Adventures in Networking

Episode 018: During the last few weeks I've been talking to people who are having very different experiences for their business. Some are crazy worried, some are doing very well indeed. It seems each person, and their business, is having a different experience during this global pandemic. It got me thinking that we should talk about the role perspective plays, not only in our experience of crisis, but of everyday interactions. We, as networkers, are looking to engage people in order to find connections. Yet, if we are not able to identify with their perception, we may be at a serious disadvantage. This episode we'll delve into that thinking a bit and I'll share something I do when creating qualification questions to help me stay out of my own thought bubble.Perspective is critical and getting good at putting yourself in other's shoes can help you figure out how to engage in meaningful ways. That, after all is the key to good networking. if there's no conversation, then there's no point in networking.Leave a comment for the community at www.adventuresinnetworking.net too!Support the show (http://www.adventuresinnetworking.net)

Episode 017: The COVID-19 pandemic drags on another week and we are all confined at home. But that doesn't mean we are not communicating and trying to interact with each other. More people are using technology, both familiar and unfamiliar, to try to stay in touch. Unfortunately a lot of us are trying to communicate the way we always have, and the messages we use in "normal" times don't have the same meaning they do now. This can cause problems in keeping your networking relevant and meaningful. In this episode Eric talks about ways to determine how best to connect with people and some tips on having productive one-on-one meetings with your referral partners and networking groups. Following some simple guidelines and by asking some logical questions, you can determine what to talk about and how to make the most impact. This can be a time for supporting each other and building relationships... we just need to watch out for the creeping anxiety to 'do something' that isn't helpful or useful for the other people in our network.Check out the show notes at http://adventuresinnetworking.net/Support the show (http://www.adventuresinnetworking.net)

Episode 016: Topsy turvy may be an accurate description of your days now that we are all sequestered, working from home, and home schooling whether we wanted to or not. The necessity for separation gives rise to opportunities for technological re-connection, but it also comes at a price. In this episode Eric talks about some ways you can frame your new reality and start to take back some power over the uncertainty. With acceptance, gratitude and creativity we can make the best of a rotten situation. We need to fight despair that comes from isolation, so how do we do that? AND if you are not coping well with despair and it is starting to get the better of you please, PLEASE call the National Suicide Prevention Helpline at (800) 273-8255. Don't give in to darkness, there are people who care and who will help you.Get some COVID-19 links, leave a comment, record a question or story and get the transcript on this episode's page at www.adventuresinnetworking.netSupport the show (http://www.adventuresinnetworking.net)

Episode 015: As the COVID-19 outbreak continues to spread in the US and around the world many parts of our normal lives will be disrupted. One of those will be the activities we participate in professionally, like networking. Groups, events and meetings are being canceled and this will significantly impact how we do business and keep in touch with our networks. It will mean less face to face activity for everyone, everywhere. It is bound to cause anxiety and worry about how we will continue to do what we do. In this episode Eric talks about some important things to consider as you think about what activities to participate in and how to participate safely. He also offers some thoughts on alternative ways to keep in touch and keep conversations going amid such a significant interruption to our normal, daily lives.Get more information (and links to COVID-19 sources) at: www.adventuresinnetworking.netSupport the show (http://www.adventuresinnetworking.net)

Episode 014: Sometimes when you are out doing your networking "thing" you meet a person who wants to talk to you a lot more than you want to talk to him/her. These people are not being mean or manipulative, they are not being pushy in the same way as a "jerk". They may just be new or inexperienced and looking for a friendly face to help them feel more comfortable at an event or meeting. If you get stuck with one of these well meaning folk it can be a real challenge. You don't want to be rude. You know they don't mean you ill... but at the same time you know you have to break away and have conversations with other people. Otherwise your reason for being at the event yourself might end up being a huge waste of time. In this episode Eric discusses what might really be going on there and gives some perspective to help you figure out what to do. Then he walks you through two types of people that you may run into as well as four methods for exiting the conversation professionally and politely.Leave a comment at www.adventuresinnetworking.netSupport the show (http://www.adventuresinnetworking.net)

