Why Networking is Your Golden Key to a Better Life -- No Matter What Your Goals
by www.SixWise.com
When it comes to looking for a new job or changing careers,
not even a stunning resume and first-rate interview can compare
to the subtle art of networking. Quite literally, knowing
the right people and, and this is key, getting them to know
you, can get you hired or promoted faster than all the hard
work in the world.
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Networking with personal friends, neighbors and other
people in your "circle" can be just as beneficial
as networking with business ties.
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As it turns out, networking has a "magical" ability
to lend other good things to your life as well. Talk to the
lady at the health food store and she may tell you about a
supplement to help your achy elbow. Network at your block
party and you may find out who is the best physician in town,
what brand of lawnmower not to buy and where to get the best
deal on your next vacation.
Networking Basics
The bottom line to networking is building relationships.
Simply introducing yourself to someone at an event, and never
following up or maintaining any contact, is not networking.
What is networking is, after making an introduction and small
talk, finding the common ground that you share with this particular
individual. Believe it or not, with a little digging you should
be able to find common ground with just about anyone.
In a business sense, making connections is relatively simple.
You're all in the same industry, the key is finding out how
your roles are interconnected -- and where one person can
benefit another, and vice versa. There are sure to be many
events -- meetings, conferences, office parties, trade shows,
plane rides and dinners -- so putting yourself out there will
not take too much of a stretch.
In a personal sense, networking is more vague, but still
highly valuable. Since meetings are more random, and driven
by you, the key here is establishing relationships with those
in your community. This includes not only your neighbors but
also clerks at stores you frequent, restaurant owners, hairdressers,
teachers, members of your book club and more.
The more people you know -- and keep in regular touch with
-- the more you will find that you know exactly who to ask
when you're looking for a great auto mechanic, pet kennel,
tutor, etc., as if you're on the "A-list" for everything.
In fact, you will be on the "A-list."
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Quick Networking Tips
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Mingle: don't spend the whole time talking
to people you already know
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Work the room: after 10 minutes, politely
excuse yourself to talk to someone else
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Dress appropriately: not too revealing,
casual or formal, depending on the event
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Limit drinking: don't lose your inhibitions,
try to make your best impression
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Act as though you are the host: make a point
to introduce yourself to each person at the event
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Small talk first: don't move right into
business talk, take a little time to break the ice
first
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Listen: monopolizing the conversation is
a surefire way to turn people off, be interested
in other people
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Learn the art of give and take: don't abuse
a new relationship by asking for too much, not keeping
your own promises or not reciprocating favors or
showing appreciation when it's due
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Follow-up: Maintain contact with your new
acquaintances in the short- and long-term
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Where to Network For ...
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Remember, business networking isn't only for boardrooms
and trade shows. Some of the best networking opportunities
occur over lunch, on a plane ride or walking down the
street.
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Networking can occur anytime, anywhere, as long as you are
open to it. Keep an eye out to networking during all of your
daily activities: at the gym, at the grocery store, in your
office building, at your child's school, etc. However, if
you're looking for more organized networking, consider volunteering
in the industry you're interested in or attending trade shows.
The Internet is another emerging networking tool, and many
online communities exist where you can find tips on networking
events in your area, or even do your networking online.
At Sixwise.com, we too rely on networking as a way to share
our information, and word of mouth is our biggest supporter.
If you appreciate the Sixwise.com newsletter, please also
recommend it to those you come across in your networking (or
send them this article to help them get their own networking
started).
And please also take advantage of the networking resources
below. We've compiled a wide array of networking opportunities
for all types of industries and personal pursuits that you
can use as a launch pad to your new connections.
Recommended Reading
The
10 Best Careers -- By Starting Salary, Best Benefits, Job
Satisfaction & More
The
Serious Health Risks of Loneliness & The Healing Power
of Friendship
Sources
CareerJournal.com
QuintCareers.com