What do you do if your business networking encounters pushy individuals and unrealistic expectations?
Business networking is an essential skill for professional growth and opportunity exploration. However, it can sometimes place you in the company of pushy individuals or those with unrealistic expectations. The key to success in such situations is maintaining composure, setting clear boundaries, and managing the relationship dynamics effectively. By understanding how to navigate these challenges, you can preserve your professional integrity and ensure that your networking efforts are productive and mutually beneficial.
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Marilyn WestroppAcoustiblok, Inc. Director Business Development, North America | President Association United States Army Suncoast…
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Lassie Zia🌏🌍🌎 Ignite your Business & PERSONAL BRAND🔥Supercharge your Influence 👑 Attract High Value Connections &…
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Dra. Omidres Pérez de CarvelliPresidente de oitt.org| Medico Internista, Endocrinologia y Metabolismo|Conferencista|Investigación|Telemedicina y…
When confronted by pushy individuals in a networking scenario, remaining calm is crucial. Your ability to keep a level head not only reflects your professionalism but also gives you the upper hand in managing the situation. Take deep breaths and maintain a polite demeanor. Respond with firmness and clarity about your own goals and limitations. This approach can often diffuse tension and remind the other party that a successful networking relationship is based on mutual respect and understanding.
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Dra. Omidres Pérez de Carvelli
Presidente de oitt.org| Medico Internista, Endocrinologia y Metabolismo|Conferencista|Investigación|Telemedicina y Telesalud|Autora de libros| Asesoria| Liderazgo de equipos y gestión empresarial
Ante esas situaciones es muy importante que el lenguaje no verbal sea captado de manera completa y cuidar el lenguaje no verbal personal. Siempre me han funcionado las técnicas clásicas de como bajar el tono la voz en los momentos cuando otros la suben, así como preguntarle a la persona, ¿estás bien? o ¿Te sientes ok? un poco para calmar esos momentos, me han funcionado. Buscar un tiempo fuera, asumiendo siempre que no es nada personal (los 4 acuerdos de Miguel Ruiz son muy útiles) y buscar mantener los pies sobre la tierra y la cabeza fría, recordando que después de la tempestad siempre viene la calma.
Setting clear boundaries is vital when dealing with unrealistic expectations. Articulate your limits regarding what you can offer in terms of time, resources, and commitments. It's important to communicate these boundaries respectfully but assertively. This not only helps manage the other person's expectations but also protects your interests and prevents potential misunderstandings or overcommitments that could strain the relationship or your resources.
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Dra. Omidres Pérez de Carvelli
Presidente de oitt.org| Medico Internista, Endocrinologia y Metabolismo|Conferencista|Investigación|Telemedicina y Telesalud|Autora de libros| Asesoria| Liderazgo de equipos y gestión empresarial
En tema de límites, lo ideal es siempre apoyarlo con escritos que lo lleven a blanco y negro con precisiones, y no dejarlo a la libre interpretación, sobre todo cuando la otra persona le cuesta aterrizar la realidad en la que se puede manejar en cada uno de los contextos.
Assertiveness is key when interacting with pushy networkers. It's perfectly acceptable to say no or to steer the conversation in a direction that aligns with your interests. Use assertive language that is direct yet courteous. By doing so, you establish your stance without being confrontational. Remember, assertiveness isn't about being aggressive; it's about being confident in your value and your professional boundaries.
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Dra. Omidres Pérez de Carvelli
Presidente de oitt.org| Medico Internista, Endocrinologia y Metabolismo|Conferencista|Investigación|Telemedicina y Telesalud|Autora de libros| Asesoria| Liderazgo de equipos y gestión empresarial
La asertividad sin humanidad ni empatía suele parecerse mucho a la soberbia, es especial cuando no está precedida de escucha activa.
When faced with unrealistic demands, offering alternatives can be an effective strategy. This demonstrates your willingness to help and maintain a positive relationship, while also making it clear what you are capable of contributing. Suggest different ways you can assist that align with your abilities and resources. This can lead to a compromise that works for both parties, preserving the networking relationship and potentially opening up new avenues for collaboration.
Try to understand where the pushy individual or the unrealistic expectations are coming from. Sometimes, there may be external pressures or a lack of awareness influencing their behavior. Engage in a dialogue to uncover the underlying motivations. This understanding can often lead to more empathetic interactions and solutions that address the root of the issue, rather than just the symptoms.
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Marilyn Westropp
Acoustiblok, Inc. Director Business Development, North America | President Association United States Army Suncoast Chapter
In my experience, pushy people are under pressure from their employers usually. Try to learn more about them and what is going on. Always good to change the subject to something lighter maybe about a their last vacation! You can then help them relax and get back on track. Relationship sales is way more important and results are long term! Use third party conversations if that helps. As an example, say something like, I always appreciated when a mentor once shared with me how important it was to have fun! Then follow up with what makes you happy? Then you can go into what they do and how you can help them.
Finally, remember that not every networking relationship will be a perfect fit. It's important to maintain your wider network and not become overly focused on challenging individuals. Continue to cultivate other professional relationships that are more aligned with your values and goals. This diversification ensures you have a robust network to support your career development, regardless of a few difficult encounters.
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Dra. Omidres Pérez de Carvelli
Presidente de oitt.org| Medico Internista, Endocrinologia y Metabolismo|Conferencista|Investigación|Telemedicina y Telesalud|Autora de libros| Asesoria| Liderazgo de equipos y gestión empresarial
En todo networking hay ganancia, y aunque no se encajen perfectamente en el lineamiento profesional, todo ser humano puede aportarnos enseñanza a través de una mentalidad personal abierta y dispuesta a aprender. Es muy valioso que más allá de lo que puede aportar cada uno a una lineamiento profesional, valoremos el aporte que, como seres humanos únicos e irrepetibles, podemos dar a un ecosistema global llamado planeta, donde todo se comunica y se retroalimenta. Dejar un buen gusto a todo aquel que conozcamos es un arte que dignifica la humanidad.
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Lassie Zia
🌏🌍🌎 Ignite your Business & PERSONAL BRAND🔥Supercharge your Influence 👑 Attract High Value Connections & Clients🏆International Business Network Leader 👠 BOSS LADIES Community ❤️ #Linkedin Certified Powerhouse
It is important to be clear and concise in your communications. Express that your objective is to meet new people in a polite manner, and that you are happy to follow up post event. Once you leave the meeting, you then have that time gap and space to re-assess the situation, should you choose to follow up with the individual. It is not
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Dra. Omidres Pérez de Carvelli
Presidente de oitt.org| Medico Internista, Endocrinologia y Metabolismo|Conferencista|Investigación|Telemedicina y Telesalud|Autora de libros| Asesoria| Liderazgo de equipos y gestión empresarial
Las redes de networking en ocasiones son amplias e incluso impredecibles, ya que la persona más alejada probablemente a nuestros intereses profesionales o personales, puede llevarse una buena impresión nuestra que le permita en algún momento tenernos en mente ante alguna situación de algún conocido o familiar que requiera áreas de nuestra expertiz.
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