In every presentation I give it is always fun to talk about where people are networking. Many say chamber events, client appreciation events, networking groups and the list goes on. And then I ask about Facebook, Linked In, Twitter and get the look that says – network? Almost like they used to give when asked to go into a room of strangers and introduce themselves. They spent most of the meeting hugging the wall or hanging out by the bar instead of meeting new people (hence the term wallflower).
Do you remember your own wallflower days? When you knew you were supposed to go do something but weren’t quite sure what it was? You know now that networking pays off, but figuring out what to do can be a challenge. Or perhaps you’ve mastered ‘working the room’ but haven’t transferred it to your online networking – social media. Where are you at in your growth cycle of your prospecting skills?
To put this into perspective I will share with you the 5 stages of growth I learned when I first entered the coaching and training industry
Stage 1 – you don’t have a http://www.trevorturnbull.com clue.
Stage 2 – you’ve recognized there’s an issue but aren’t quite sure what to do about it.
Stage 3 – you know what to do, you’ve learned the new skill, but don’t have the guts to do it.
Stage 4 – you do the new skill and revel in your accomplishment
Stage 5 – you do it unconsciously, you don’t even have to think about it. Mastery.
So with your networking on line – which stage are you at?
I love how Facebook is engaging with games as icebreakers to induce the ‘wallflowers’ to come out and play. Now the wallflowers on Facebook are those people who ‘stalk’ or go and look at everyone else’s post and never engage. Much like walking from conversation to conversation at an event and never talking. They’re the ghosts in the room. Sometimes it’s fun being a ghost, but how much more fun is it to engage?
How do you engage you ask? You listen for a conversation that you can join in on, something that interests you. Something you’re passionate about. But be careful here – often times we post about political perspectives, relationship challenges or personal viewpoints. So before you go and post something, think about would you stand up and say this at church? A networking meeting? If you are connected to your clients and center of influence relationships – would you share it at a business meeting? If not, it’s probably not a good thing to post.
So how do you break the ice? You could become a giraffe J Have you seen the recent facebook viral posting of a giraffe picture? There is a riddle you have to private message the answer to the poster and if you get it right, you get mentioned. If you get it wrong, (which almost everyone does) you have to change your profile picture. What makes this fun is it makes you engage. 1-1. An actual direct message. Then you can go to a group conversation. But what a way to get the conversation going. The definition of an icebreaker.
Social media provides you a very effective way to stay connected with your prospects, clients and friends. People you enjoy being with. The perfect definition of ideal clients. But much like any other form of prospecting- you get out of it what you put into it. So figure out what you want to get out of it. If it’s new business, deeper relationships with your clients, or just another way to keep up with college friends and your family. Pick one. Then engage with that strategy through 1-1 connections. Conversations. Then take it offline. Catch up for a cup of coffee. Or if you’re out of town, hop on Skype. So many tools there is no excuse not to step into the social media pond. Take a dip. The water’s great and the relationships are fantastic! And it’s so much more fun than living like the ‘Ghost of Christmas Past, Present and Future’.
Have a wonderful week!
Good Selling!