A brief explanation of the benefits of networking as well as tips for beginners looking to get on the networking train.

I define networking as the many series of actions and touches that every human being uses to meet, connect and learn from others.

Who can or should network? Why bother to network at all?

Everyone should network, and here is why.

The reason why those in business should network is because it is an important and effective way to:

  • Meet like minded individual that can share tips, referrals and ideas.
  • Grow your business
  • Meet individuals from other industries so that you can learn what works for them and adapt those ideas and methods to work for you.

 In your personal life the reason why you should always be networking is because:

  • You get to put yourself and your thoughts out into the world.
  • It keeps the door open to you, for many opportunities. The only way for people to know that they should mention something interesting to you is when you tell them what you are working on and the things you enjoy doing.
  • You get to meet interesting people, which you would never meet if you would sit at home.
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 The difference between networking in person and online:

 The difference between networking in person and networking online is different, though at the same time they have their similarities.

 Differences:

  • When you meet someone in person you can use your charisma, facial expressions and posture to influence the outcome of your conversation as opposed to online where that is more limited.
  • Meeting in person is always a warmer connection, it is a pumping heart, you remember one another as opposed to online where you press a few buttons and connect! Even when there is an online dialogue it is not as real as a face to face. Remember though, it is a great way to build a network which can turn into and create lasting friendships.

 

Similarities:

  • Online and offline you need to focus on benefiting others, taking an interest in what they say and giving them your full attention and being all ears (Making THEM feel important).
  • Under promise, over deliver.
  • Be punctual.

If you are thinking about beginning to be more proactive in your networking, right now is the time to start.

Begin By:

  • Searching online for events in your neighborhood and industry.
  • Mention to everyone you meet that you are interested in any and all networking opportunities
  • Create online profiles on Linkedin.com (Business) Facebook.com (More Social) and others. Be careful not to create too many profiles as it is easier to make a few profiles very effective then to make a lot of profiles a little effective.
  • Upload all your email contacts to your profile and see how many people are online already!

The gains and pains (If you want to call them that) of networking:

I have gained as well as pained during my networking efforts. I have met amazing people such as Magic Johnson who was honored as one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History in 1996, and enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2002. I have also met Michael Corbett, actor, author and TV star. Online I have met and received hours of advice from Michael Senoff, founder and CEO of www.hardtofindseminars.com a very smart marketing guru and many other interesting and successful people.

You need to build up your confidence slowly, have a direction, create a few effective methods that you can successfully use to get people interested and the most important advice of all is to have fun! You can never give up, because there will be some people that may brush you off and not respect you, walk away and continue to be the best you can be.

Networking Goals:

 I don’t believe that you need one, three and five year goals in regards to networking, as it is not an end goal though a means to accomplish other important goals in your life as well as enjoy yourself, though you should have a specific outcome that you are looking for when meeting new people as not to waste your and their time.

 

Two recommendations for:

I recommend:

  1. A very successful mentor of mine told me that one of the very important traits of successful people is their ability to adapt to change. Networking is the next big thing, get on the train today.
  2. Create your own network of people and build up. Put together social get togethers where all your associates can meet and get to know each other, you be the king.
  3. (Under promise, over deliver) I recommend this book to anyone involved in or getting involved in networking: Keith Ferrazzi: Never Eat Alone (If you haven’t read Dale Carnegie’s book How to Win Friends and Influence People, get it now!)