Networking Guru Helps Entrepreneurs Punch up Their Communication Skills

There is a famous line in William Shakespeare’s Hamlet where the character Polonius recites, “Brevity is the soul of wit.” Certain fields can take more from this than others. In the world of business, entrepreneurship, and ownership the word brevity is important. It’s important to be concise and clear with whatever message you want to send customers. It’s important to make sure your employees understand their roles in everyday work routines. Most important of all, it’s important that you, personally, follow the rule of brevity when building your network. Communication doesn’t come naturally to everyone. Whether you fall in line with extroverts or introverts, learning how to network can give your business a huge boost. Michael Goldberg, owner of Knockout Networking, has taught public speaking and networking skills at Rutgers School of Communication and Information. We had the chance to speak with Michael and learn his advice on the fine art of networking like a professional.

How did you first begin crafting your expertise in networking along with building PEEC?

When I started my speaking and training business, my expertise was in the areas of leadership and communication so those were the areas where I helped clients.

But I always gravitated toward sales teams. In growing my own business, I put an emphasis on networking because I didn’t have a big marketing budget and I loved talking to people. If fact, I enjoyed meeting new people and learning about their businesses. I figured if I liked them and can help them get what they want, they’ll help me get what I want. It was that simple! And that’s what started to happen. Then an organization realized that I was well networked and hired me to teach their members how to network.

Once I did that, I never looked back. As for PEEC (known as the PEEC Statement – Profession, Expertise, Environments (target market), Call to Action), those were the four principles that I thought were most important to share with those I met when networking. If we were able to exchange PEEC Statements, stay in touch, and help one another, we would grow our businesses. That became a formula that I’ve been sharing for the last 15 years.

What advice can you offer on networking for the very first time?

You must have a clear cut understanding of what you do and for whom. You can’t offer everything to everyone. I was speaking to a coaching client yesterday. She felt that everything she did applied to everyone. In theory she may be right. But as far as marketing, you can’t market to everyone. Not until you reach a tipping point in your business and become Amazon. So if you’re a first timer to networking, find the thing that you do best – speaking and training services, financial planning, IT consulting, whatever. Then, create, establish, and develop a target market – whom you serve best and therefore wish to serve most. My target market happens to be the financial services industry. From a networking standpoint that helps me determine where to go, what to say, and with whom! And that’s really my networking model. BTW, this approach applies to LinkedIn and social media too!

How can you get out of a bad networking situation? (Seedy company, liar, etc.)

You never want to be rude. But if you’re in an awkward conversation or you simply don’t click with someone, it’s natural to think “early departure”. Keep in mind, if they don’t click with you, you probably don’t click with them. Hey, it happens. I believe we only truly connect with about one third of the people we meet in a networking scenario. One third! That means that we don’t connect with two thirds. Try your very best to focus on developing relationships with the one-thirders. It’s much more fun and more likely that good things will happen. That said, if you’re already in a “bad networking situation”, after a couple of minutes or when it feels right, extend your hand and say, “Good talking with you. Let me know if I can be of help to you at this event otherwise good luck and I’ll catch you at the next meeting!” Or something like that. It’s like tearing off a band aid. I would suggest to never make up an excuse like you have to use the restroom because the person you’re trying to escape from may join you!

Your best rules for networking via social media?

Here are my 5 best rules for social media.

Personalize your communication. Don’t just send a generic note (those that are available on LinkedIn and other platforms) to invite someone to Connect, Follow, or whatever. Personalizing your approach will set you aside from others and help you come across as more genuine and engaging which helps with the next point.

Create engagement. In order to create a following (or followers!), you must create engagement on social media. Those that see your posts, notes, comments, likes, and tweets, need to find your interactions interesting enough to respond back and ultimately create a dialogue. Taking online connection to offline conversations is important in many service related businesses, as well as job search.

Offer value. What you’re saying online must be valuable. Can your comments help someone solve a problem? If your goal is business related and you’re posting pictures of yourself just to say, “Look at me!”, your posts won’t be valued and may be ignored. Unfriend!

Position yourself as a resource. When you post, demonstrate to others that you have information in your area of expertise. You’ll create a brand and eventually be called upon (or hired!) as a valuable resource.

Create visibility every day. I hate to say it but social media is an every day thing. That means creating a routine in your busy day to provide valuable posts and be a presence to your followers and fans every day.

What is the biggest networking mistake an entrepreneur can make?

If you’re an entrepreneur, service provider, or even a job searcher, the worst mistake you can ever make is to have every conversation be about YOU. Your goal is not to pitch your product, service, story, or intentions to everyone that you meet. I have stories! Introduce yourself, ask great questions, listen, and truly get to know those you meet. If you like them, perhaps you can continue a follow up dialogue and look to help them. If you help them, they may help you right back. And that will lead to an important and hopefully fun relationship!

Is there a certain networking etiquette that you wish more people would follow?

I think business owners naturally come on too strong. Relationships happen at the speed of trust. You must get to know, like, and trust people before they become your client and/or referral partner. Take it slow. The best business (and often personal) relationships are a slow burn.

Best advice for business owners and entrepreneurs looking to make the very best first impression?

Relax, take a deep breathe, and look to have fun. Talking to strangers in a business setting may not be your idea of fun. But as you get more comfortable with your language, approach, and being the best YOU, you’ll start to generate business and a few friends along the way. And that’s when the fun really starts!

To learn more about Michael Goldberg and his networking expertise, visit Knockout Networking for more information.