Why Don't You ...

Why don't you network more? You know you should. Is it like exercising? You're completely aware of how good for you it is - otherwise you'll get decrepit before your time - but it's so easy to come up with the excuses and so hard to fight inertia.

Here's some reasons I think people don't network and my answer to these objections.

You're too busy - There are so many factors behind this, but it comes down to, fundamentally, that you don't find networking to be a valuable use of your time. You just don't see how networking is that important to you. Or you don't feel it produces sufficient results that you can justify for the time spent away from other activities. But if you're a business owner, there's always more work to be done. Isn't there some of the busywork that can be outsourced to a reliable company? If it's not worth the $20 an hour to free yourself up for this vital aspect of modern business, then examine some of the other objections in this list.

Other people are too "clique-y" - See my earlier post on August 7. It's one of two things: you're feeling a little out of place because you're not confident enough, or, you're not networking in the right place. Yes, you can network anywhere, but events given over to the pursuit of new contacts and relationship-building are the best if you're new to the activity. And, sometimes, it's just not the right place or a good group, no matter who you are.

You're too shy - You don't have to be a raving extrovert to be a good networker. In fact, listening skills are vital. If you're terribly nervous about meeting strangers, make sure that you are prepared in advance by knowing what the group is, what they do, and who is hosting it. Don't jump right in to a big mixer, try a smaller group such as a leads club. Try the buddy system: ask your outgoing friend if they'll go with you. Of course they will - they love that stuff, just don't let them abandon you in their excitement!

You don't like people - Well, maybe it's not that you don't like them, but you're just not that interested in other people. You'll have to get over that! People are pretty important in the whole networking picture. Maybe you're just not finding enough in common. Finding a point of similarity is a very important first step. This is why "small talk" is actually important - you're figuring out what you have in common.


Why else don't people network like they should? I'm interested in hearing what you think so let me know.