Something strange happens to many women when they approach networking opportunities. They suddenly forget how to connect, simply going through the motions of shaking hands and exchanging business cards. Networking becomes a chore -- part of a business plan that is carried out with apprehension and some degree of loathing. It doesn’t have to be this way. Networking magic happens through your connections - and your connections can create the fulfilling life you’re looking for.
Your First Step: Start With Your Heart
Real connections come from true, heart-felt, and honest interactions. Shed your business persona and be yourself. If you have a line drawn between your personal and business connections, then erase that line. Start connecting with others as if each person might end up as your best friend. It’s a simple formula for connecting from your heart with other entrepreneurs: Be yourself, and you’ll naturally attract like-minded, quality people. People you meet are more likely to introduce you to their friends and associates if they like you.
Honesty, curiosity, and vulnerability are keys to success. Intimate connections are the foundation upon which we build satisfied lives and the best connections are heart-centered connections. Don’t think for a minute that success in business requires a stoic business persona. Nothing could be farther from the truth.
Maintain an attitude of service
Great connections are the ultimate life and business builders and all great connections are based on a positive attitude of serving. Yes, it’s true that we can’t stay in business for long if we give everything away. But, there’s a fascinating paradox that I’ve discovered in my many years of networking and creating connections. The more I give, the more I get.
Approach each interaction with an eye toward providing service. Find out what your prospect needs, and if you can’t provide the answers, then steer her towards someone you know. You’re not giving your business away, but you are always thinking of ways you can be of service to others. A service-oriented attitude is perhaps the most magical networking tool available. You’ll be amazed at how swiftly and abundantly it comes back your way. Simply put - the more you give, the more you get.
It’s not who you know, it’s who knows you
Those with the largest database of business cards don’t necessarily win. Unless you’ve honestly connected with the most influential people in your database, having their names will do you little good. Put your energy toward creating close connections with those who can have the most positive influence in your life, and don’t limit your search to business connections.
Think in terms of how you can help these people by connecting them with others you know, by providing a unique service, or simply by being a friend. Make yourself available and they’ll respond in kind when you’re in need. Ask yourself: Who are the most influential people in my industry? Who are the people with whom I’d most like to associate with? Then, start developing strategies to meet these people. It’s most important to connect with those who are most like how you want to be. And don’t for a moment believe that some people are out of your reach. Aim high and you’ll reach high.
Connecting isn’t a solo trip
Great networking isn’t about out-maneuvering your competition. The best networkers think in terms of collaboration, not competition, even with their fiercest competitors. How might two or three of you band together to provide products or services to more high-end, high-paying customers? How can you enlist the help of people around the globe in your R&D efforts?
Connecting by its very nature is collaborative. Instead of collecting business cards and sending out brochures, seek out people with whom you might collaborate and build strong connections. You might meet someone with a brilliant idea who’s looking for a partner with your expertise. Or, you might form a mastermind group to brainstorm innovative ways to improve your business while holding each other accountable for implementing these new ideas. Best of all, you’ll create new friendships that enrich your life.
By: Jill Lublin
Thursday, January 8, 2009
The Power Of Networking
"If you don’t network, you don’t get work." - Unknown
How powerful is your network? What would happen if you got fired today? What would happen if you had to fold your business and declare bankruptcy? What would happen if a loved one needed emergency medical surgery not covered by insurance and it was a matter of life and death? How many people in your network would be able to really help you out when the going gets tough? Would you be able to pick up the phone, call up one of your contacts, and get a decent job referral or have them lend you some money to tie you over?
This might sound like too serious and morbid a topic to even think about during the holiday season, but let’s face it – many employers wait until after the holidays to break the bad news, and many businesses fold after a bad holiday shopping season. So if you haven’t asked yourself this question, now is a good time to ask and honestly answer the question.
Do you think that someone you haven’t called in months, maybe years, is going to open up their wallet or rolodex and help you out of the kindness of their heart. Maybe. And that’s a BIG maybe. But in all likelihood, I think not. In fact, it would be insulting to the person and demeaning to you, that you never bothered to stay in touch, and are only calling to hit them up for some money. In some cases, people do have the financial and/or human resources to help out but it’s more likely they will help out someone they know and trust over a stranger.
Networking is not about handing out and collecting business cards. It’s about developing relationships. It’s about picking up the phone and calling people and staying in touch with them. Do something nice for someone in your network. Refer them a lead for their business. Offer to help them out on a project or to lend a helping hand if they’re moving. They’ll remember you for it.
Stay in touch! And for heaven’s sake, if someone gives YOU a lead, follow up right away!! Life is too short and fragile. I remember getting a good lead from someone in regards to contacting the legendary Canadian author, Pierre Berton, who wrote 50 books in 50 years, and won three Governor-General’s Awards and 14 honorary degrees. I kept putting it off, and putting it off, thinking I had all the time in the world, and eventually the lead got filed away somewhere and I forgot about it. Mr. Berton died recently at the age of 84 at Sunnybrook hospital in Toronto of complications from diabetes and heart disease. Canada is at a loss. I most certainly am at a loss.
By: Sharif Khan
How powerful is your network? What would happen if you got fired today? What would happen if you had to fold your business and declare bankruptcy? What would happen if a loved one needed emergency medical surgery not covered by insurance and it was a matter of life and death? How many people in your network would be able to really help you out when the going gets tough? Would you be able to pick up the phone, call up one of your contacts, and get a decent job referral or have them lend you some money to tie you over?
This might sound like too serious and morbid a topic to even think about during the holiday season, but let’s face it – many employers wait until after the holidays to break the bad news, and many businesses fold after a bad holiday shopping season. So if you haven’t asked yourself this question, now is a good time to ask and honestly answer the question.
Do you think that someone you haven’t called in months, maybe years, is going to open up their wallet or rolodex and help you out of the kindness of their heart. Maybe. And that’s a BIG maybe. But in all likelihood, I think not. In fact, it would be insulting to the person and demeaning to you, that you never bothered to stay in touch, and are only calling to hit them up for some money. In some cases, people do have the financial and/or human resources to help out but it’s more likely they will help out someone they know and trust over a stranger.
Networking is not about handing out and collecting business cards. It’s about developing relationships. It’s about picking up the phone and calling people and staying in touch with them. Do something nice for someone in your network. Refer them a lead for their business. Offer to help them out on a project or to lend a helping hand if they’re moving. They’ll remember you for it.
Stay in touch! And for heaven’s sake, if someone gives YOU a lead, follow up right away!! Life is too short and fragile. I remember getting a good lead from someone in regards to contacting the legendary Canadian author, Pierre Berton, who wrote 50 books in 50 years, and won three Governor-General’s Awards and 14 honorary degrees. I kept putting it off, and putting it off, thinking I had all the time in the world, and eventually the lead got filed away somewhere and I forgot about it. Mr. Berton died recently at the age of 84 at Sunnybrook hospital in Toronto of complications from diabetes and heart disease. Canada is at a loss. I most certainly am at a loss.
By: Sharif Khan
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