The Lost Art of Networking

We've all heard the saying "it's not what you know it's who you know."

Networking and building a network is vital for success. Notice how I separated the two.

Networking is meeting people (in person or digitally). Building a network is keeping in touch and adding value to those relationships.

For the sake of the article I want to focus on the latter part as I think it's becoming a lost art. So many of us think we meet people and these people are supposed to do favors for us. That's the wrong way of approaching it.

The greatest way to network is give and expect nothing in return. Whether it's a skill you have, a connection you can make, or the knowledge you can share. Give it to the people you connect with and don't ask for anything in return.

You'll find that the people you did a favor for will return it eventually one way or another. And if they don't that's okay because if it comes to that point they will speak highly of you if anyone asks...and THAT is one of the best badges you can earn.

Networking is a catapult and the more favors you do for people the more effective it gets. Eventually, it will launch you to another level.

So remember have your hands out, not in.

Reminder: my new show on CNBC comes out tonight at 10pm EST. Stay tuned to my social accounts after the show as I'll be going live on Linkedin, Facebook and Instagram and if you watched you'll have a chance at winning some big gifts.