Build your network one conversation at a time: Rob Thomas

How to network effectively without being a pest

Identify, Maximize, Refine and Nurture your Network of Contacts

Episode 125 (Rob is based in Connecticut)

In this conversation we explore:

• How to start conversation at a networking event
• How to flip the conversation when the other person attacks in sales mode
• How to meet the most prominent people at the event
• Are business cards still relevant and what is the  protocol?
• Spot the early warnings that this person is poison
• How to take the pressure off yourself at a networking event

About Rob Thomas:

Rob is the founder and president of RobThomasGLOBAL and creator of the Rob Thomas Method, (RTM). He is the author of "Who Do You NEED to Meet?"

Rob teaches and coaches business, owners, senior executives, sales professionals and entrepreneurs how to Identify, Maximize, Refine and Nurture your network of contacts.

Learn more about Rob Thomas and his programs at the website

RobThomasGlobal.com

You can find Rob Thomas on Linkedin

https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-l-thomas/

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Excerpts from this conversation with Rob Thomas about Networking

03:28

Well, because I used to be that guy. So when I do my public talks out and about, I talked about how I wasn't always like this, I had to learn my lesson.

I was that sales guy that you would see it those different grip and grins, and I would come up to you, I would push my business card into your face. And I would say, hey, so let's have a conversation about how I can sell you.

Essentially, I didn't say exactly that, but close enough. I didn't ask for your card. I don't want your card. And you know, people wouldn't say that, but they'd be very nice.

And then next thing, you know, they would end up throwing out the card. And I would never keep track of them. Because of course, you know, I would never ask for theirs. And I would follow up and they didn't want to talk to me.

So it wasn't until I sat down at a diner with my dear friend Brian. And he and I were about ready to talk about one of the different sales gigs I had been a part of over the years.

And he started off by saying, Alright, Rob, so we ordered our coffee. What are you going to sell me today?

I didn't have a reply to that. I didn't know what to say. And it was from that point on that my business coach at the time.

We sat after that and he said congratulations, you've arrived. You have now figured out that it isn't always about you.

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Your Intended Message is the podcast about how you can boost your career and business success by improving your communication skills. We’ll examine the aspects of how we communicate one-to-one, one to few and one to many – plus that important conversation, one to self.

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