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The Best Connections for Business Networking: Influencers

The Best Connections For Business Networking: Influencers

Influencers aren’t always easy to identify – there are many giving, community-minded, dependable people in the world. But the truth is many of them don’t make an impact. It’s important to remember that impact and influence go hand in hand. Impact comes from a few attributes, and influencers have at least one of following:

  1. Broad base of knowledge.
    Your action:
    When you meet others, look for conversational signs that they could have a broad knowledge base
  2. Large perspective.
    Your action:
    Be conscious of people who surprise you with their insights. Note how they view the world and its possibilities in a different light.
  3. Difference makers.
    Your action:
    Create a list of people you might contact who are highly visible in your community or industry. This is a brainstorming list, so jot down everyone that comes to mind without judgment. Next, place a star next to those that you think have the traits of Networlders and the behaviors of influencers. From that short list, select 2-3 that you would like to contact and list one way to accomplish that.

Consider these additional tips for helping you locate the best networking partners:

  • Magazines that list the best companies for women to work, socially conscious companies, those with the best CEOs (sources include: Forbes, Crains, Fortune, Inc, Entrepreneur, Fast Company, etc.)
  • Showcased articles in local newspapers—business sections, on top business leaders (you are looking for people who, through their words or stories, espouse complimentary values to yours)
  • Referrals from your current networking partners. Do this by asking, “What one person do you know what is the best value-based networker, leader, influencer, mentor, etc?”
  • Referrals from your local chamber to top business leaders
  • Research on the web with headings such as “socially responsible companies,” “business leaders,” “top business leaders,” etc.)

The importance of influencers:

  • What does influence mean to you?
  • What does power mean to you? How are influence and power different?
  • Where have you found influencers in unusual places or situations?

Key points to remember when understanding the importance of influence:

  • I define influence as the power to affect another person, people, or course of events.
  • Influencers may have position or wealth, but they also have earned influence – their power to influence comes from a particular set of skills, knowledge, or experience. They aren’t necessarily title holders.
  • Influencers are doers, not passive observers. They always add value.
  • Influencers actively work on their networking partners’ behalf, making valuable connections, sharing resources, and making recommendations.

But even more importantly, is figuring out what to look for in a networking partner. Consider the following characteristics of great partners:

  • Wide variety of connections
  • Very observant of people and environments
  • Talent for staying in touch
  • Outwardly focused
  • Sensitive to other’s needs
  • Access to different types of information
  • Natural talent for connection and helping others
  • Focused on diversity
  • Spiritually, intellectually, and emotionally balanced
  • Influencer to a broad base
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