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V O L . X X V I I N O. X I V J U LY 1 2 , 2 0 2 1 10 A s we emerge from over a year of quarantining and social distanc- ing, it's important to start networking again. Human beings need social con- tact — personally and professionally. In the post-pandemic normal (whenever that is), opportunity will come to those who are connected with others. Opportunity won't come your way if no one knows your name or your unique qualities — what I like to call your "superpowers." Opportunity can only knock if you show opportu- nity the door. at all sounds well and good, but networking itself isn't always so straightforward. From anxiety to a lack of experience, many people struggle to connect with others. So how do you start? Above all else, the key is listening and remembering. Make networking a two-way street. When you meet someone new, the most important thing to do is remember their name and something about them. e sweetest sound to the human ear is the sound of your own name, so be sure to remember and repeat the other person's name in order to strengthen that relationship. en, focus on what makes that person unique. Here are a few exam- ples: How's your dog Muffin? Where does your son play baseball? What's your new fitness routine called? To be memorable to others, you need to show others that you care. And that can only happen if you invest in listening and learning about them — genuinely learning about them. People can see through the superficial. You want to make your connections as personal as pos- sible, so they don't feel transactional. e more personal your networking (even if it's still "professional"), the deeper the connections you'll forge. You will extract more value from deep connections than shallow ones, whether you're dating or applying for a new job. Show you care. As President eodore Roosevelt once said, "People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care." Don't lead with deliverables and contracts. Don't lead with job asks and transactional questions. Lead with caring. Opportunity will come to those who are top of mind. A strong per- sonal brand is memorable. While you master the "care" component, you can still work on yourself. Figure out what makes you, you. If you are still in school, pay attention to what you like and love. What energizes you? What makes you happy? Is it marine biology or romance novels? ose are your superpowers. For me, it has always been people! I have always been fascinated by peo- ple's stories — how their past has shaped their present. Networking energizes me. But, even if you don't love net- working, you can still be an effective networker. You can still be a quality listener. Here's an exercise: ink of three questions to ask the next person you meet, and then just let them talk about themselves. People generally love to have someone listen to their stories. All you have to do is remem- ber their name and something about them for the next time. en, when the "next time" comes, people will know you care, and you will become memorable. Your personal brand will shine through. Eventually, opportunity will come knocking! Nancy Marshall, founder and CEO of Marshall Communications, is the host of " The PR Maven Podcast." She can be reached at nmarshall@marshallpr.com Unthaw your post-pandemic networking skills B Y N A N C Y M A R S H A L L B Y N A N C Y M A R S H A L L H OW TO To make a Donation to the Next List Alumni Scholarship Fund through the Maine Community Foundation, visit mainecf.org and click on Make a gift. FOLLOW US @MBEVENTS #MBNext21 SP ONSORED BY NOMINATION CRITERIA: Must be a business owner, CEO, founder, executive director, entrepreneur, or business leader. Has demonstrated forward- thinking and an innovative approach to their work. A positive motivator and influencer of change. Demonstrates an innovative approach to problem-solving while up against obstacles or barriers. Help us recognize ten dynamic individuals who are changing Maine's Economy and making a significant impact in their industry. To identify these trailblazing business leaders, we're opening the nomination process up to you! You tell us, who's NEXT? N O M I N AT I O N S D U E A U G . 2 0 V I S I T M A I N E B I Z . B I Z /N E X T T O N O M I N AT E Nominate an innovative leader today! THOSE CHOSEN WILL BE FEATURED IN THE OCTOBER 4 ISSUE OF MAINEBIZ. Our vision for the Kennebec Valley region made up of individuals and families who are healthy, financially secure, and able to reach Helping people, changing lives since 1965 Connect with us! 1-800-542-8227 kvcap.org Kennebec Valley Community Action Program Opportunity can't knock if it can't find your door.

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