Networking!!

NETWORKING is the single most powerful marketing tactic to accelerate and sustain success for any individual or organization! – Adam Small

Networking is about making connections and building enduring, mutually beneficial relationships.

Ultimately, it’s not about who you know ... but WHO KNOWS YOU!!

Whether you are a corporate employee, self-employed professional or entrepreneur,

Climbing the ladder to success can be easy if you are committed to consistently following a few

Robert T. Kiyosaki

The richest people in the world look for and build networks, everyone else looks for work. Marinate on that for a minute

Simple networking strategies in your career.

The richest people in the world look for and build networks, everyone else looks for work. Marinate on that for a minute.

Robert T. Kiyosaki

One of the most important skills every professional must have.  As an entrepreneur and small business owner, referrals can make up 80%-90% of new business revenues.  Networking is both a competency and a process that you need to hone in order to be successful. Professional advice:

  Build Your Networking Muscle

Practice networking by attending lots of different networking events.  You will meet many interesting people and contacts, some of which will become great clients, colleagues or friends.

  Develop Thick Skin

Get comfortable hearing the word “no”, over and over and over again.  It will build your character and make you tenacious about your business.

Be Nice to Everyone You Meet

I had a boss once who used to say “be nice to the people on the way up because you never know when you’ll be meeting them on the way down.”  The world is getting smaller all the time.  Don’t burn any bridges and be genuinely nice to everyone.

The single greatest "people skill" is a highly developed & authentic interest in the *other* person

Bob Burg

  Be Giving

Give your time, your advice, and especially your referrals.  It will all come back to you in positive karma and plentiful business opportunities.

Grow Your Relationship Database

You are only 4 or 5 people away from anything you ever want or need.  All you have to do is ask.

Communicate

Maintain regular and consistent contact with the people in your database.  One of my most successful communication tactics is to periodically meet with people in my network face to face.  It’s much more personal, and much more fun too.  When you can’t meet in person then a phone call or personal note works well too.  Of course, I’m also on various social networks, but other than my “Road to Results Newsletter”, I try to stay away from canned email communication.

Keep it Simple

Look at where you are spending your time and your precious energy.  What is generating you the best results?  Those are the activities you want to continue doing and do more of.  Get rid of the time and/or money wasting activities.

Build Rapport

Are you a people magnet or a people repellent?  What are you projecting outwardly?  Make sure others see you as a positive, warm and friendly person they would like to interact with.  Make sure your positive personality and outlook is attracting relationships and not pushing them away. 

Set Goals

If you have a clear vision of where you are going, the rest will fall into place.  Make sure you decide on what you want short, medium and longer term and in every area of your life.

Access Available Resources

There are so many resources available to support you in whatever you wish to do.  Build a strong support team which includes family, friends and colleagues. an inspirational and informative book on networking.  Join networking groups in person and on-line.  Get connected and stay connected.

Networking is about connecting with people, building and nurturing relationships, sharing information, tapping into the hidden job market, learning about career opportunities, pooling resources and expanding your contacts.  Networking is about connecting with people, not collecting people.  It is truly a life skill whereby you build, nurture, and maintain quality mutually-beneficial relationships over your career and your lifetime.