Articles by Kirsten Land

If you are in business, then you most likely hear the word “networking” often. There are about as many ways to network as there are colors in a rainbow! It can be formal, like a BNI networking group, or informal, by meeting people at your church. Organizations like your local chambers of commerce or special interest groups like a real estate agent association also host many networking events.

Networking can be intimidating and even scary to someone uncomfortable in an unfamiliar situation with unfamiliar people. This kind of situation is exhilarating for others and presents a fun challenge to make new friends. If you are the kind of person who is uncomfortable walking into a room with people you don’t know, you are not alone! According to the 2010 Census, about 16.8% of our population fears meeting new people. That is 39.4 million people who self-reported that they have this fear!

What is the most asked question at a networking event? If you said, “What do you do?” Then you are correct! We have been pre-programmed our entire lives to ask this question because it helps us understand a little bit about the person we just met. It also serves as a good conversation starter.

I’m often asked what the key to successful networking is, and my answer is always building meaningful relationships. Just like all relationships in your life, it takes effort and must be nurtured over time.

Would you call yourself a giving person? We all want to be generous, but few are genuinely gracious. Even the most generous among us hope to receive something in return for their gifts, even if it is just a solid thank you or atta girl.