Everyone has a passion for something. When networking with others, make it a point to find the other person’s passion. Why? People like talking about what’s important to them. How do you find out what’s important to them? Ask them. Ask what they do for fun. Ask about their family. Ask what they would do if they weren’t in their current job. Ask where they volunteer. Then simply listen. Many times you will find what’s important to other people is also important to you. That’s your connection.
When discussing yourself be sure to include information that could be potential connecting points- spouse’s name, children’s names, where you grew up, where you went to school, what you like to do, etc. Recently I was speaking with an individual about adding this type of connecting information so I mentioned my wife was from the Twin Cities area. I explained the rationale for sharing such information by stating this would be our connection if his wife happened to be from the Twin Cities. What did he say next? His wife is from the Twin Cities- that is now our connection.
People instinctively want to connect with other people. Listen for people’s passions, make meaningful connections and you’ll network successfully.
Author: Greg NielsenSince starting his healthcare career in 1997, Greg Nielsen has served as the CEO of hospitals in Ohio, Nebraska, Wyoming and Montana in both the non-profit and for-profit sectors. Greg is known for bringing energy and new life into organizations by inspiring others around a vision and executing strategies to achieve that vision. Greg has a passion for helping individuals and organizations achieve their true potential. He believes this is best accomplished by carefully and intentionally feeding your mind, body and spirit on a daily basis. Greg earned a bachelor’s degree from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN and a master’s in healthcare administration degree from the University of Minnesota. Greg is married and has three children. Greg enjoys staying physically active and hunting pheasants with his lab, Ashe, when he’s not working or spending time with his family.
When Greg was in transition and working with Wiederhold & Associates, he executed his transition at the highest level and started the journey with the right amount of passion, attitude and confidence. Greg has graciously offered to speak with all our transition clients as they enter this extremely important journey and share his successful experience as encouragement.
