Recently two strangers who reached out to me via LinkedIn to have a networking call. I accepted their invitations because I find value in these types of meetings. If they saw something in my LinkedIn Profile, we might do business or provide mutual support. Here are some tips based on these calls:

Use an Online Scheduling Tool

Both made it easy for me to calendar the call by providing a scheduling tool. One used Calendly. The other used AcuityScheduling. Both were great. Quickly I had the meetings booked and received reminders in advance.

Initiate the Call Yourself

One had me call them, the other called me. I prefer receiving the phone call. It’s your party, be the host. Don’t run up my long-distance bill when you are trying to pitch me.

Do Your Homework

Neither one of the callers took the time to learn about me in advance. They were both inquisitive, but their questions were broad and uninformed. I would have been much more impressed if they absorbed the information available on my websites and social accounts before our call.

Listen

This was the key difference between the two calls. One was busy sizing me up while I was answering her questions. I knew this because she asked me the same question several times. She quickly got to speaking about her expertise and failed to draw out my story. I checked out mentally.

Find a Way to Be Mutually Supportive

Both networkers did this well. One offered to support my social media posts and she has delivered on this offer. The other introduced me to a service website that might become a part of my strategy going forward. In return, I made sure I gave them resources suitable to their business endeavors.

In the past I might not have taken the time to meet with these folks. The shut-down has opened my schedule and I’m taking full advantage of this opportunity to connect with others. I’ll end with my own offer. If you want to tell me about your product or service, set up the call. There are no mistakes. If we connect, there will be value in it, especially if you follow the tips I just offered.

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