How to have a successful networking 121. The ONLE Networking Show ep19 with Rory Berry.

Kelly and James discuss one of the fundamentals of online networking - the 121 meeting. Learn the key tips on how to approach your 121s to set you up for success. Plus we hear our members’ thoughts about which they prefer, speaking or listening.

Finally, we hear a valuable interview from staff retention specialist Rory Berry which details his journey through performing arts and improv to running a business, as well as some personal anecdotes about his two loves - cake and Lego!

Listen/subscribe on Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/how-to-have-a-successful-networking-121-the/id1500905335?i=1000609458986

Listen/subscribe on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/54gPK2NYI5sBmZxp9KJe9j?si=327c3c2fcd14429c

Our sponsor

The ONLE Networking Show is proud to be sponsored by GetSetSolent. GetSet Solent is a fully funded business support service. The service helps businesses overcome the two biggest barriers to growth: generating profitable customers and accessing finance. 

GetSet Solent’s aim is increase the knowledge and skill levels in the region, providing clarity and confidence to help Solent-based businesses achieve their growth potential through 121's and workshops. GetSet Solent is only available to SMEs across the Solent area and is funded by the European Regional Development Fund. Find out what support you can get by checking out: https://www.getsetforgrowth.com/solent/

Show notes
How to have a successful networking 121:

The 121 meeting is one of the fundamentals of a successful networking strategy. It is an essential part of your follow up process from each of your networking meetings. Here you have the time to deepen your relationship with an individual, explain an ideal referral for you as well as providing the freedom to discuss any other strands of income you feel could be of interest to your fellow networker.

Leaving the meeting being clear on how you can help that other person and vice versa is a key element that most people neglect until the last few moments when you are running out of time. Don’t shy away from selling, but a 121 meeting should not simply be an exchange of sales pitches. You must add something you cannot just get from your website and there is a key approach which will help you do so - probe and position.

Based on Sarina Mann’s ONLE Talks about communicating effectively online, the response from members was somewhat split with some networkers preferring talking over listening and vice versa. However all seemed in agreement about the valuable role that active listening plays in the strategy of an effective communicator and networker. So many people like to talk, so if you genuinely like to listen, giving them the space to do so is a great way to engage with others and build relationships. Seeking to listen in order understand rather than to respond is a key takeaway from these discussions, while it is important to remember that being a confident speaker is what keeps your listeners engaged and ultimately interested to learn more.

ONLE members notes from around the network:
Reem Khatib: “I love listening more than speaking. I love the stories.”
Alan Braithwaite: “ I love talking, there is no point in pretending otherwise but I talk to find out about others.”
Alessandro Ferullo: “When I listen, people are fascinated by me.”
Phil Coley: “Listening is the best sales tool.”
Sarina Mann: “Good speaking is a response to listening.”
Rachel McKenna: “Pick out the key words people use, why did they say it? You can often find out what people need and how you can help them by listening intently."
Leah Steele: “Networking is the slow cooker of marketing when most people want an air fryer”

Conclusion: Do not neglect learning what people actually want before you try and sell at them. A networking 121 is not an elevated sales pitch. It is a chance to get to know the human being behind the business and how you can help one another.

Give Rory a follow: https://www.linkedin.com/in/staffretentionspecialist/, https://www.facebook.com/RoaringBerry, https://www.instagram.com/roaringberry/