Do you know how to get introduced? Regardless of your purpose, whether it’s employment, sales, or finding a solution to a problem, it’s important to connect with the person who has the knowledge and authority to help you. Someone suggesting to contact an organization without an introduction to an individual within the organization is little more than a cold call. And here’s the thing, cold calling is a crap shoot at best. When I was in sales being introduced to a decision maker was key. If you’ve been through a job search, you know the difference it makes to walk in the door with an introduction to the hiring manager. The importance of an introduction is never more apparent than when you’re talking with the wrong person.
How to Get Introduced
One winning strategy is to begin by offering to help others connect. Simply ask acquaintances and friends, what industry, organization, or person they’d wish to be introduced to. So, if you have a connection and trust your acquaintance, share your connection. Everyone may not reciprocate, but enough will to make it worthwhile. Be a Connector. One of the best ways to solicit introductions is to be known as a connector. Whenever possible, bring folks to together. People remember. Many will return the favor.
Do Good Things
Be known for offering good service and products and folks will trust you enough to introduce you to their friends. Take it a step further and be known for the good you do in life and people will look for connections to fit your needs.
Help Others
When someone offers to introduce you, make it worth their while. Look for ways to make it a win-win. How can you help them? What advantage will the introduction have for the connector? So, share introductions that may benefit the connector.
An Introduction Builds Trust
Attempting to connect without an introduction is difficult. Because building trust with a stranger is a journey. Introductions shout “trust this person—I do!” Regardless of our needs, whether we’re looking for a new career, a problem solved, or service rendered, we’re all looking for people we can trust. Hi, I’m Randy have we been introduced? How can I help you?
Are You a Good Networker?
I’d always considered myself an effective networker. I’m friendly, easy to talk to, and I’ve never met a stranger. However, none of that makes me a good networker – it makes me outgoing. I needed a plan to be an effective networker. That’s how my networking workbook, Help Networking started.
My plan probably won’t be your plan. That’s why throughout the book there are worksheets, checklists, and simple CTA’s. Use these to create a networking plan that fits your needs.
Image by Werner Heiber from Pixabay
