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MAX HITCHINS - Hotel Manager DOES NOT understand Networking
Alex is a Sydney Hotel Manager. He definitely does not understand Networking. Let me explain why by way of this true story. LinkedIn.com is a Networking site, it was set up to promote and assist those who choose to join it. It is an excellent site and I highly recommend it. But you need think about how use it effectively. I am the author of a series of Memory eBooks title “How To Develop A Memory Like An Elephant.” These eBooks focus on Remembering Names, Remembering Lists, Remembering Speeches, Remembering where you put your keys, glasses, wallet or mobile phone. You can check them out at HospitalityDoctor.com.au Recently I sent a a series of short personal messages to all my Linked In connections. I wrote: “Hello Alex. We are connected on LinkedIn and I thought this information might be useful to help you remember names. Memory Tip 1. Have you ever forgotten a name less than three seconds after you have been introduced?” “Try this idea. As soon as you meet someone and you hear their name ask them to ‘spell’ their name. This will give you some ‘breathing space’ to focus on the name and try to commit it to memory. More Memory Moments at HospitalityDoctor.com.au”
I have had hundreds of replies thanking me for this Memory Tip. I always reply with “Your most welcome, Jane/John/Jill. More memory tips to come.” But, Alex replied to me saying “Please don’t send me these types of messages. I’m on Linked In for networking purposes, not to be spammed with sales.” And I thought “Alex, you simply don’t understand Networking!” Trying to connect with new people and introduce them to our business is one of the most important things we do in the Hospitality Industry. But it is not just a matter a putting your name on a list and hoping other people might contact you. It might have worked fifty years ago (although I doubt it!) But it simply doesn’t work in today’s business world. You need to earn the right to do business and talk and meet with new people. Pre Social Media days most business minded people would go to as many functions as possible and endeavour to meet as many people as possible and give them your business card…and hope they contacted you. It still happens. I always thought it much better to meet fewer people, but endeavour to make it a ‘quality meeting’. I found it worked better if I asked “Is there anything I can do to help you in your business?”
With Social Media networking the same principle applies but the technique is a little different. I have found anticipating a need is even better. Hence, the Memory Tip idea. Everyone I know HAS FORGOTTEN a name less than three seconds after they have been introduced! Almost everyone I know (excluding Alex) is delighted to receive a suggestion on how to solve the problem. As I said above I have had hundreds of replies thanking me for this Memory Tip. Hence, I have built and will continue to build a much stronger relationship with all these people who have taken the time to write to say ‘thanks’. As well, the traffic to my web site HospitalityDoctor.com.au has increased dramatically. If I were Alex I’d be looking for a similar idea to attract his Linked In connections to his Hotel. Believe me just putting your name up and hoping people will contact you simply doesn’t work! By line: Check out www.HospitalityDoctor.com. au for details of How To Develop a Memory Like An Elephant.
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