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Networking for Dummies
Making connections for the Kingdom's sake
Mark Begly

Topics:Communication, Marketing, Public relations, Relationships
Filters:Financial officer, Fundraising ministry, Greeter, Outreach, Pastor, Pastoral care
Purpose:Ministry
References:None
Date Added:September 23, 2008

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  • Look for common ground. I often identify this through mutual acquaintances, shared interests, and general observation of the person. For example, when I walk into someone's office, I look at the walls and bookshelves for clues of what this common ground might be.

  • Learn to ask open-ended questions: "How has your company (or church) addressed the challenge of ____?"

  • Use the "tell me—sell me" approach. Ask the person to tell you about himself or his business before offering the services you have. Look for the real door that God is opening for service, instead of predetermining the door you'd like to kick open. And if you find that there isn't a door at all, don't go through a wall to make one.

  • Make good notes after the meeting. Don't rely on memory alone. You'll serve people better if you scribe their actual needs.

  • Follow up and follow through with details. I'm convinced that this is where most would-be networkers fail. Be sure to follow through on any promises you made. Doing the little things is often the difference between adequate and excellent.

  • Become an information junkie. Information is a vital and powerful commodity and it will enable you to become truly skilled at networking. The more you know, the better you can serve.

  • Pray after your meetings as well as before them. Bracketing your networking time this way will help safeguard you from the ubiquitous temptation to abuse the process for personal gain.

Mark Begly, MBA, is the Executive Director of Advancement for Regent University Virginia Beach, Virginia.