Never Say Impossible Radio interviews John Spannuth
John Spannuth- master entrepeneur and networker
Click here to listen to John’s interview and learn how to network the right way
NETWORKING TO MAKE AN IMPACT
Do you feel nervous when you networNetworking in person can be intimidating for beginners. There is a design and a craft to networking effectively. There are marketing companies whose sole purpose is to help people learn to be marketers. It appears simple on the surface, however that is far from the truth. The complexity of networking has changed over the last two decades because of social media and the Internet. In many ways it has made networking easier and in other ways it has created another” gold rush” to build your online networking community. Collecting hundreds or even thousands of business cards will not help you make the connections you need to advance your career, unless those cards are put to good use.
The same is true when building social media networks of thousands of people that are not interested in what you do and vice versa. The good news is that if you know what to do with the contacts you are making both in person and online you can hit a home run.
I remember the first time I went to a large networking event in the 1980s. It was a sales meeting for a major American corporation. I had only been on the job for a few months when the sales meeting was held. The event included people from the US and abroad. Without exaggeration, there had to be at least 800 sales people in one room and I did not know any of them. Yikes, I wanted to run away.
The most difficult part of it was that they all seemed to know each other. There I was in the middle of hundreds of people feeling completely alone. It was totally humbling. The room was filled with laughter and raised voices. I looked around desperately searching for a familiar face. Today, I would have been able to spot one immediately because everyone has an online photo of his or her self-visible to the public. Introducing yourself to someone you have interacted with online is so much easier. It’s as though you have known them for years. The surprise comes when you discover that they are not at all what you expected. This new interaction allows for a deeper understanding of each other.
Remember you are just as important as all the other people in the room
Evening networking events should be fun, right?
Going back to my first networking story experience, whe
Going back to my first networking story experience, when I did not see a familiar face in the crowd, I decided to make my move and approach anyone who was not speaking to someone else. That was a real challenge. It was one of the most uncomfortable networking experiences I can remember.
Recalling that event and my feelings of insecurity, I was thrilled with social media. It makes in person networking easier. If you have an online relationship before a physical event takes place, you actually feel as though you have known many of the people in the room for years, therefore making the experience a great deal friendlier.
Although my first attempt at networking was a challenge, as time went on I actually grew to love networking because it was such a great way to grow wonderful relationships. Social media has enhanced the networking experience.
There was a lot to learn about the protocol needed to be a good networker regardless of how you are meeting new connections. Yes, there really is a good way to network and a bad way. You really have to start off understanding what the benefits of networking are. I like to think of it as relationship building rather than simply meeting new people.
Ask yourself these questions
First let us examine the reason that you are at the networking event whether it is in person or online. Hopefully, it is because you want to be there and not because you feel you have to be there.
- Are you there to make new contacts in the business world?
- Perhaps it’s simply Socialization.
- Are used seeking relationships with the top leaders in your business field?
- Are you hoping to learn what other people are doing and integrate their techniques into your business?
- Share your knowledge and expertise with others so that you will mutually benefit and open the possibility of collaboration?
- Maybe you are strictly attempting to promote yourself or your business?
- Are you looking to build lasting relationships and grow your network?
Hopefully, the answer to all of those questions will be yes. However, if you do not know how to network regardless of how good your intentions are, you may fail miserably. Never Say Impossible Radio has invited John Spannuth, one of the best networkers I have ever met to share his secrets with you today. My private nickname for John is the connector. I have never shared that with him. John has travelled extensively throughout the world. He has networked with Government officials and dignitaries both here and abroad. He was the International Director of the Special Olympics in Washington, DC, where he guided the growth of Special Olympics for Eunice Shriver and helped to build it into an internationally recognized program for persons with intellectual disabilities. He served four years in the Middle East as Aquatics, Sports and Recreation Administrator in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, while teaching swimming on all levels including competitive swimming to native children of the region.
About John Spannuth:
One of John’s priorities in life is helping other people. He has enjoyed working with interns. At one time, he had five full-time interns working in his office. He also enjoys serving as a mentor to individuals and has served as a mentor to 9 different individuals at one time.
He has served in a number of interesting positions around the world. At one time, he was International Director of Special Olympics working with the Kennedy Foundation in Washington, D.C.
Much of his life has been involved in aquatics. He is now the President/CEO of the United States Water Fitness Association. The USWFA is a non-profit, educational organization located in Boynton Beach, Florida.
One of his great interests is in helping people to connect with people who can help them in some way. Today, John’s thoughts are designed to help people connect to others that will be of mutual benefit.
Contact info for John Spannuth:
Website:www.United States Water Fitness Association
John R. Spannuth
USWFA President/CEO
National & International Renowned Speaker
Phone: 561-732-9908
Email: [email protected]
