Comments on: How Not to Network – Darting Eyes & WIIFM

By: janice.tomich

janice.tomich — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 02:11:51 +0000

Hi Phyllis – I agree. I wrote a paper last year on body language at airports- specifically when people are picking up passengers. Body language is a fascinating subject. Your point about people not looking at you while engaging in conversation is supported academically. Research shows that people often look down to absorb content of conversation. I find myself doing it. I think intuitively we know when someone is concentrating on the spoken word and looks away.

My article was specifically speaking to people who were not interested in speaking to me and their eyes were searching for a better fit. As you said. “There are people who are impolite.”

Thank you for your imput.

By: Phyllis

Phyllis — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 18:52:51 +0000

One small point about eyes…and ears…

There are people who listen with their eyes and people who listen better when their eyes are not focused on the speaker – so they can fully engage their ears! Learning styles are a very important point here. Of course, there are people who are being impolite, but there are a lot people who – if they look at you – will not “hear” you because they are being forced to engage their least effective way of learning.

By: janice.tomich

janice.tomich — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 04:07:36 +0000

Hi Bill -

I am going to take your suggestion on. You are right, it is easy to be attracted to those who are the same but you have added a twist – the same but different!

To let everyone know, Bill has watched and guided me when I was brand new to Social Media (from Australia – I’m from Vancouver, Canada) . When I’ve run into problems he has extended and lent a hand.

Thank you Bill.

By: Bill Kernoczy

Bill Kernoczy — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 01:53:20 +0000

Hi Jsnice
Great networking experience is belonging to a linkedin group Defence Officers in Business in Brisbane. We all have a similar background, but vastly different business interests. It makes for a lively and vital group who share and use each other’s expertise.
Next f/n we’re going to an event where the CEO of one of our largest banks will be presenting.He’s a Sandhurst graduate.
Moral of story is, try to network with people who are not in the same business as you but who share common interests.
Tell you more later.
Bill

By: janice.tomich

janice.tomich — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:23:23 +0000

I like your comment Cordelia – act like a host and look after others – that is a perfect analogy. Cordelia is a trainer in Scotland who I have been following for about 4 months now on Twitter and her blog. She is who I go to when I am looking for presenting advice especially voice and gestures. Her site has great video clips that she creates and demonstrates what a terrific speaker she is: talkaboutspeaking.com

By: janice.tomich

janice.tomich — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:15:13 +0000

Maridel – John Fluevog is a bit of a Canadianism – he is a manufacturer of very cool and for me coveted shoes. Although he does have retail representation in the United States.

By: janice.tomich

janice.tomich — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:12:53 +0000

Thanks Jason. An FYI for everyone – Jason is a fellow school mate and a fantastic freelance writer. Both of us being word geeks who always get a good laugh at the word “expert”.

By: Maridel Bowes

Maridel Bowes — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 22:33:24 +0000

Hi Janice–

I wouldn’t know John if I tripped over him but like knowing someone who does!

Thanks for checking in on my blog and I look forward to connecting on Twitter and around the cyber neighborhood.

Maridel
“Shaking up a cocktail of spirit and sould with a twist of laughter.”

By: Jason

Jason — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 22:23:59 +0000

Great article Janice,
The style of networking that I enjoy is the one that doesnt feel like networking – just conversation with a connection.
You are an expert at this style – keep it up!

-j

By: Cordelia Ditton (DillyTalk)

Cordelia Ditton (DillyTalk) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 17:51:33 +0000

Hi Janice – useful stuff as always! I think Dale Carnegie got it right when he said ‘To be interesting is to be interested’. ie be genuinely interested in the people you meet, what they think and what they do. Develop the relationship and never, ever try to sell to them.
And I totally agree about the business cards! Great networkers I’ve met act like hosts and look after others.