While this is a function of association and learning, the opportunity to network and build relationships is always available for those who are aligned with the values of a ‘Go-Giver‘. As a result of this approach, networking in this and affiliated functions is done differently and connection to others is made through INTRODUCTION. We do this to protect existing relationships, including yours.
“So who do we suggest I connect to?”
If you are new to this environment, our first suggestion is this – while it is certainly acceptable and encouraged that you meet and converse with others it these events, it is vitally important that you respect a person’s primary relationship. The reason for this is to protect you and your reputation by avoiding any suggestion that you are simply a ‘networking vampire‘ and merely attempting to drain the network, rather than build relationships.
Consider that everyone who attends a Connect Collaborative event is there by invitation, just like you. So in the same way that it is important that your guests feel comfortable that they won’t be sold to on the night, the expectation is that you will first and foremost focus on building relationships with people in the environment before moving to a transactional conversation offsite.
When you meet someone new who you feel it would be worth continuing a conversation with offsite, it is expected that you will first ask who they are connected to (their collaborator) and they are likely to ask the same. This helps you both to understand the lineage of relationship. From there we recommend you come back again to meet at the next event, and in the meantime confirm with your collaborator that it is appropriate for you to continue the conversation.
Also, just because you meet someone at one of our events, doesn’t necessarily mean you will want to invest time in building a relationship with them for collaboration.
While we believe simply attending this function is of value for all individuals, there are a small number of people who consistently apply the principles and actions promoted in this environment in order to build high-trust networks. We strongly recommend you make yourself known to those few by demonstrating the values of a ‘Go-Giver’ and adding value to your own network first, using this platform. We make this recommendation because they are well known, liked and most importantly, trusted as true collaborators and can make valuable connections for you to others in this function, for your goals.
These are the people we recommend you become aware of, and make yourself known to:
CONTRIBUTOR
This invitational group make up the majority of the event environment and are distinguished by:
1) Having attended this event consistently for at least 1 month
2) Have consistently invited, built, and added value to people in their own network for this period
3) are actively growing and learning about how to use the events to benefit themselves and others
COLLABORATOR
Members of this invitational group have demonstrated the principles of a ‘Go-Giver’ by:
1) Attending this event consistently every week for a minimum of 6 months
2) Have consistently invited, built, and added value to people in their own network for this period
3) Are currently collaborating and being regularly coached by a core collaborator in business
CORE COLLABORATOR
Members of this invitational group have demonstrated the principles of a ‘Go-Giver’ by:
1) Attending this event consistently every week for a minimum of 6 months
2) Have consistently invited, built, and added value to people in their own network for this period
3) Are currently collaborating and coaching other collaborators in business as well as receiving coaching themselves
4) Have achieved a high level of success in their own business or professional endeavours.
If you are approached by someone you don’t have an existing relationship with, we would suggest that you firstly ask which collaborator they are connected to and refer them back to that collaborator to ask if further connection is appropriate (remember to also let them know who you are connected to, so they can do the same). Always offer to reconnect and continue the conversation at the next event. By returning, it will be a clear demonstration that they are genuine about building a relationship not just looking for the quick transaction – and you can do the same.
By doing this, you will demonstrate that you are a team player and are able to respect existing relationships (and yours will be too). It will also enable you to have a ‘behind the scenes’ conversation and discover if that person is a true ‘Go-Giver’ who will add value to your network, or if they are a ‘networking vampire‘, just in it for themselves.
By doing this it will also make sure that taking the conversation offsite is an effective use of your time and energy with the right people, giving you the greatest opportunity for success!