What's Your Networking Personality?

Monday 1 September, 2008

by Sue Henry

Networking is critical to the success of the growth of a small business. But for many, networking is something that is a chore rather than a must-do activity. Understanding your networking personality and that of others can be the key to success.

There are six distinct styles of networkers. Identifying these and who you are dealing with can help you grow your business. Which networking personality are you?

• The Socialite
  
  Socialites love to attend events and can be relied upon to lighten-up any occasion. They seek out the person standing at an event on their own and include them in conversation. These are great people to meet if you are fearful of attending a networking event on your own.
  
  If you are a Socialite you run the risk of spending too much time socialising and leaving too little time for yourself to do the things you must do, often resulting in time pressure and unfinished business. Time must become your friend, not your enemy.
  
• The Serial
  
  The Serial is known to rush around collecting cards and making quick 'friends'. Serials rarely give you a chance to talk or catch your breath. They are a whirlwind of information and have a database that reads like a business "who's who" directory. For those that don't like attending events, meeting the serial is their worst nightmare. The serial can appear overbearing and pushy even though this is not usually the case. Serials - be aware, not everyone is on board as quick as you.
  
• The Initiator
  
  The Initiator is well connected, has strong business relationships and will connect you for a common purpose that benefits all. They see opportunity and follow-up immediately. Their ability to cut through the red tape, clear the clutter of thinking and to take action assists in initiating change, action and results.
  
  They are resourceful and if they don't know it, someone they know will. Take care not to waste their time, because they become frustrated easily with people who do not follow-through on what they say. They operate with a 'what you see is what you get' attitude.
  
• The Occasional
  
  Unfortunately, this is the most common type of small business networking personality. They network occasionally because they need to. Either business is slow or they feel a need to seek opinion, ideas, social interaction or business.
  
  Typically they attend an event, make contacts, exchange business cards and never follow-up. They rarely get business from networking, so see it as a last resort rather than a must-do part of their business.
  
• The Balanced
  
  The Balanced are consistent with their actions, follow-up when they meet people, see opportunities, connect people and give without expectation. They understand the true value of networking. Importantly they plan their business networking activities, they know each day who they will call, each week what events they will attend and who they will follow-up with. They are never short of business and are happy to refer their ‘networking friends'.
  
• The Inactive
  
  These people think business networking is a waste of time. They are fearful people will reject them or are just way too busy or lazy to network. If this is you and you want to grow your small business ... network! It won't kill you, in fact you never know what opportunities it might bring!

The most important aspect of small business growth is to network. You should look to create connections, build relationships and follow up with the people you meet. You will come across many people in your networking lifetime. Even if they are not useful to you at the time, you never know what is around the corner or who they know!

Author Credits

Sue Henry is an Australian networking expert, public speaker and author (Network or Perish and Accelerate). Her strategies and ideas assist you in acheiving your business goals in a practical and easy way. This article first appeared in the online magazine for solo business owners, www.flyingsolo.com.au