Help, Defined.

Occasionally, in the course of my matching up professionals to network over lunch or coffee through The Power Lunch Project (I got the shameless plug out of the way early!), I hear the phrase:

“You matched me up with So-and-So – I don’t think I can help them.”

Before my members reject, out of hand, someone that I have set them up with based upon their profession, I like to define what “help” means in the context of business networking – so, shall we?

First, let’s clarify what “help” does NOT have to be:

"Helping" your networking partner does NOT have to mean directly becoming their client.

"Helping" your networking partner does NOT have to mean giving a direct (or even indirect) referral.

(Though both of these things are certainly nice, one should not feel obligated to provide such referrals, especially upon just meeting someone!)

Now, on to what “helping” does mean, in the context of business networking:

• Asking "Who can I put you in touch with that I might know?" and then doing it.

• After a networking meeting or event, matching up your new networking partner with someone who you already network with or who you know that might make a great networking partner for them.

• Giving advice.

• Sharing resources.

• Finding collaborative opportunities, like holding workshops or seminars together of mutual interest to clientele.

• Considering mentoring possibilities.

So, essentially, networking is more than just passing referrals. In fact, the first two suggestions above are probably more helpful to any professional than anything, because of sustaining nature of the help given! Don’t reject someone as a potential networking partner solely based on their profession or the position they currently hold. Take the time to see if there might be some “synergy” or mutually beneficial opportunity upon which to build a long-term business relationship.

And for those of you who think you *should* be getting referrals after a networking event or meeting, perhaps you, too, need to rethink your definition of “help”. Remember, no one goes to a networking event looking to buy anything! Make sure you aren’t selling.

Besides referrals – how can someone you meet at a networking event “help” you?

Why Me? (My #1 LinkedIn Pet Peeve)

If you’re like me, a fairly active LinkedIn member, you receive a few link requests a week, often from people you don’t know. Most likely, those requests are accompanied my LinkedIn’s generic “I would like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn.”

That’s nice. But why?

I don’t know about you, but I love business and businesspeople of any kind. That’s why I do what I do at The Power Lunch Project - connecting people with others to network - and, as such, I like to know what people do, maybe even why they do it, and how I can help them. That’s why they must be trying to link with me in the first place, right? And besides, if you give me a little more info then the uncreative and uninspiring “I want to add you to my professionals network on LinkedIn”, I am more likely to remember you and be able to connect you with people!

I imagine it’s that way for most other people that you try to connect with on LinkedIn.

So having said that, here are my suggestions for a memorable LinkedIn request:

• Tell ‘em what you do (and maybe toot your horn a little) – “Hey Sara! I’m the best widget salesman this side of the Mississippi! Let’s link!”

• Tell ‘em you think they’re cool – “Sara – I read your article about ‘Desperate Networking.’ I thought it was great! Let’s connect.”

• Tell ‘em what you need – “Hi Sara! I’m starting a new business and am just getting into the networking game. Can you give me some suggestions on effective networking?”

• Tell ‘em what a small world it is – “ Sara! I grew up in Harrisburg too – good times! Will you add me – perhaps we have some mutual acquaintances!”

• Do any combination of the above, but please – no more “I would like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn”! Ugh!

Obviously, the point in all of this – and even linking at all – is to get a conversation going, find some common ground and well….NETWORK! (In my humble opinion, anyway.) It doesn’t have to be a whole mission statement– 3 or 4 sentences usually suffice! You can also use it over and over again, tweaking it as needed, depending upon the connection you are requesting.

And trust me – 90% of the users on LinkedIn are using the generic line – you WILL be noticed if you do something a little more creative!

Tell us your LinkedIn request line below to inspire others – and maybe you’ll find some great networking partners, too!



~The Power Lunch Project
Eat. Drink. NETWORK!
http://www.ThePowerLunchProject.com