To be an effective networker you need to be armed with stories. Stories help you connect and make points with your fellow networkers so that they can relate to you and you to them.
Stories have a beginning, a middle and an end. But they also need to be relevant to who you are talking to and what you are talking about to be significant and make the point you want to make.
Storytelling is a lot like a box of crayons:
“We could learn a lot from crayons. Some are sharp, some are pretty and some are dull. Some have weird names and all are different colors, but they all have to live in the same box.”
So, taking this metaphor to the next step, think about the colors as being parts of a story:
- Black is the outline of the story
- Blue is the beginning, the hook
- Yellow is the meat or point of the story
- Red is putting it in context of your conversation or point.
- Green is the recap of the story
Just as you did as a kid, take your black crayon and outline what it is you are trying to support. Did a previous experience echo your conversant’s situation? Did you have a work experience that was similar to what you are hearing about now?
What’s the hook? What will get them to listen more carefully? Why do they want to listen to you?
What’s the point? Why are you relating this story to them? Can they relate to your story and see the connection to them or their situation?
Context is always important. If they go “Oh,…” or “I see…” then you’ve made your point, done your job and connected with them.
They say the most effective way to have someone remember something is to repeat it. Hit the high point (I suggest 3 points of your story) so that the person you are talking with will remember what you just told them.
It is all about being memorable, top of mind, first on their list. Just like that box of crayons you had back in first grade. It got you to thinking and got you to start compiling those stories you would be collecting all of your life.
Relentless
