How to be the Einstein of Networking

Episode show notes

Networking is an essential, yet often intimidating aspect of creating your future path - it’s time to become a networking genius.

Following on from the previous episode of The Company Doctor with Stephanie Lynch-Habib, we’re breaking down the tips, tricks and tactics to help you grow your network.

From curiosity (which did not, in this case, kill the cat) and infinite loops to throwing a loaf of bread at pigeons in Trafalgar Square, this episode is full of bizarre-yet-apt analogies which will unlock the secrets to perfecting your networking skills.

Key takeaways from this episode:

Curiosity is the key

Be famous for something

Press the ‘GO’ button on your networking

Quotes & Highlights

“You need to find a reason why they might want to meet with you, and I think it starts with what you want to be famous for. Why would they want to meet you? I think you can create that ‘why’.” - 4:40 - Gary Gamp

“Yes, you're open to network, but you're driving the train. You're driving the network, because you've got to take the initiative.” - 6:40 - Gary Gamp

“There’s actually two types of chances to connect. The first one I would call intentional networking, where I'm going to build a plan, I'm going to get out there and get together with people. The second one is more spontaneous networking, which means you are open to networking, but it means you are taking the initiative.” - 10:30 - Gary Gamp

“The key skill to being a networking genius is to be good at asking questions that show a genuine interest in the other person. The mistake people make is that networking is not about you, it's actually about them.” - 12:05 - Gary Gamp

“Forget the next question and just focus on what the person is saying to you and then ask a question based on their response. All of a sudden, it shows you're listening, because you’ve had to listen in order to ask that question.” - 14:45 - Gary Gamp

“When you meet with people, they tell you stuff about their industry, about them, about life, and you acquire new knowledge. When you move to the next person, you can add the knowledge you've already received and pass it on. Then you take the knowledge from the second person and pass on to the third person. By the time we get to 10 people, you've got some really interesting stuff to talk about.” - 22:20 - Gary Gamp

“If you're networking, warm contacts are the best way. We're not cold calling people, there needs to be a connection to that person. If you've got some reference to someone that you know, then you've got a warm contact, and you can really leverage your own reputation through someone else.” - 23:40 - Gary Gamp

Episode keywords

TheCompanyDoctor, podcast, podcasting, business, business podcast, CEO, CMO, COO, CFO, entrepreneur, entrepreneurship, networking, marketing, networking genius, curiosity, follow up questions, reciprocity, trust,

Links & references

Gary Gamp: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garygamp

George Clode: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgeclode