I Stink At Networking

[John Elias]

So nearly everyone says the best way to get started is to network. Find other successful individuals in your area and get to know them and their story. Does anyone have any tips as to how they overcame networking struggles? Its not like I am a hermit or anything, small talk has just never really been my forte, so would you recommend just cutting straight to the point or how do many other already successful investors sort of act at big meetups

[Scott Mac]

Hi John.

I'm pretty good at networking, so I'll give you a tip.

Be yourself at all times. 

And always remember you do not have to lead the conversations.

An easy trick is to join a conversation between two people already in progress and just listen.

While they are talking smile a little and seem pleasant and just listen.

Then when they are done, ask one of them a  question this way. "Hi my name is John, and you were talking about X, that's really interesting, can you tell me more about Y and Z."

Then when he or she is done, hand the person your business card and concurrently ask for theirs.

Bingo, you now have a new "Business friend" Stage-1 (you have just networked).

Then when you get home send them an email saying "Hello" and that way they have your email and you now have a Stage-2 "Business Friend".

Pop them an email every few weeks or so and say hello and you now have a stage-3 "business friend".

Then when you see them again at another networking event, "Say hello and ask them if they have been up to anything new". Easy Peasy.

Since it's not natural to you, focus on quality over quantity when you go an event, and when your burnt out leave, even if you only get one business card. 

Then go out and have a nice meal as a reward for getting even 1 card. Because the journey of 1000 miles begins with one step.

Good Luck!