Given that I passionately believe that our success in life is determined by the quality of our thoughts, it may not surprise you that I feel that good networkers are because they think they are.
Increasingly, quantum physicists are proving (at least to themselves since most of us don’t want to know about it) that our thoughts create everything, indeed that thought influences subatomic particles.
So, here are some ideas for improving your networking just by thinking about it. As of reading this, start to self talk by telling yourself that you are good at networking and that you attract the right people at the right time. In addition, reinforce this inner conversation with the notion that you are a good resource for those who increasingly want to network with you. I know for some this can sound crazy and even too simple; however, if quantum physicists are correct, then we do indeed create our own reality. So, the constant positive self talk will create an inner confidence and expectation that networking comes easy to you.
My experience of coaching and working with successful people is that they never really contemplate the idea of failure, since all their thoughts seem to support whatever they desire to achieve. If you think about it, you often read in interviews or hear on TV chat shows how those who do succeed seem to say sooner or later “I was in the right place at the right time.” Trust me, trust by thinking that you are good at networking and that the right people will all show up at the right time will make a big difference to you.
This said, networking begins by meeting people, so again to maximise on each opportunity, begin specifically self talking about an up and coming event where new contacts can be made. This will build your self confidence and an aura of approachability and that you are someone worth spending time with. Realise that we each give subconscious clues to others about our willingness to meet and be open; equally others can give off the underlying desire to just use and even abuse each opportunity for selfish gain. Subconsciously others pick this up and, although not sure why, find they are not attracted to these kinds of people and naturally stay away from them.
To really maximise your opportunities, I strongly recommend you follow this simple procedure. Arrive at the venue a little earlier than you normally would and go straight to the wash rooms. Find the privacy to then practise this simple routine. While sitting down comfortably but with a straight back (you can do this by positioning your knees over your ankles, your shoulders over your hips and your ears over your shoulders), close your eyes and bring your attention to your breathing and just relax. Begin then to see in your mind’s eye the coming event go well. Imagine you are surrounded by a brilliant white light dappled with colours of the rainbow and therefore you are attractive to all in attendance. Imagine the people you wish to meet coming to you and engaging in warm and accepting conversation, sense that you find them willing to talk and therefore build the foundation for a successful relationship. Tell yourself that you will attract the right people this time and that you are willing to be of service to others in return for them being of help to you.
World Class sports people do this mental rehearsal stuff all the time. So if it’s good enough for them, it’s good enough for world class networkers.