People often feel isolated because they communicate virtually through email, text and social networks. But, getting out to a meeting and networking can do so much more to connect you, face to face, in a very human way.
Successful people know how to parlay their natural give-and-take to the next level. They become networking experts because they know the power of an introduction, a referral, a resource. Do you want the name of a good resource? Ask someone. Do you want to know where to  find the best office equipment for your business? Ask other business owners what they use, whether they like it, and why. Networking is simply asking questions and sharing information, and everyone does it. Skillful networking can yield contacts, resources, and information. It is the key that opens the doors to all kinds of information—both for and about yourself. No businessperson needs to go it alone. Joining groups and organizations is a friendly and inclusive way to learn and have people learn about you. Of course, you are ultimately responsible for letting people know about you and your business. Many people feel pressured about time and don’t allow for going to club or professional organization meetings. It’s worth it to check them out anyway. Many groups offer Internet chat rooms and virtual meetings. However, perhaps because of all the virtual opportunities, emails, text messaging, more and more people feel isolated. Getting out to a meeting and networking can do so much more than coming home with a handful of business cards. It connects you, face to face, in a very human way. Kate Coburn, who built much of her successful real estate career through networking, offers the following guide to becoming an networking ace: - Get involved early at whatever level you can with an organization of your choice.
- Don’t just join an organization. Become active and serve on committees.
- Develop relationships and take them one step further. Have breakfast, lunch, dinner outside of the normal meeting. Get to know people apart from the organization. Know them as people. That’s crucial.
- If you’re involved in an organization, make sure that the people in that organization know that you’re there as a resource and will respond to them quickly. In Commercial Real Estate Women, we like to say that if someone gets a call from a member, that phone call is going to be answered quickly because there’s a mutual respect among members.
- Accept the responsibility in membership and networking to help others. It’s very much a do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
- Follow up promptly when people ask you to do something. Put yourself on the line. Make the phone call.
- Be a giver and be of service. Avoid the kind of thinking that says if I do something for you, you will have to do something for me in the future.
- Market yourself in networking, not on your skill level but on your integrity and on your commitment. When you have a job, that’s what you bring to it. It is assumed that the skill level is there. Integrity and commitment are what set you apart.
- Send notes that acknowledge and thank people for even the smallest things. Let them know that you appreciate what they’ve done.
Have fun, Click here to see all my blogs Pam Gilberd, www.pamgilberd.net, writes and speaks on career, life, and success issues. Her books include: The Eleven Commandments of Wildly Successful Women., The Twelfth Commandment of Wildly Successful Women, and Leadership Secrets of Elizabeth I Only registered users can write comments.
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