This issue has come up a couple of times this week. Two people have been thinking about going to networking events, and before they go, they worry about how they are going to give back. Neither of them have very big networks right now, and they are concerned that they are going to ask for referrals with no way to give back.
I’m very happy that they get the giving part of networking. But I told both of them the same thing. Don’t worry in advance what you are going to be able to give. You don’t know until you ask someone what they want. And you may be surprised at the answers you get.
Giving can take many forms. Sometimes information is a great gift. I get a report every month from my local county supervisor. This month there was an article about a senior center opening up in Springfield. I have a client whose business is located in Springfield and involves working with the elderly. So I forwarded her the email. She was delighted! Now she has another avenue to pursue for growing her business. No referral was involved, but she needed the information.
So certainly be in a giving mindset when you network. But don’t worry in advance about what you can give. Ask the question, “How can I help you in return?” Listen to the answers. And be open to creative ways to give back to the people who refer you.
