NETWORKING
ACTIVE AT SIXTY
THE A-Z CHALLENGE
Another year with the A-Z Challenge. This year I am doing Active at Sixty: The A-Z Challenge.
Stop being a couch potato. Get out and learn something new!
NETWORKING … … the new term for establishing connections in the business world.
Everyone needs new connections… a few new friendships.
Did you know that in the next ten years, the people that are the closest to you will not be the same people that you are closest to now? (aside from family members- hopefully,)
We are a mobile and ever-changing society.
Are you aware of how the connections were made in the friendships that you hold dear happened?
Friendships as children, and often in school, seem to happen by osmosis.
This is not usually true of friendships once we are older.
Here are ten tips for broadening your personal connections and to nurture the friendships that you are now enjoying.
- Find friendships at the places that you already are. (If you are are house-bound, go to places that are functions that you enjoy.)
- Know your profile. Introduce yourself. Shake hands or give a warm nod and tell the person your name. Maybe a follow-up line would be to explain why you are in attendance to this present event.
- Smile. A true smile. A happy smile. A smile will allow the world to be a better place. It will also allow you to be a more approachable person.
- When they respond… LISTEN! Actually listen to remember what is meaning said. LISTEN close enough that you could ask one-or-two more probing questions about what they explain about themselves.
- Keep your eyes on them as they speak. Don’t wander around looking for the next big thing. That is rude! (If something does catch your eye and you find your attention wandering, at a pause, explain why and maybe a small chuckle would be appropriate.)
- Give affirmations. Speak of positive things. Be uplifting. Save your crusader topics for later.
- If a friend- in passing- interrupts you, introduce them to each other, but continue to be captivated by your first connection. (Trading up to a more comfortable level is rude!)
- Be yourself. Don’t try to command the situation. LISTEN and be yourself.
- Exchange a way of future communications. Don’t make plans for the next two months! but establish a way that your paths could cross, intentionally, once again.
- Close the deal. Be sure to find a way to reverse your greeting and say good goodbye.
So, now you are will armed with a few strategies for establishing the groundwork for new friendships.
Go forth and conquer!
Written for The A-Z Challenge. 
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