Don’t be too quick to judge.
One of the biggest mistakes we can make when networking is being too swift to judgement.
We meet someone new and instantly decide whether we like them or not. It’s not our fault. It’s the way humans are.
Research shows that first impressions are formed in 7 seconds. We then reject any information that conflicts with that first impression. It can take us a long time to admit we got it wrong.
This is dangerous, especially in a networking context. Rebuilding burned bridges is a slow and difficult task.
Emotion before logic.
The trouble is that our first response is an emotional one. Do we like the way someone looks? Do we warm to what they say? What are we inferring from their body language?
The very best networkers will be aware of this. They will stop and give logic a chance.
They’ll recognise that the visitor might be nervous and over-compensating. They’ll acknowledge that the person’s previous networking experience might have influenced the behaviour. They may even accept that their own prejudices have come in to play. Above all they will understand that first impressions can be unreliable.
Give everyone a chance.
There are some examples of people who have met their life partner at a networking event but that’s not why most of us are there. We’re there to form relationships that will help us in business. Most of us want to meet people who can introduce us to new business opportunities.
Many networkers believe that strong relationships are built on ‘know, like and trust.’ But is ‘like’ an essential attribute? I think we can respect people without necessarily liking them. So, if there is mutual respect and trust there is a basis for an effective networking relationship.
These things must be earned. That doesn’t happen in 7 seconds. We need to suspend that early judgement and give our new contact a chance. First impressions don’t win trust.
Let’s bring in the logic.
Let’s find out more about the person’s experience. Who have they worked with? What qualifications do they have? What is their expertise?
We also want to know who they know.
I once heard a tale about a networker dismissing an introduction as not being of use. He made that obvious to the new contact. It was only later that he discovered that the person lived next door to his dream client! But the bridge had been burned.
We don’t have to like someone to respect their abilities. Just because we don’t like someone doesn’t mean that our dream client isn’t their life partner. Sometimes a civil working relationship is enough.
Will you stop and give logic a chance before you write someone off on a first impression? You may become glad you did.
If you are looking for some friendly open-minded networking then give Fabulous Networking a chance. We have more than 12 events every month and some are as short as 45 minutes. Check them out at https://fabulousnetworking.co.uk/events/
