Issue link: http://psai.uberflip.com/i/1005965
W EEKLY EDITION JULY 18, 2018 The Old Ways of Networking Ain't What They Used to Be Technology, curiosity an d personality all come into play By Emily Newberg, PSAI Director of Membership and Credentialing Networking is crucial to building a business -- there's no surprise there. In the classic sense, meeting potential partners or customers and making a good imp ression will help others learn that you are there, and may even get them to work with you. But if you still imagine the art of networking as a friendly smile, a firm handshake and a business - card swap, then you have wasted an opportunity to make a truly me morable connection. You know the old saying that the amount you give out is the amount you get back? This isn't just some verse in an old book somewhere; it has been proven to work when put to the test. Networking is no exception to the law of give and ta ke and if we apply it to building your business, then you should be shelling out to potential partners exactly what you are envisioning fo r yourself. That is, bring curiosity towards you and your business by being curious about potential collaborators' goa ls and needs. The PSAI's Nuts and Bolts Educational Conference and the Annual Convention and Trade Show can both be described as the only events in North America catering specifically to the portable sanitation industry. Because they draw a smaller, m ore concentrated crowd of comple mentary businesses they were designed for optimal networking. Be willing to share your knowledge and your insights on your social media platforms or when you personally reach out to individuals . According to a recent Robert H alf survey one of the biggest mistakes networking executives make is not helping others. Even though we believe in the power of giving, it shouldn't eliminate the importance of asking. In fact, 30 percent of CFOs claim that the number one mistake network ers make is not ask ing for help. Never set it as an expectation that if you give they must give back, but don't be afraid to ask for a little push. Ask them if they'd be willing to share your business informatio n with a small group of friends; perhaps you learned about some groups with which they are involved when you were getting to know them. Choose to see your potential partners as co - creators. Because you were willing to share your talent it will become easier for you to ask others if they are willing t o share a little of theirs. Every time you receive a favor from someone, stay in the flow by continuing to give to someone else. But also, remember to thank anyone who has helped you and your business in any way. CFO's still rate "not thanking contacts" as one of the biggest follies still taking place in the business world. CONTINUED ON PAGE 9 P AGE 8