In the January Issue:
As business owners we should be familiar with the importance of building relationships and networking. After all, it takes know-like-trust to close a sale. And even when we think about social media, all the gurus repeat it like a broken record: don't post and ghost; connect! It's called "social" for a reason. Yet, when sales are concerned, human interaction is not as obvious as some make it seem, especially online. Add money exchange to the equation and conversations can get awkward really fast.
Throughout the 6 years of my entrepreneurial journey, since starting with network marketing and pivoting to my own coaching company, the way business relationships are formed and nurtured has shifted quite a bit. Remember the "Hey, girl" days? When anyone could slide into your DM's and pretend to be your friend to sell … and it actually worked? Fast forward 10 years, and our reality post-pandemic is that we crave connection and more meaningful relationships, whether online or in-person. Yet not all advice is good advice for building rapport. We are so different from each other after all. Telling an introvert to be less antisocial won't help. Much like telling an extrovert to become a better listener will probably go in one ear and out the other.
After studying and working extensively with the Enneagram, a comprehensive personality framework, I've developed a 3-type personality system that has helped me and my clients understand ourselves and our community so much better, it has actually made networking more enjoyable - and effective. You can take the quiz at www.martaspirk.com/quiz to find out your type. Here are each of their strengths and weaknesses when it comes to networking, along with some helpful networking tips:
- If you're a Feeler: you are mostly an ambivert and empath, you are naturally caring and can connect easily with others when leaning into listening. Networking can be pleasurable for you, if you step out and share more about yourself to even it out. Don't be afraid to speak; your wisdom will be welcomed!
- If you're a Thinker: you are mostly an introvert and have great attention to detail, you are naturally observant and exteriorizing it will come off as extremely thoughtful. Similarly to Feelers, the best advice for you is to share what's on your mind - especially when it comes to your observations about others. You can give the best compliments and recognition because you actually pay attention. That makes networking go so much more smoothly!
- If you're a Doer: you are mostly an extrovert and call attention to yourself effortlessly, you are naturally magnetic. People are drawn to you, and your presence, when you walk into any room, and this vibe comes through, even on your social media. The best advice for you is to lean into vulnerability; let your guard down and let people in. Allow Feelers and Thinkers to reflect what they see and give them a chance to share about themselves!
Self-awareness is really the first step to true connection. Once you become aware of your motivations and behavioral patterns, it is easier to identify it in others and meet them where they are at. Whether you are a Feeler, Thinker, Doer or a combination of all three, next time you start a conversation with someone, take some time to detach from the outcome and instead of focusing on the sale, get curious about them and their personality. At the end of the day, being more interested than interesting, will always go a long way.
BE EMPOWERED!
Marta Spirk was born and raised in Brazil to an entrepreneur dad and a pastor mom. She later earned a bachelor's and master's degrees in English. After the surprise and blessing of triplets in 2016, Marta found a passion for encouraging and empowering women, as she learned to encourage and empower herself through the challenges of adult (and triplet) life.
She now helps thousands of women entrepreneurs learn to boost confidence and visibility to grow their business, by looking at their most valuable resource: THEMSELVES!
