The Power of Networking - Part 16

THE POWER OF NETWORKING

PART 16

By Nikki Viljoen of Viljoen Consulting CC

Craig Harrison says that the reason that Networking may not be working for you is because of the basic 9 mistakes that Networker’s make.  I will be going through these over the next few weeks and let’s see if this is what is holding you back.

The third mistake he says is “Monotonal Delivery.  If you can’t convey your qualifications, passion and employability in 30 seconds you may not get 30 minutes in an interview.  Use vocal variety, intonation and enthusiasm to speak confidentially about yourself.”

Sometimes my greatest challenge at a Networking function is staying focused.  So many times my mind has wandered and I find myself thinking about what my next appointment is and mentally reminding myself what has to be done before I leave for the appointment and what I have to remember to take with me and so on.  Once I realize what is happening, I have to drag my thoughts back to the moment and try and re-focus on what is happening on the day. 

This is generally due to the person(s) who are speaking at the time – it often sounds like they are so bored with themselves and what they do.  It sounds like they would much rather be doing something else. It sounds like a well rehearsed speech that they have given several hundred times that day and quite frankly it sounds like they really feel that they shouldn’t have to be saying all of this again!

You’re passionate about what you do right?  So let everyone know that!  Let the passion come out into your voice, into your body language.  Remind yourself before you get up to speak, what your objectives are and why you are there in the first place.  Make people excited for you, about you and with you.  This is after all your life, so put some life into it!

To get to know a bit more about Craig Harrison, please visit his website on http://www.craigspreaks.com

Nikki is an Internal Auditor and Business Administration Specialist who can be contacted on 083 702 8849 or nikki@viljoenconsulting.co.za