3 Simple Steps To Network Your Way To Success

Networking has a bad rap because done the wrong way it's stressful, tedious and doesn't produce great results.  Going into a room full of strangers with a pocketful of business cards and your "pitch" ready to go is a recipe for disappointment. The same can be said for sending out a generic LinkedIn connection request that get's followed up upon acceptance with a four paragraph solicitation (I get them everyday).

So what is successful networking?  It's planting the seeds for a long term real relationship with no expectation of getting something in return. So what should you do?

1. Change your mindset to one of being a resource vs being a walking talking infomercial ready to "pitch" at the drop of a LinkedIn connection acceptance or an initial hello.
2. Learn to really value and relish getting to know people who are interesting, smart and accomplished just because it's fun and a great way to learn. Once you do figure out how to be a resource to them and expect nothing in return.
3. Don't go into any relationship trying to connect the dots upfront by thinking, "how will I monetize getting to know Bob?"

If you do these three things you will consistently wind up in amazing situations and at times you'll wonder how you got there.  That's when it's helpful to reverse engineer your path to getting there.  When you do, you'll almost always see that it was a circuitous path and one that you could have never predicted from the start.  Reverse engineering also helps to reinforce how important it is to follow these three steps.  

Build REAL relationships not quick intros that simply bridge the gap between you and your "pitch". You'll be much more satisfied and exponentially more successful.

Best of luck and if I can ever be a resource to you in any way at all please let me know.  I can be reached at [email protected] or 888-223-9420.