My Biggest Challenge In Business Networking Is Me

By: Sri Dasgupta
Submitted: 2007-01-17 15:32:22
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I thought I'd write about a common challenge: meeting new people.

But a curious thing happened.

As I was writing, I made a typo and ended up with an very interesting title: My Biggest Challenge In Business Networking Is Me (it was supposed to be "My Biggest Challenge In Business Networking Is Meeting New People".)

Well, this was too good a topic to pass up. So let's talk about how we can be our biggest challenge!

We are told, and many of us believe, that we need to behave a certain way, dress a certain way, talk about or not talk about certain things, when it comes to business networking.

I disagree.

This is one very simple way we can become our own biggest networking challenge.

Think about it.

Where is your attention and focus, when you're trying to "present a professional image"? (And whose definition of "professional" is it anyway?)

For instance, I know that when I'm trying to be "professional", all my attention goes towards "being professional", leaving very little for conversations or other people.

This is NOT a good thing in business networking!

On the other hand, when I'm not worrying about *my* image, my focus and attention can be (and usually is) directed 100% towards other people and the conversations we're having.

And not surprisingly, I present a much better "image" by doing so.

I'm not suggesting that you be sloppy or rude (and if you're reading this article, you're probably neither).

What I am saying is just be yourself.

Don't believe me? I dare you to try it out! See what happens.

(c) Copyright 2006, Srirupa Dasgupta

Srirupa Dasgupta is the author of Effortless Networking: Everyday Wisdom to Transform your Business and Life. She helps small business owners, entrepreneurs and self-employed professionals build, sustain and leverage the professional and personal network that is necessary to succeed. For more information, visit her website at www.EffortlessNetworking.com .

Article source: Expert Articles

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