When reaching out to new people, there is a crucial strategy.
Are you implementing it correctly?
If you’re trying to connect with new people and expand your professional network but are not getting responses, then read on.
Why is this concept important?
This is the difference between being overwhelmed and actually starting to interact and learn from someone new. Someone you can serve in the future and who will be a valuable resource and referral source for your business.
It takes effort to network effectively with new people and strengthen relationships within your existing network. It is essential to serve others honestly and without expecting any reward. You are not here to get a job. You’re here to build a reputation, a network of friends and mutually benefit from being associated with one another.
Below are some key concepts that will help you get more referrals for work for companies.
Make it easy
It is not a bad idea to reach out to an individual or organization to volunteer in this way.
“I would love to volunteer for your organization. Tell me what you can do.
Wrong! You are wrong!
Consider what you are doing for this poor organization or person. You are asking them not to rush to find time for you, but to make the effort. It may work if they have a clearly defined need. It’s not uncommon for people to give up all the important things in order to focus on you.
Even if they do, is it likely that they will love you for it?
Simply say “Yes”
It is better to have done the research to learn enough about the organization and to create your own volunteer opportunity.
One example: I wanted to volunteer as a PMI Specific Interest Group member (SIG), back before they became the Communities of Practice (COP).
I didn’t just say “Hi!” to the board. “I would love to volunteer for your organization. Tell me what you can do.
But that’s not true. This is what I tried first. It didn’t work, so I had an idea.
So I took a look at their organization and thought of ways I could directly benefit them.
It was their website. It was a disaster.
So I spent some time drafting a project charter. Also, an initial plan to use volunteers to update the website was created.
All They Had to Do Was Say “Yes”
It worked. They allowed me to continue with the volunteer project enthusiastically, and I was pleasantly surprised when asked to join the board.
This is how many other experiences I have had with this strategy. It’s a surprise when something good happens. But only because you go into it with a sincere desire for help and no expectations of reward.
You will notice dramatic improvements in your results if you follow this advice.
