Bill Bartmann is a Superstar With Great Etiquette of Networking
“I’ll just die if I get to talk to that billionaire guy!” I used to be such a desperate character totally devoid of the etiquette of networking. Since then, I’ve discovered that it is your character, your will stemming from learning to grow and mature that attracts the right people to you, and vice versa.
Looking back in time, this is personal development from when I started. Eventually, someone will come up to you and you wonder about the personal mastery you’ve developed or want to learn from a certain powerful individual.
I realized that I am, I become the etiquette of networking I present.
In fact I have found that something far more valuable always happens. It is the relationship I build with them. This is long term. I make a friend of this person because I demonstrate that I am attuned what he or she is about. This VIP then reciprocates because you somehow have the vibes to stand out from the run of the mill crowd. Both your vibes somehow connect. How good is it to have business connections or ideas from this person, or will it continue even further?
Think You Can
“How I wish I can have a one to one with that super wealthy expert. I’m sure he can teach me boatloads of tricks to make me more money…”
We’ve all been in that “I wish position” at one time or another. Do you really want it strongly enough that you’d do what it takes to get to pick that person’s brains? Well, if you’re still wishing, you’ve just failed. Time to change that.
The Superstar
Networking With Bill Bartmann. Grainy picture was taken by an overly excited amateur networker like me back when...
You and 2 score or more people had just sat through an hour long presentation of an acknowledged genius of the industry you are in. All of you were so inspired, that person received a standing ovation when his or her delivery was over.
So why did you remain glued to your seat. Are you hoping this guy or gal will simply pick you out of crowd and give you the benefits of all their years of success?
Yes, why indeed.
Why the Disappearing Act?
Have you ever noticed a very curious thing right after that speech or seminar? Customarily, final questions will be asked for and that person literally runs for cover and disappears thereafter. It may be because that person is shy of publicity. Maybe it was company protocol. Maybe they were short on time. Perhaps the bathroom calls in the worst possible way.
But most likely, it is because he or she has simply had it with hangers-on and people who approach them demanding free information. You know them; they who whine and then cry for that person to solve their business problems.
Getting the Right Attention
Well before the end of the program, you’ll want to make this person notice you. But how do you do just that? Remember you’re still a stranger. But you have the advantage of being able to focus on becoming his or her friend over the course of that seminar…
You Can Try These Steps
1) WIIFM – “What’s in it for me?” Remember this mantra (it is meant for you and the person you want to meet).
You are totally prepared to want to meet this VIP. Yes, it is important to accord such great vibes in achieving an interview or connect with him or her.
Whenever you want something from someone, you must be 100% prepared to give something of equal or greater value in return.
2) Give Positive Attention and get Positive Attention from that person during his or her presentation.
You can:
a) Come to the presentation ready to offer creative input.
b) Build Rapport with that person on stage (he or she can see everything from stage). E.g.: Eye contact, breathing rhythm, hand gestures, taking notes, sitting straight up and attentive, respond through smiles or laughter or intelligent comments or intelligent questions, be silent but totally attentive, positive body language, etc.
3) Raise your hand at the end of the presentation and ask for a contact e-mail or business card.
It does not always work (this may be a very busy person). The idea is to get a closer attention from this person.
Remember your WIIFM? What can you offer to benefit that person enough that he or she will take time off to speak with you?
a) Write a promotional article about the person or subject?
b) You want to learn more about that particular industry niche this person is such an expert of?
c) You have an idea for a business that benefits that person?
If you have been getting that person’s positive attention during the presentation, chances are he or she will reciprocate very warmly. You may be asked to speak in private or make an appointment with a secretary…
This may not work 100% of the time, but I tried it with 5 people and got 4 very positive results. In fact, keep up the rapport building and they may decide to give you a full hour of consultation free of charge!
Try it!
