What Is The Purpose of Networking?

2-Minute Networking Tip

This Weeks Feature Article

What Is The Purpose of Networking?

For those of us that participate in this rather befuddling activity called ‘business networking’, I find that it generally falls into two primary categories… social networking and strong contact networking (which is about being the first step in generating new connections and clients).

I say befuddling because I have been networking for over 45 years and the more I learn and the more I improve (yes improve... every single day), I realise I get amazing results…

But the challenge that I face at every single networking event that I participate in, is realising that most people do not have a single clue on how the network effectively.

Because you have no idea how to network… each networking event that you participate in, is a grab bag of socialising, finding people that you can pitch to and having a great deal of hope that you might be able to sell something to someone (which is very disappointing when it doesn't happen).

And even though you have no idea how to network… you continue to persist, even though you get poor results for your efforts.

You can stop reading now if you feel that I’ve insulted you enough…

For the brave souls, let’s get you into what business networking is really all about… and it’s quite simple.

Many of you who get involved in structured, strong contact networks, you will find that whatever group you joined, it will involve many rules, procedures and systems, many of them totally unnecessary to the networking process…

However, what you truly need to understand about networking is how important it is as a holistic framework to help your businesses to grow and secure your financial future.

Networking is a mutually beneficial practice where you share knowledge, leads, referrals, ideas, concepts and information.

Some of the other things that you can share are less tangible, and yet no less important, things like your passion, laughter, your focus, and drive to achieve and your ability to support and help others with that knowledge and.

This is something that can benefit your personal lives and definitely benefits your professional lives.

Here are some concepts that capture the true spirit of what business networking is all about:

Firstly, networking is not magic, or weird science, it is a simple yet effective process, that when applied correctly, achieves truly powerful results.

You may well ask, and you're probably thinking it... how is business networking process?

To answer that question you need to understand that you’re not going out ‘networking’… networking is not a noun, it is an activity, a verb…

What you should really be saying is, “I am going out to network.”

What truly makes networking work is that you all need to understand that networking is about engaging people, being able to communicate effectively and being able to connect with people at all levels.

These particular skills need to be nurtured and developed in a holistic fashion and this requires skill, passion and application to work well.

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Secondly, it is very important to understand that business networking is not just a work style it is a lifestyle option.

The best networkers don't just network for work or put on their networking hat at a business function, they network everywhere... they use their skills to connect and communicate and nurture relationships with people.

They support people in their endeavours and willingly share their knowledge and expertise.?In fact, true networkers don't even know that they are networking they are simply being who they are, connecting, communicating, and building relationships with people.

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Thirdly, and most importantly networking is about TRUST.

Just because you and I may belong to a business group or we are members of the same Chamber of Commerce, it doesn't mean that you are entitled to leads or referrals from me and I am certainly not entitled to leads or referrals from you.

If you and I are going to do any business together, you need to spend time and effort developing a relationship that is going to be mutually beneficial.?

The better you build and enrich that relationship with good communication and support, the sooner you will be able to help others with leads and referrals.

Eventually, you will develop a strong and diverse network…

Then you will really have something of enormous value as well, and it will take you through life easily and profitably both personally and professionally.

To find out how you can develop powerful networking skills and add them to your business armoury, give me a call.

Quote of the Week

“I would rather die a meaningful death than to live a meaningless life.” — Corazon Aquino”

(Life is generally meaningless beyond the choice we have to assign how meaningful it can be. I don’t fear death because I know this and therefore am able to live with peace of mind.)

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