If the word networking gets your heart racing and palms sweaty, here is a hack from Susie that ensures you never have to do it again! First things first, why does the mere mention of the word ‘networking’ generate such collective disdain? Networking has become synonymous with inauthentic conversations and pompous small talk. So how does one stand out and yet, not come across as hijacking a conversation.
Here is Susie’s hack -
1. Forget the elevator pitch
Elevator pitch is dead. Gone. Staler than the 2 day old bread which you are considering to use for French toast. Don’t write one. Don’t practise it. Stay away. It sounds mechanical. No one wants to hear one. Don’t touch it with a 10 feet barge pole.
2. What? How? Why?
Grab a pen and paper (or more realistically - fire up the notes app on your phone/word document on your laptop) and answer each of these in a sentence :
What - What is my job
How - How do I do it
Why - Why do I do what I do? How is it helpful/useful to others?
3. Reverse it
Once you have these answers, deliver it in reverse order.
Why are we doing this?
Authenticity. Forges a connection. You are sharing something true about yourself. The other person gets a sneak peek into what motivates you and your process.
How do you do it?
Susie is here to help you with an example. Suppose, you are a financial advisor. So,
What do you do? You give people financial advice
How do you do it? You grow and protect their money
Why do you do it? Help them lead better lives
Now if you add a bit of story and reverse the order of the answers, here is how you will sound -
I help my clients retire early and live the life they always dreamt of. I do it by growing their money while they sleep and I happen to be a financial advisor.
Be clear.
Be simple.
Be emotive.
People will remember and recommend you.
Get it out to as many people,when you meet them, and you will never have to proactively network again.
P.S. Lightly toast your bread for decadent french toast before you soak it!
