Spill the Beans: How to Make Friends and Influence People in Business

Alright, folks, gather around because it’s time to spill the beans on how to ace the game of networking.

If you thought making friends in kindergarten was tough, try doing it in a room full of suits and business cards. But fear not, because I’m here to break it down for you, one laugh at a time. We’re talking about mastering the art of networking and building those professional relationships that could catapult your business from the minor leagues to the big time.

So, buckle up, and let’s dive into the not-so-mysterious world of making friends and influencing people in the realm of business.

Be Authentic, Not Aggressive – Building Genuine Connections

Alright, lean in close because we’re about to get real about authenticity.

Picture this: You’re at a networking event, surrounded by folks who could talk the chrome off a trailer hitch. Now, in this world of polished pitches and canned compliments, imagine being the person who’s as refreshing as an ice-cold lemonade on a scorching day. That’s right, being authentic is your secret weapon.

Here’s the deal: chuck the playbook that tells you to be someone you’re not. If the thought of discussing quarterly earnings makes your eyes glaze over faster than a Krispy Kreme doughnut, then for the love of all that is holy, steer the conversation to something that lights your fire. Passion is contagious, my friend. You talking excitedly about your urban beekeeping hobby is going to leave a far more lasting impression than any rehearsed spiel on market analytics.

And hey, remember, being genuine isn’t about laying your soul bare and sharing your life story right off the bat. It’s about connecting on a human level. Ask about their interests, share a small piece of your world, and if the moment feels right, throw in that anecdote about how you accidentally played your workout playlist during a serious business meeting. Spoiler alert: It’s these quirky, genuine moments that people latch onto.

So, next time you find yourself mingling among the suit brigade, remember: Authenticity is your ace. Let your true self shine, and you’ll attract the kind of people who are worth adding to your circle. No schmooze, no pretense, just you being fabulously you.

Follow-Up or Fall Flat – There’s No In-Between

Alrighty, let’s talk turkey about what happens after you’ve broken the ice, shared a laugh over the controversial art of pizza toppings, and swapped digits or, you know, LinkedIn profiles.

Following up: it’s the make or break moment in this networking shindig. Ghosting isn’t just a faux pas in the dating world, folks. In the realm of professional mingling, failing to follow up is like saying, “I never really liked you anyway.”

So, what’s the game plan? First off, ditch the generic “Nice to meet you” email template. Yawn. Be the standout star by weaving in a memorable tidbit from your chat. Maybe they mentioned their pet tarantula’s birthday party? Boom – “Hope Fluffy enjoyed the birthday crickets!” is your opening line. Personal, check. Memorable, double check.

But here’s the kicker – don’t turn this into a one-hit wonder scenario. The follow-up isn’t just about reaffirming that you’re a charming conversationalist. It’s your golden ticket to show you’re genuinely interested in fostering a connection. Spotted an article on the world’s most pampered tarantulas? Send it their way. It’s these thoughtful nuggets that keep the conversation flowing and show you’re not just in it for the business cards.

Remember, the goal here isn’t to become their new bestie overnight. It’s about planting seeds for a burgeoning professional relationship. So, keep it light, keep it personal, and for Pete’s sake, keep those follow-ups coming. Because in the grand chess game of networking, it’s your move after the initial check.

Give More Than You Take – The Karma of Business Networking

Alright, lean in because we’re about to hit the sweet spot of networking – generosity.

Now, I’m not suggesting you start handing out your services like free samples at Costco. Nah, we’re talking about doling out those golden nuggets of wisdom, connections, or even just lending an ear when needed. Think of it as planting a garden. You wouldn’t just toss seeds on the ground and walk away, right? You water them, maybe sing to them if that’s your vibe, and watch as they blossom.

Got a buddy who’s navigating the treacherous waters of startup land? Slide them an article that you found as enlightening as a flashlight in a blackout. Stumbled upon a tool that could revolutionize the way they handle their emails? Share it, and don’t immediately wait around for a thank you note or a favor in return. It’s all about sowing those seeds of goodwill and watching as your garden of professional relationships blooms into something spectacular.

And here’s the kicker: this kind of generosity makes you the MVP of your network. You become the go-to, the oracle, the person people can’t wait to invite to their next brainstorming session. Why? Because you’ve shown that you’re not just in it for the take. You’re there to give, to support, and to elevate those around you. That’s the kind of business karma that not only feels good but pays off in ways you might not even expect.

So go on, be that breath of fresh air in a world where everyone seems to be holding their breath, waiting for their turn to talk.

Rinse and Repeat – But Keep It Fresh

Alright, picture this: you’ve become somewhat of a networking ninja, slicing through awkward small talk and dishing out authentic charm like it’s going out of style.

But here’s where it gets tricky – keeping that momentum without becoming the human equivalent of a rerun season. It’s like being on a treadmill; you gotta keep moving, but if you’re just jogging in place, you’re not going to see new sights.

Imagine your follow-ups as your very own sitcom – you don’t want your audience (aka your network) hitting the snooze button because they’ve seen this episode before. Spice things up! Instead of the same old, “Hope you’re doing well!” message, how about challenging them to a quirky virtual game? Or maybe share a hilarious meme that perfectly encapsulates the struggle of Monday mornings. It’s all about making each touchpoint uniquely memorable.

Now, I’m not saying you need to reinvent the wheel every time you reach out. But maybe, just maybe, add some funky rims to that wheel. Hosting a virtual coffee break? Invite them and maybe even throw in a surprise guest speaker who’s an expert in underwater basket weaving (because why not?). It keeps things interesting and shows you’re not just there for the grind.

Keep those interactions as lively and engaging as the first time you connected. This way, you’re not just another name in their contact list; you’re the season finale they can’t wait to see. Keep it fresh, keep it fun, and who knows, maybe you’ll find your network looking forward to your next “episode.”

Ready to sell your property? Give us a call today and learn more about our professional photography services and marketing that can boost your property listing!

Plus, explore our virtual assistant coaching program to level up your business. Don’t forget to tune into our new podcast for even more valuable insights!