Advice on how to meet people and grow your network
Figuring out how to meet with people that you are interested in meeting with can seem like a daunting task. How do you get their attention? When you do, how do you find a way to make it worth their while?
I find myself on both sides of this – being asked by people frequently to meet (mostly to share advice) and wanting to meet with people that I don’t already know.
This was the main reason I created Advice For Good. I’ll meet with anyone if they are willing to give an hour of their time to a nonprofit and blog about it, as will a LOT of amazing advisors that have signed up. In fact, I’ll be meeting with a guy soon who did just that!
So if the person you want to meet with is signed up on Advice For Good, then you’re in luck! But if not, here are some tips that have worked for me:
Use your network. Linkedin can work, but its better if you can find someone who is a friend of both of yours that can introduce you.
Ask for a small amount of time. There’s a big difference between saying, “I’d love to get together for lunch,” and, “Could I pick your brain for 15-20 minutes? I’d be happy to come to your office to make it easier.” The latter is much easier to say yes to. And be fine with a phone call the first time around if that’s what works best for the other person.
Flatter them. Yes, this sounds, I don’t know, kind of pathetic? But people like to be flattered and most likely, the reason you want to meet with them is because you are a fan. Tell them why!
Find common interests. This does not mean, pretend to have common interests. If someone you want to meet with is interested in a particular nonprofit, or they went to your college, or they grew up in your hometown, all of those things can help start the conversation. And that’s all you really want. But be genuine.
Be patient. Go to networking events and don’t expect to always walk out with a terrific connection. These things take time. Good personal networks are built in small, gradual steps.
Give more than you take. Help someone a few times before asking them for help. The most powerful four words you can use, “How can I help?”
Excellent advice, Jeff – especially the last item!
I have found that saying thank you up front is a big help as well. Also if you mention something they have recently accomplished is a nice way to transition to you asking how you can add value for them.
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