How many people do you know already?
Chances are that if you are past 25 years old, you will know upwards of a thousand people. That's folks you would recognise if they bumped into you in the street. Hey, it might even be several thousand.
If you are looking for a career change or new clients, this is an opportunity you can leverage, through the people you know.
The common concept of 'networking' is different. It's a business world in-your-face imposition where you are working against, rather than with the flow.
So why would you go off meeting people that you didn't know, expecting them to do you a favor or two, when you have a bunch of people who already know you well enough?
The basis of all business transactions is trust. And trust is very hard to create if you are meeting people, in however friendly a setting, for a short period of time. Sure, you swap business cards and maybe meet up in the future - and at that point your trust has grown and you can do business.
It takes a lot of work, time and effort to gradually build relationships of trust, which is why so many people trying to sell things network in the 'big-beakfast' sense.
Desperate for the next hit of a new crowd, it's the only way to, as they say, win the 'numbers game'. The more people that go past you, the more likely there is one that will take the bite of the worm you're offering.
As long as there are your sort of fish in the water, of course. What a task - and what a desperate way to try to get more business.
Think of 'networking' in a different way.
Great businesses make the most of the relationships they build over many years, creating repeat business. In fact some need to advertise no more, such is the power of who they are, what they do and the reputation they have built.
How about turning that into a personal value? A 'trademark' of who you are and what makes you different form other friends, family members and acquaintances.
So what are those 'trademarks' that win you the gold star credits and make others want to help you?
Try these:-
- You listen well and pay full attention
- You are more interested in other people than yourself<
- You keep promises and do what you say you will
- You are a great friend when others are in need
- You share resources and put the people you know in touch with each other
- You aren't judgemental, but very objective (fact-based) when dealing with others
- You talk less than you listen (see a pattern here!)
- You make time for others when you say you will
- You say 'yes' when you can and 'no' when you can't - and are honest about it
- You are encouraging, enthusiastic, supportive and challenging with those you know
Why do these ways of behavior build your network closely around you? Well, for one thing, when you are much more interested in those around you than you are about you, ironically you become much more attractive. So, not only do people like being around you, they are much more responsive when you need their help.
If you are looking around you for extended networks to push your efforts, then others who like you will do just that - and utilize who they know as well. If you know a thousand people, how many people do those thousand know? And how much use is a thousand thousand people all on your side?
The door you are seeking to open can become a lot easier if you have people who love you, and the way you are, on your side.
And that doesn't involve getting up at 5am every Tuesday morning; force-feeding on a 'heart-attack-special breakfast'; and fending off folks desperately trying to sell you even more business cards.
That's not what you want at all.
Networking Time Doesn't Have To Mean Breakfast Time - To learn more about this author, visit Martin Haworth's Website.
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