Energetic Networking
By Dawn Diaz
There is a Zen mindfulness phrase that I like to share with my clients when they try to avoid difficult or uncomfortable situations : “ Wherever you go , there you are .” This profound statement applies just as much to your professional endeavors as it does to your personal affairs ; we ’ ve all heard that people will only do business with someone they know , like , and trust . Networking is defined as the act of making contact and exchanging information with other people , groups , and institutions to develop mutually beneficial relationships for the purpose of business or career advancement .
For this outcome to be accomplished , you must be responsible for the energy you are bringing into a room and the impact it will have on the people you interact with . Charisma is not a divine ethereal quality that you can only be born with ; it is a compelling charm that can inspire devotion in others simply through your authentic presence . It is also knowing that you bring tremendous value to the table , and that a connection with you will result in a win / win situation every time .
Over the last 10 years , I have attended and hosted countless networking events . During that time I have cultivated a massive network of associates from all industries ; many of whom I have been fortunate to do business with or perfectly match with others among my contacts to create some highly impactful projects .
A lot of the networking tools I share in my coaching programs and public speaking trainings are more about being than doing :
1 . Keep Your Space Clean Having unresolved disagreements , unfulfilled commitments , and unflattering inner-dialogue will not allow you to be fully present . This will block you from connecting with valuable contacts or , worse , will attract people from a lower energetic vibration than those you would want to have in your network .
2 . Intention Without Attachment Have a clear vision of one thing you look forward to contributing at this event , and one thing you would love to walk away with . Be flexible and keen to energies that may be pulling you toward other possibilities . I believe the universe will always give us one out of these three answers to our requests : 1 ) Yes , 2 ) Not now , 3 ) I ’ ve got something better for you .
3 . Know Your Audience
Be prepared . Do some research on the hosts , sponsors , speakers , and invited guests . It will make a great impression and will also give you an edge on specific requests , contributions , or suggestions you can make .
As entrepreneurs , we wear many hats . Choose one business or product to focus on for each event you plan to attend , and have a clear powerful message ready to share .
4 . Be The Lighthouse
This is about owning your space , shining brightly , and drawing the right people toward you rather than “ working the room .” Let others work the room around you ! Confident body language , a natural smile , comforting eye contact , and a genuine compliment will truly engage people and make an unforgettable impression .
Don ’ t get burned out going to endless networking events . Be strategic and selective .
Don ’ t be a card collector ! It ’ s quality vs quantity and nothing happens unless you follow up !
Don ’ t miss opportunities . Some of my best connections have happened by me actually being in the right place at the right time ; and of course , in the right space . I ’ ve met valuable contacts in elevators , ladies ’ rooms , planes , trains , and even at the supermarket ! So always have a business card , always be presentable , but most importantly , always be present and aware of your energetic space .
Dawn Diaz ( www . DawnDiaz . com ) is a speaker , author , and corporate trainer ; the CEO of Rescue Coaching Institute ; the founder of Milagros Day Worldwide ( www . MilagrosDay . org ); and a retired FDNY paramedic / captain .
SUMMER 2016 INSPIRING LIVES 49