Networking is the process of building strong, solid relationships that
are mutually beneficial. These relationships involve people, and
therefore there can be communication and other challenges that occur.
Verbal communication styles differ. These differences can lead to some
temporary stalls in the relationship.
How can you communicate if you and your contact "speak a different
language"? I don't mean that you are from different countries. In this
situation, you and your contact are not communicating effectively. You
know this is happening when you and your contact begin a conversation
and before you know it, you don't understand what your contact means, or
you feel you are not being understood yourself. If you add the e-mail
factor- the lack of voice inflection, body language and eye contact,
communication challenges become very real.
A common cause of this is that words and phrases can mean different
things to different people. Also, some people use words freely without
actually evaluating their meaning and ascertaining whether those
meanings are exactly what was meant. Other people measure every word
carefully, only using words with the exact meaning that is required.
The easiest way to work through these differences is to ask for
confirmation. "If I understand correctly, this means..." is a good way
to ask for confirmation. Also, asking for clarification by using choices
will help make headway. Ask, "Did you mean this or that?" to help
understand the contact's meaning.
The exact opposite problem is also very common- TOO much communication.
In this situation, the relationship becomes a burden when one
participant feels smothered or distracted by the frequency of the
contacts. Although the best relationships are mutually-beneficial, in
this situation, one participant benefits while the other feels burdened.
Evaluate the time requirements you impose on your networking
relationships. Remember they have things to do besides help you. The
idea of "frequency of contact" to help promote the relationship can
backfire if that frequency is too much for one participant. If you are
in a relationship where you feel smothered, speak up. The relationship
will suffer if you don't. As the person requesting assistance, ensure
that you are not imposing on your contact's time. No one is interested
in helping someone who is too demanding.
As networking professionals, we need to evaluate our verbal
communication styles and requirements. Remember that most people are
looking to achieve the same things. They may just have different methods
to get to the same place.
How To Stop Cold Calling ... And Get MORE Business!
Free report tells you 10 secrets of getting referrals. Get your copy by emailing mailto:secrets@profnet.org today!
Nancy Roebke, is the Executive Director of Profnet Inc, a
professional business leads generation corporation. We bring
business professionals together in a non-competitive environment to
help each other make more money.
Nancy Roebke - mailto:execdirector@profnet.org
http://www.profnet.org
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