questions people might think
- You only want to talk about yourself.
- You don’t really care to hear what others have to say
- You are overconfident thinking you won’t learn anything
Take note of one of the timeless quotes from Dale Carnegie
The most interesting people we meet are those most interested in us.
When you leave a 1-2-1 or group meeting hoping the other person(s) thinks well of you, ask intelligent and insightful questions. If you think it might be a little intrusive ask permission to ask before you ask! Or warn them you are about to ask them a sensitive question. Remember if they don’t want to answer nothing is lost.
12 Key questions to ask and why you ask them.
Follow Up
We attend events to create business opportunities but as we all know ‘people buy people first’. After ice-breakers come business questions, then comes small talk, and then – the follow up…
When you spot a potential opportunity and don’t follow up, why did you go networking in the first place?
10. Shall we exchange cards?
Getting their card gives you all their contact details- useful if you’re going to follow up.
11. Would you mind if I called you?
If they said something where you think the relationship should move forward seize the moment. Talk more. Type less. The follow up call is best and all you are phoning for is to collect more information and, if possible, arrange a 1-2-1 meeting. Remember those?!!
12. Shall we do business?
After you have met, obtained what their issues are and you believe you can add value ask this question. What is the worst that can happen?
In the next Blog I’ll look at The future of networking.
Have a successful few weeks ahead.
Will Kintish