TIN #086 - How to Be the Top Pick: Networking Your Way to Five Stars
Building Your Five-Star Personal Brand Like the Big Brands On Amazon and Yelp
Hey there, fellow networkers!
I bet you’ve never thought, “What can Amazon and Yelp teach us about networking?”
But, I’m going to share it with you anyway.
Today, I'm talking about how you can create your own personal five-star review through networking, just like those glowing reviews you see at these online sites.
This real life five-star rating is the key to getting what you want with your networking.
Read on…
This issue takes about 4 minutes to read.
Before We Get Started:
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The Power of Five-Star Reviews
When we browse through Amazon or Yelp, or any review platform for that matter, what's the first thing we look for?
Yep, those shiny five-star reviews.
They're like beacons of quality, guiding us towards the best products or services available.
And guess what?
The same principle applies to networking.
But before we delve into that, let's reflect on why we trust these online reviews in the first place.
It's because, deep down, we rely on the opinions of strangers to make informed decisions.
Whether it's choosing a restaurant or buying a gadget, those star ratings influence our choices.
And believe it or not, networking operates on a similar premise.
The Old-School Way vs. Modern Networking
Back in the day, before the era of online reviews, how did we decide which mechanic to trust or which doctor to visit?
We asked our inner circle for recommendations.
We valued the opinions of people we knew and trusted because their endorsements eased our decision-making process.
Networking works the same way.
Whether you're hunting for a job or seeking new business opportunities, your goal remains unchanged: to be endorsed or referred by those who matter.
Think of it as aiming for a five-star review from someone who can give this rating to the decision-maker you’re trying to influence.
Just like how you'd prefer a product with stellar reviews, you want to be the top choice in the minds of hiring managers or potential clients.
If someone a hiring manager knows and trusts gives him or her your name for a role, and it comes with a five-star review, you jump to the top of the candidate list.
The Power of Referrals and References
Let me share a personal anecdote that illustrates the impact of a five-star review in action.
A few years back, as part of a job interview, I inadvertently received a glowing endorsement from a vendor I had worked with in the past.
During my interview, my future boss asked which vendors I’d worked with at my other jobs.
I gave her the names of the people and the companies I had worked with in the past.
I went home after the interview and immediately received an email from one of those vendors saying the company I was interviewing with had called him asking about me.
We had a good relationship, and he knew I was interviewing, so he was happy to give me a good recommendation.
His positive review of my skills and character sealed the deal for the hiring manager, removing any doubts about my suitability for the role.
That's the power of referrals and references done right.
By keeping your network informed about your aspirations and achievements, you pave the way for those invaluable endorsements that can tip the scales in your favor.
Building Your Five-Star Network
Now, here's the million-dollar question:
How do you secure those coveted five-star reviews in the realm of networking?
Well, it's not a walk in the park.
You can't just ask someone for a glowing endorsement out of the blue.
It takes time, effort, and strategic connections.
Whether you're job hunting or expanding your business, your mission is clear: cultivate relationships with individuals who have proximity to decision-makers.
These could be colleagues, industry insiders, or acquaintances with ties to your target companies.
The goal?
To have them sing your praises when your name comes up in conversation.
Conclusion: Your Path to Networking Success
In a nutshell, networking isn't just about collecting business cards or LinkedIn connections—it's about curating a network of advocates who are willing to give you that coveted five-star review when it matters most.
So, as you navigate your networking journey this week, keep your eyes on the prize: building a network that speaks volumes about your worth and capabilities.
Remember, every interaction is an opportunity to strengthen your network and inch closer to your goals.
Stay tuned for more networking insights, and until next time, ABC - Always Be Connecting!
Before You Go…
Check out a couple of interesting items I wanted to share with you this week: