Today I listened to some great ideas about how to take networking to the next level from a captivating presentation I attended given by Michael Roderick of Small Pond Enterprises, a world class networker of the first order.

What is the next level, you ask? It’s actually 3 levels!

In my last article about networking, “7 Great Networking Questions”, I reminded our readers that networking is not about you. It is all about the other guy. Most of us are very focused on how to help someone at a professional level. We ask questions of our prospects to ascertain the degree of pain they have professionally with our specialty product or service so that we can come up with creative solutions to alleviate that pain and to add value. That part we have down very well. In fact, most of us are very, very good at what we do. As I reminded you in my last edition, most of us are experts.

So, Larry, what are those 3 higher levels and how do I get there. The next three levels are the human levels. We need to concentrate on being a resource, not just a service provider. The next three levels are the PERSONAL, INSPIRATIONAL and the ASPIRATIONAL. Take notes here folks, most of us are very good about writing down all the professional information, but we don’t record the big 3.

PERSONAL-      The personal things are the things that interest them, like their hobbies, their vacation spots, their families, their life styles, their values. Make notes on all the things that are important in their lives.

INSPIRATIONAL-        Why do they do what it is that they do? What is it that inspires them?

ASPIRATIONAL-                   What are their goals? Where are they going and how do they intend to get there?

A 4^th area that we should touch on is what are they struggling with now? This question kind of sums up the big 3 and puts everything in perspective.

A great networker takes a meeting beyond the office and gets into their soul.   Great networkers show empathy and interest in everything and everyone. Great networkers are students of life.

If you would like to know more about how to develop these skills, go to www.smallpondenterprises.com or email Michael Roderick at [email protected] and learn how to take your networking to the next level.

Regards,

Larry