For many of us, networking has so many potentially conflicting priorities, it can be hard to focus on the one that might be the simplest and most valuable: Being likable.
In this latest post, Pete shares his thoughts about how to get out of your own way and achieve likability quickly and easily.
For more about how SagePresence can help you and your team network more effectively, check out our GROW-it Program here.
Hey everybody—Pete here, with a quick thought for you as you think about networking. I want you to take a look at your priorities and consider one that might not occur to you right away. Whenever we network, we usually think, “I should know how to talk about myself and about my firm.” And of course, your firm wants you to sell for it—and that’s fine. But here’s my suggestion: prioritize being likable.
When you put likability at the top of your list, you naturally engage another human being like a human being. You can be curious about them. You can ask questions, learn about who they are, what excites them, and what they enjoy. When you genuinely care, people can feel it—and that changes everything about the interaction.
If you can honestly and authentically care about someone, they’ll enjoy the conversation. They’ll like you. And when that happens, they’ll be glad to keep the conversation going. They won’t mind if you ask for their business card or connect on LinkedIn. It all starts with genuine curiosity and enthusiasm about the other person.
So, next time you’re at a networking event, take the pressure off. Don’t focus first on selling yourself or your firm. Focus on being likable. Get interested, stay open, and enjoy the interaction. The most effective networking happens when you enjoy them as much as they enjoy you.
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