A few weeks ago, I attended the Austin AMA’s monthly luncheon to hear keynote speaker Peter Shankman talk about smart self-promotion. Peter is the founder of HARO (helpareporter.com) and has been described by PR Week magazine as “redefining the art of networking”. In a nutshell, Peter’s philosophy is simple: Incorporate helping and your self-promotion will work. Brilliant! It’s simple and smart and just so happens to be my approach to networking as well.
So many people cringe at the thought of networking events. To them, networking feels like shameless self promotion and fake. So my advice is to redefine the idea of networking. Don’t go to a networking event, expecting to close a deal. Don’t go with the expectation of getting anything out of it for yourself. Just go and connect with people. Have a genuine curiosity about who they are and what they do (at work or away from the office). Don’t be the person that is there waiting for others to drop business in your lap. Be passionate about what you do and be there to help others.
Give without the intent of getting anything in return. Chances are you could be surprised with what comes back around to benefit you in the end.
Tracy Hinson
Business Development
White Lion Internet Agency