Bob Littell teaches Fresh Summit attendees how to 'Netweave'
Bob Littell teaches Fresh Summit attendees how to 'Netweave'
NEW ORLEANS — Most everyone is familiar with the term networking -- the exchange of information or services among individuals, groups or institutions (as defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary). However, there's a new term gaining momentum in the business world, rivaling the age-old concept of networking and bringing a whole new meaning to the phrase "pay it forward." Introducing... "NetWeaving."
Bob Littell, creator of the word and concept, led an Oct. 18 workshop entitled "NetWeaving — The Business Version of 'Paying it Forward'" during the Produce Marketing Association's Fresh Summit convention, here, where he taught attendees how to use the concept to better themselves and the produce industry as a whole.
According to Littell, NetWeaving is "the practice of consistently looking and listening for ways to constructively position one's self as a strategic connector of others as well as a trusted resource provider."
Building trust is the secret to endless referrals, Littell said. "It's what allows you to build your business and have a more fulfilling life."
The main difference between networking and netweaving is in the mindset. Littell noted that there are two major weakness of networking - it's too superficial and there's a lack of follow up and follow through.
"People I know who have been successful in their careers not only follow-up, they follow through," he said. And that, according to Littell, makes all the difference.
Littell suggested "taking action" within 24-48 hours after meeting someone who you think would make a good business connection, whether for yourself or someone else you may know.
As an example, he said it is important to follow up with an email the night of or day after meeting someone, and to include extra information and added value to the email, such as a link to an article about a relevant topic, a referral to a colleague or friend who they may be interested in meeting, or simply an invitation to grab lunch. After sending the initial email, Littell added that a follow-up phone call should also be made.
The main objective of NetWeaving, he concluded, is to build a network of trusted relationships that can result in increased sales opportunities. Through NetWeaving, companies across the entire supply chain can create "circles of influence" to connect with people, supply them with resources and become trusted business partners.
"Every act you do creates an ever-expanding set of ripples," he said. "The more luck lines you throw out, the more luck you will find."
