Tuesday, August 24, 2010

It’s never to early to learn to network


My oldest child started kindergarten this week. He has been excited about going to school and making new friends. But he seemed to fall into the routine that most of us do when we are put in social situations with unknown people. We tend to clam up or only speak to those that we know. What I did observe are some practical ways to make networking easier for you if it doesn’t come natural.

Learn a persons name and use it: My little guy wanted nothing to do with his new teacher even though she seemed like the nicest person in the world, until she used his name. The minute she called him by his name he immediately perked up and began to listen to what she had to say.

Learn something about them: After his first day of school, we were getting ready for the next day and he said he wanted to wear something purple because it was his teacher’s favorite color. When you are willing to share information about yourself, people are willing to make the connection and sometimes help you out.

Have an agenda: In the days leading up to the start of school there were several planned events for the kids. I challenged my son to come back with the name of one new friend from each event. He didn’t know it but I was helping him to set an agenda and get out of his comfort zone to meet new people.

Have an introduction: I would always introduce myself and then try to get my son to introduce himself. This was the toughest part to him because; he didn’t have a connection to the teacher, parents or other kids. To him they were all strangers and like most kids, they don’t talk to strangers. For him, his introduction was simple, first and last name but in most situations you need to make it a little more exciting. Who are you and what are interested in or what is on your agenda.

Starting kindergarten is big life transition but my little guy got off to a great start by just being himself. Networking requires the same effort; you just have to be yourself. For some it comes more natural but for others it requires getting out of your comfort zone and that’s okay.

2 comments:

  1. Nice post, Micheael! Isn't it funny how the same things that apply to kindergarteners apply to grown-ups as well? All great tips to remember. Keep up the great work!

    Kirk

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  2. So simple and yet so insightful! Thanks for sharing Michael!

    Amberly

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