Succession planning how to build a team of master networkers - Simone Douglas

Introduction

The importance of leading by example and role modelling for your team can not be overstated - it’s what successful leaders do.
 
In this show we are going to talk about how you evaluate your team members and their gaps when it comes to networking and relationship building but also how you compliment them by sharing your strengths and having them along to events as a plus one.
 
The successful networker will bring all of the different personality types together in any group. You become the glue. You need to be aware of whose voice hasn’t been heard, and whose voice you’re hearing all the time. You can tell the person who is dominating the group that what they’re saying is really interesting, and then you can steer things to someone who hasn’t said much, and give them some airtime. 
 
If you’re the person that’s giving everyone airtime, and engaging them, and weaving conversations together, then you’re the person that will be memorable - this is an acquired skill and one your teams need to practice. 
 
A good networker makes sure that everyone gets time in the spotlight. At the same time, they understand that some people, based on their personality type, will be less comfortable in that spotlight. So being a good networker means recognising other people’s needs, and finding a way to meet them.
 
 
It is easy to get distracted by all the noise in the business world at large but jump day is your chance to settle in and work on your business and this season on your networks in ways that allow you to make the most of your opportunities today, tomorrow and forever. 

IBGR is a global community of commerce committed to your success and our programming is designed to give you the tools and resources as well as the one percenters you might be missing So buckle up because it's time to take an objective look at whether or not you are truly a centre of influence on playing in the outfield.


Listen>Apply>Engage

​Show Objectives - The Why
Building a team of master connectors and networkers bullet proofs your business in the long term as well as picking up short term wins along the way.

In this show we will discuss the building blocks required and the best way to equip your teams to build robust networks that benefit the business as well as themselves. Creating the ultimate win-win in what is a very tough market right now.


Key Issues - Owner Perspective:

1. How to identify who should be on your Master Connector team
2. What are the skills they need to have and how do I assess their current skill level.
3. What KPI’s should I be setting for Master Connectors in training.
4. What is preventing my team from networking

What You Need to Know - What we will be covering


What prevents your people from networking?
There are four main reasons why people may be reluctant to network:
 

1. Your policies and practices discourage it.
2. Many people may find it unnatural; others simply need to hone their skills.
3. Divisions between individuals and teams are preventing networking.
4. Management and team are out of step.

We will unpack in the show how to build a networking culture within your business that generates referrals, drives success and increases job satisfaction.


What you need to do​ today
 

1. Get clear on the skills gaps and strengths of each team member
2. Map out their individual networking strategies and KPI’s
3. Take them on some networking field trips and provide feedback.
4. Help them craft BBQ stories for each vertical or service you provide.
5. Help them to identify the goals for their networking efforts and their personal “why” for actively participating
6. Plan to spend time putting lessons learnt and aha moments into practice.  Let me know how it goes.
7. ACT! Nothing changes if you don’t set aside time to make it happen so once you have worked out what you need to do start putting timelines and deliverables on your action plan. 

A successful mentoring relationship needs equal parts utility and emotion. Utility means promising something in return to your mentee. Emotion means your mentee becomes emotionally invested in the business's growth.

Once you are at this point and they have given you permission to help them to be more successful then generally your team is ready to really start diving into what it takes to be the centre of influence in their networks.
 
Shows
Previous: Episode C4.9 
No cup of coffee is a waste of time - Having an agenda to learn from every interaction and why it matters
 
Next: Episode C4.11 
The numbers game - why networking KPIs matter and how to set them - Understanding how to have a networking strategy and what to measure.

Written by Simone Douglas 
The Publican & Licensee of the Duke of Brunswick Hotel, Executive Director for BNI Adelaide North one of the biggest networking organisations in the world, the driving force behind South Australia’s leading social media agency, Social Media AOK and best-selling author with her first book “Seriously Social – turning your online game into real-world gain”. and  “The Confident Networker”

Simone also serves as Deputy President of the State Chapter Committee South Australia for the Franchise Council of Australia and sits on the Franchise Advisory Council for BNI Australia

You can connect with Simone on any of her seriously social platforms
Connect on LinkedIn
Follow on Twitter
Follow on Instagram
Like on Facebook

C2.11.4AA