So Was It Good For You?!

The folks that connect with me and see me in the community know I am always up for a good networking get together.  Whether it is a luncheon for The Greater Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, my weekly business networking club CNY Synergy (led by Ryan York), or volunteer events, I tend to be there.  Recently, a colleague came to me with a story of how he was put into a position where someone who had given him a referral that led to business.  Now this person was looking for business in return.

I feel one misconception people have when making business connections through chamber events, tip clubs, etc, is that there will be a perfect balance in the universe and all referrals will be tit-for-tat.  Well, the truth of the matter is it rarely, if ever works out that way.  Further, just because you do business with someone doesn't make them obligated to do business with you.  What if you are not offering what they want?  What if they already have good service/products from their other provider?  

Just as I was about to be unemployed last year it was recommended to me that I read "The Go-Giver" by Bob Burg and John David Mann.  It is a parable about a go-getter named Joe, who is trying to find a way to connect with a major client and land that major deal to put him over the top.  He is directed to an elderly man by the name of Pindar who teaches Joe his "Five Laws of Stratospheric Success".  I saw a lot of the things I attempted to accomplish in this story as I was absorbed in it.  It felt like "I do these things," but this story showed me how to tie the elements together and provoked me to be introspective about how I conduct myself and network with others.  I highly encourage anyone in sales, or looking to connect with other people, to read this story.  

In the end, whether or not we network and EXPECT something in return is up to the the individual.  But I believe that if this is a pervasive mindset, a person will not be able to gain all they possibly could from business networking.  Next business event try this: find people you know and introduce them to someone they don't.  Right there you are making a connection for someone.  Whether or not it leads to direct business between those individuals is not absolute, but because they met could lead to other business when they get to find out "who knows who" and what they individually find in the field.  I personally practice this and it is amazing who can do what business with who when you start making these connections.  As their connections grow, so will your networks, and the larger your network the more you can influence and find opportunities.

for more on Cory Sullivan visit his profile

Cory Sullivan and his Blog

This is Cory Sullivan and this is my new blog.  I have never blogged before, so bear with me.  Let me tell you a little bit about myself,  I am from Syracue, New York, where I was born.  I have spent about more than 12 years in technology related consulting/sales jobs.  I have been asked more and more questions lately concerning "the cloud" and the use of applications, hardware, and social media.  Topics such as SEO (Search Engine Optimization for those who do not like acronyms).

I plan on writing about many different subjects such as business networking, cutting edge technology, kooky things I come across on a daily basis, and my beloved sports teams here in Syracuse.

My next blog will be about business networking!  Stay tuned

This is Cory Sullivan - over and out

for more on Cory Sullivan, visit his profile at brandyourself