Episode 013: Putting yourself out there to meet new people and engage in conversations is usually a good experience. Now and again you may find, however, that you are in an uncomfortable situation or conversation. When this happens it can be confusing and intimidating to figure out what to do to end the conversation in a professional manner. This concern is completely normal, especially if you are not yet completely confident in networking situations. In this episode Eric talks about one situation that can be especially awkward... dealing with "the jerk". The jerk is pushy, overbearing and doesn't seem able to take a hint. Let's talk about ways to deal with that situation so you're ready if it happens to you.Maybe you've been cornered by someone pushy or overbearing at a meeting or event. I'll share some simple things to help you get out of the situation.http://mvnt.us/m1099951 I've met a lot of people in my career and now and again I have had to deal with someone who was out of line or just too pushy. You don't have to put up with it.I learned some tips over the years that have been useful in dealing with those that seem to have no boundaries. I'll share some simple tips in this episode.It's also worth noting that this is the first part of a two part series. The second will deal with a more subtle situation. Today we're talking about blatant, easy to spot behavior that's making you feel uncomfortable.As always, safety first! But even if it doesn't rise to that level there are effective things you can do to extricate yourself that will help you be prepared when and if you get cornered by "that guy" in the future.Support the show (http://www.adventuresinnetworking.net)

Episode #12: Your networking introduction is only the beginning of the conversation. Many people aren't sure what to say after the intros are finished. If you don't prepare you might find yourself rambling or worse realize you have nothing to say and lose an opportunity. In this episode Eric will talk about a simple way to continue the conversation by creating conversation elements that can be used whenever you need them. These fundamental building blocks can be mixed and matched as appropriate in any situation or environment to make sure you're proactive and not missing out on the chance to find connections.Leave a comment at www.adventuresinnetworking.net.Support the show (http://www.adventuresinnetworking.net)

Episode 011: Words are important when you network. Networking is first and foremost about communicating with others. How we choose words and which words we ultimately decide to use is a process with many facets. There are many ways to tell a story or share information. As a way of expanding our perspective on the process of using words I talked to award winning Haiku poet Jim Kacian about how studying Haiku might help us all share experiences and choose words more effectively when we network. Jim is the owner of Red Moon publishing, the worlds largest publisher of Haiku outside Japan, as well as the founder of The Haiku Foundation, which seeks to expand and improve the art form of Haiku.Join me and Jim as we explore Haiku, what it is, how it's different from other genres and what we might learn from this ancient Japanese art form as we communicate with each other. You can also get more information about Jim, The Haiku Foundation and Red Moon Press at www.adventuresinnetworking.net.Leave a comment or a review of the show! Share with your network and join the conversation.Support the show (http://www.adventuresinnetworking.net)

Episode 010: Your referral group meetings are a great opportunity to refine your message to get more business. But if you play it safe and do what's expected how will that happen? You have to mix it up and stretch your limits to truly get the most out of your group. In this episode Eric talks about how to turn your group meeting into a networking laboratory. Experimenting and testing new content can also get you more referrals inside your group. And why taking a few risks can lead you to the perfect marketing message for the rest of the world too! Leave a comment, ask a question or record a story at www.adventuresinnetworking.comWhat do you think? Answer this question in the comments:"What's the perfect size for a referral group"See the infographic and full text of the episode too.Support the show (http://www.adventuresinnetworking.net)

009: It's a new year and a new decade dawns! In this brief message Eric welcomes you to 2020 and shares some thoughts about what we'll try to accomplish together with the show this year. Sometimes networking is messy and we can embrace that together to figure out how to become resilient and thrive.Feel free to share your #1 New Year's resolution or goal for 2020 at the episode page on www.adventuresinnetworking.net/happy-new-year-2020Happy and Prosperous 2020 to you!Support the show (http://www.adventuresinnetworking.net)

Episode 008: The new year is around the corner and so is resolution agony for many professionals. The start of a brand new year is a natural opportunity to reset, regroup and consider what your plan for 2020 might look like. Setting goals for your networking activities is no different. There are many, many resources you can find for telling you how to set goals. For many people they work like a charm. BUT what if they don't work for you? It can be frustrating when you can't seem to make changes in areas of your professional or personal life the way you want. In this episode Eric takes a look at this issue and offers some simplified ideas to help you rethink your resolution reluctance for 2020.Find out more and see the episode infographic at www.adventuresinnetworking.net/overcoming-resolution-reluctance-ain008Leave a question or record a story for Eric at the site too!Support the show (http://www.adventuresinnetworking.net)

Episode 007: Starting conversations is critical in any networking situation. The traditional answer to getting beyond the first "Hello" is the elevator speech. The problem is that even after decades and decades there are still people who hate them. A scripted and memorized elevator speech can sound wooden and stiff. Delivering one can leave you awkward and anxious… and possibly make you feel a bit like a used car salesman. In this episode Eric will talk about a different way to approach learning to introduce yourself that feels more genuine and engages more naturally. By preparing conversation elements instead of an elevator speech you can increase the likelihood you'll get a positive response as well.Infographic download, episode takeaways and full text: AdventuresinNetworking.netSupport the show (http://www.adventuresinnetworking.net)

006: When my eight year old grandson, Mason, goes to the playground he has no problem asking other kids to play. Yet, as adults, we often struggle to initiate conversations and get anxious about the whole networking process. I sat down with Mason to find out what wisdom a third grader might offer the rest of us. The things he shares are both simple and profound. This episode just might take you back in time to when the most important question you had for someone new you met was how fast they could climb the monkey bars.Get more information and leave comments about this episode at AdventuresinNetworking.netSupport the show (http://www.adventuresinnetworking.net)

#005: Exchanging business cards is a natural part of business networking. But do you give your card to people too often? This is the question we explore in this episode as Eric walks you through why cards get exchanged so much and what to do to make it more effective for you and for the people you meet. Building on the five steps model he offers a different way to think about the role of using the card exchange in the referral and prospecting process.Get more information and leave comments about this episode at AdventuresinNetworking.netSupport the show (http://www.adventuresinnetworking.net)

Episode #004: Everyone tells you to follow-up with people you meet when networking. How do you know why it's not working and what do you do about it? Sometimes the answer is that you shouldn't be following up with them in the first place. This episode will help you understand when to follow up and when not to follow up. It will also share what to do with people you don't need to follow up with so you don't lose contact with them.Get more information and leave comments about this episode at AdventuresinNetworking.netSupport the show (http://www.adventuresinnetworking.net)

#003: In this episode we explore how to best use the leadshare or referral group structure to be successful and grow your business. Whether you're brand new to a group or a veteran who's experiencing a slow down in activity, this show will point out some simple, but critical ways to make sure you're getting results from your networking. Making the most of group and one-on-one meetings as well as pointers on actually passing referrals takes thought and preparation... and sometimes patience. If you're sales depend on your prospecting and group networking efforts you want to listen to this one.Get more information,, download an infographic summarizing this episode and leave comments about this topic at AdventuresinNetworking.netSupport the show (http://www.adventuresinnetworking.net)

#002: Built into the fundamental fabric of networking is a process that helps you fight panic about making a bad first impression. So much is made about the initial introduction, or elevator speech, when we are prospecting or trying to get referrals that it's easy to completely over look this hidden gem. It can help you at networking events but more importantly in your chamber leadshare group too. Tune in and we'll pull back the cover and reveal what is really happening as we meet people.Get more information,, download an infographic summarizing this episode and leave comments about this topic at AdventuresinNetworking.netSupport the show (http://www.adventuresinnetworking.net)

#001: Welcome to the first episode of Adventures in Networking! In this episode Eric shares how getting fired during the recession was one of the best things that ever happened to him and how it lead him to this podcast. There's a conversation we need to have about referral networking, especially in chamber leadshare groups. This conversation needs to include the good and the bad, the glory and the rough stuff. Eric begins this conversation by introducing you to his own adventures networking to grow his own business and get customers. He also introduces you to several key concepts that have helped him along the way, including identifying information that's not wrong, but not helpful. He ends with one eye opening realization that totally changed his concept of what it means to network effectively.Get more information and leave comments about this episode at AdventuresinNetworking.netSupport the show (http://www.adventuresinnetworking.net)