Everyone Is Doing It!
When you wake in the morning – you may do it – even before your first cup of coffee.
On the way to work or doing your errands – you may be doing this.
Most definitely during your coffee or lunch dates – you’re doing this.
Wouldn’t it be nice if “THIS” was what you are thinking? But it isn’t – although you can always find time for “That”!
I’m talking about Networking - the current phenomenon that makes socializing and engaging a huge necessity particularly in today’s economy. I’ve been known to go from Starbucks to Starbucks networking for SrMeetUp!, meeting interesting people, sharing ideas and, the coffee ,(can’t forget the coffee-lots and lots of coffee).
I wasn’t sure if I shouldn’t title this article - BEWARE – NETWORKERS ON THE PROWL. Networking, a good thing? Yes, but you need to discriminate, you need to weed out the self promoter(s), you need to stay confident in who you are and your vision and not be swayed by a sales pitch. Remember these people are strangers that come to you when you need them the most and we tend to believe what we want to believe. But there are many pitfalls that come with gathering a large number of new network buddies. You run the risk of losing focus and simply sharing nice stories with nice people but not being very productive. Reminds me a lot of the proverbial paper pusher- busy busy busy but very little accomplished. . . . You also run the risk of networking scams - those new associates that have figured out how to make a business of your vulnerability and promise you the sun, moon and stars. “For a monthly fee of $$$$$, I can make you a star” (a bit dramatic, but you get the point). The 21st century's own version of the stereotypical “used car salesman”.
So some of you might have figured out what I've been doing these last few weeks - I've been networking. I've been researching, evaluating and questioning to provide an amazing community for SrmeetUp! members. We're getting there. . .
Just remember – If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck, it probably is a duck. And, oh yes, don’t forget to enjoy the coffee.
In Friendship
Elaine
####
When you wake in the morning – you may do it – even before your first cup of coffee.
On the way to work or doing your errands – you may be doing this.
Most definitely during your coffee or lunch dates – you’re doing this.
Wouldn’t it be nice if “THIS” was what you are thinking? But it isn’t – although you can always find time for “That”!
I’m talking about Networking - the current phenomenon that makes socializing and engaging a huge necessity particularly in today’s economy. I’ve been known to go from Starbucks to Starbucks networking for SrMeetUp!, meeting interesting people, sharing ideas and, the coffee ,(can’t forget the coffee-lots and lots of coffee).
I wasn’t sure if I shouldn’t title this article - BEWARE – NETWORKERS ON THE PROWL. Networking, a good thing? Yes, but you need to discriminate, you need to weed out the self promoter(s), you need to stay confident in who you are and your vision and not be swayed by a sales pitch. Remember these people are strangers that come to you when you need them the most and we tend to believe what we want to believe. But there are many pitfalls that come with gathering a large number of new network buddies. You run the risk of losing focus and simply sharing nice stories with nice people but not being very productive. Reminds me a lot of the proverbial paper pusher- busy busy busy but very little accomplished. . . . You also run the risk of networking scams - those new associates that have figured out how to make a business of your vulnerability and promise you the sun, moon and stars. “For a monthly fee of $$$$$, I can make you a star” (a bit dramatic, but you get the point). The 21st century's own version of the stereotypical “used car salesman”.
So some of you might have figured out what I've been doing these last few weeks - I've been networking. I've been researching, evaluating and questioning to provide an amazing community for SrmeetUp! members. We're getting there. . .
Just remember – If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck, it probably is a duck. And, oh yes, don’t forget to enjoy the coffee.
In Friendship
Elaine
####
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