Thoughts on networking – David Regler

Thoughts on networking – David Regler

Michael Beale interviews David Reggler to discuss how David networks. David is a Business Consultant that specialises in working with clients to improve B2B Sales. David can be contacted through http://www.maine-associates.co.uk/

Compiled by Michael Beale 29th May 2005


What is networking?

It’s about connecting with people, becoming aware of what they want and letting them know what you want. It is then about cultivating the relationship for mutual benefit.

It’s also about understanding the value of not only the person but also their network

While I network primarily for business I enjoy doing it.


Where and when do you do it?

Face to face and online, any time.

I use different strategies for different mediums. I keep in contact electronically – not much telephoning.


What specifically do you do?

I engage with people – find out about them first and then let them know a little bit about me. If I think there is a ‘mutual connection’ between us I’ll keep in contact.

For me it’s not a numbers game. If people are too ‘overt’ and ‘push’ or too ‘closed’ I tend to avoid them.

If you were going to teach me about it, what would you ask me to do?

Start! Make contact with people, find out about them and find a way of keeping in contact.

How did you learn to network?

Getting out and doing it; noticing the response I get

What do you believe about yourself when you network?

I believe its OK to initiate contact and that I can establish a connection quickly if there is some genuine mutual benefit.

I believe my immediate network is very important to me.

I don’t have to network with everybody and I can network with people at different levels.

What do you believe about the people you network with?

Everyone is interesting in some way.

Everyone has the potential to introduce me to somebody else.

I never know what might come up.


How do you know when you’re networking well?

It’s about the positive reaction I get from the person I’m networking with.

It ‘feels right’ and I believe I’ve left the other person with a good impression.

Do you have a ‘mission’ or ‘vision’ when you network?

It’s about searching out opportunities.

It’s to learn about anything.

It’s to expand my perspective.



What are your best ‘states’ for networking?

Open, attentive, looking for opportunities for me and my network.


Anything else?

The key is thinking through what you can give the other person.

The ‘connection’ is more important than the numbers.

Networking is my most successful way of generating business.


Copyright 2005 PPI Business NLP

PPI Business NLP Ltd
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NLP Modelling Project

NLP Modelling projects - A possible approch

As part of our practitioner accreditation we ask students to identify someone who has skills or achievements that they admire - and present back with three or four ideas that will help both themselves and other members of the group improve their performance in whatever field is chosen.

The following is our 'starter brief' that can be used by almost anybody. Try it a couple of times and you may find that you have some very valuable skills in this area. This modelling is based on Robert Dilts 'logical levels' rather than the 'deep trance identification' used by Bandler and Grinder; however it provides a useful and pragmatic introduction to modelling.

Firstly decide who you would like to model or what skills or capabilities you would like to develop. Remember NLP is about modelling the best - so set your sights high, you'll be surprised who'll see you if you come over as genuinely interested. And there are lots of others to see if they don't.

Use a tape/mini disc recorder and preferably arrange to see people in their offices -I have some very interesting recordings in bars and clubs - but the background noise blanks out the content!! And remember to listen - sometimes questions that don't make any sense to you get the best answers.

Mix and match the following question sets:

Introduction

You've chosen someone because they're good - so let them know, and keep any confidences that are important to them.

You have a reputation at being good at 'people networking' (adapt to your topic) are you happy that I ask you some questions about it?

Environment
Where and when do you do it?

Behaviours
What specifically do you do?
If you were going to teach me to do it, what would you ask me to do?

Capabilities
What skills do you have that enable you to do this?
How did you learn how to do this?

Beliefs
What do you believe about yourself when you do this?
What do you believe about the person you're doing this to?

Identity
Do you have a personal mission or vision when you're doing this?

Other questions
How do you know that you're good at this?
What emotional and physical state are you in when you do this?
What happened for you to be good at this?
What are you trying to achieve when you do this?
Who else do you recommend I talk to about this?


Please give me a ring if you would like to discuss this further. (Michael 01908 506563)

Business methodology

To build this into a very powerful process for a business, for example empowering a sales force or customer service unit we would tailor the questions and add a number of other stages.

Desk research
Questioning top performers
Questioning key customers
Observing in action
Building an effective model
Implementing the model

See the results of our modelling exercise on people networking skills

Copyright 2005 PPI Business NLP