LEADERSHIP AT ALL LEVELS

WITH GAIL LOWNEY ALOFSIN

VH1 – WHERE ARE THEY NOW? TUNING UP YOUR NETWORK

Over the past months, networking in person has been very challenging. Events, conferences and meetings have been cancelled, rescheduled or transitioned to virtual. Though we lose a lot of personal interaction at virtual events and meetings, all is not lost. Now is the time to continue to reach out to friends, colleagues and clients to let them know you are thinking about them.

Over the past decades, I have worked with thousands of clients and students. Sharing my network is a privilege. I enjoy “connecting” and introducing people. One of my former colleagues recently complimented: “Before there was LinkedIn and Facebook, there was Gail!”

What can you do to maintain your relationships? Let’s review a few best practices you can utilize as you conclude 2020 and jumpstart 2021.

• You Had Me at Hello

Most of us are familiar with the adage “You don’t get a second chance to make a good first impression.” Studies show that first impressions are made within 7 seconds of meeting someone for the first time. Do what you can to influence your first impression. Listen intently. As we listen to others, we learn about their goals and aspirations. How can we assist them? As our network grows, how can we help others enhance their career or achieve their goals through our contacts? “Give” first in networking and your “gain” will be exponential. Give to gain – don’t worry about erring on the side of generosity.

• Hello, It’s Me

Regularly “check in” with past and current clients. “How are you doing?” versus “I would like to discuss a business opportunity.” Ask about their family, current work situation and challenges. Inquire about their hobbies, books they are reading, favorite Netflix shows. Let people know you care about them as a person versus a payment.

• VH1 – Where are They Now?

From 1998 -2001, there was a television series on VH1 featuring past celebrities. The interviews provided updates on their current professional and personal status.

When you find yourself with extra time, use this time to navigate your LinkedIn connections, business cards and lead sheets. Reach out to former clients. You can play your own version of “VH1 – Where Are They Now?”

In addition to tuning up your network, use this time to update your own LinkedIn website and online presence. The value of LinkedIn extends far beyond finding a job. Use it to stay in touch and meet new friends.

• What Have I Done for YOU Lately?

How do people feel after interacting with you? Years ago, I was at my first IEG (International Events Group) conference in Chicago. The focus of the conference is best practices in sponsorship and experiential marketing. There are more properties than sponsors who attend. The opening cocktail party was attended by over 1,800 people. There was a man who walked around the entire room, shuffled up to the attendees, looked at their name badge and would state loudly “not a sponsor” as he shuffled away. Wow – that was a lesson in innate networking insincerity!

• Are You Valuable? Are You Interesting?

Join organizations. Get involved and stay involved. If you are attending board meetings and networking events via a virtual platform, turn your video on. Be present. Give to receive. There is more to networking than just showing up. Your follow up will set you apart.

• Bring Your Own Blanket (BYOB) Take it outside!

This past spring and summer, our team met with clients and industry colleagues at what we coined our “branch office” overlooking the marina where we produce the Newport International Boat Show. I have met with friends on our home deck and porch. This allows us to tune our network in a safe way. As the practice will continue into the cold months, we will bring our own blankets!

Be grateful for the opportunity to network. Whether you are a student or a seasoned employee, you have a network. Your network is comprised of friends, friends of friends, classmates, alumni, organizations, community, non-profit organizations and professionals in both your field of business and other corporations.

Are you ready to network? Pack your networking toolkit with a smile, positive attitude and neat attire. Turn on your camera and have a terrific time!

As a sales & marketing executive for Newport Restaurant Group, Adjunct Professor at the University of Rhode Island, active volunteer, board member and international speaker (gailspeaks.com), Gail Lowney Alofsin does her best to merge these separate worlds while assisting others with natural and sincere networking. Her book, Your “Someday” is NOW! What are YOU Waiting For?, focused on best practices in life and business, has raised over $42,000 for non-profit organizations. Gail can be reached at 401-640- 4418 or gail@gailspeaks.com.

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