Networking strategy - Part7

HOW TO GET INTRODUCED #4

The intentions behind the scene

Bear in mind that you’re a stranger to this person and he is kindly offering you his time. If I can say “kindly”, because the actual motivation of someone is not really to be ‘kind’ to others, fortunately.

6 Tips

Just like you, this person is looking for:

1- Ego flattering

Everyone likes to be considered as reliable and important. That consolidates and adds credibility to their inner beliefs.

2- Pairs

As the saying goes "Birds of a feather flock together" people want to meet like-minded others that share the same behaviour so that it is comfortable to get along with.

3- Personality

This has got a lot to do with the level of self-confidence. Unconsciously, you tend to recognize yourself in a person that demonstrates the same self-assurance. Or even, admire someone that has reached to an upper level, that is called “charisma”.

That is why people liaise with others not only in their specific field, but at any level. Hence, the beauty of networks!

4- Common interests:

Your informer is bringing with him the gate pass to your target company. You have to think about what you bring to him then.

You don’t have to look far away: just consider his personal interest. This person accepts the opportunity to extend his networks because he considers that it is not strong enough yet or because he wants to strengthen it even more!

5- Come up with a gift, not "empty-handed"
You have to bring something to the table that will enhance his networks. It can be in terms of expertise, knowledge etc.  
You represent (as a sales person, for example) this potential of a growing network; or just simply (and I particularly like this one), with your personality: because your informer will have discovered someone with a great potential to follow.

6- Pleasure:

We all need an interest to feed our motivation. If you find the way to please your interlocutor and bring him this interest, then you will get along in a relaxed conversation and the painful issue of job inquiry will turn into a delightful conversation.

For example, many veterans enjoy talking about their expertise on a market or, particularly new hires, how they beat competition and could give you valuable lessons about getting into the company.

Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.

Author - Kevin Simonnet