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Networking
is a slow and gradual process. It takes time to
understand and incorporate good networking habits into
our daily routine. As such, undertaking to learn how to
create strong and long-lasting relationships with others
requires an open mind, perseverance, and oftentimes, the
courage to go outside our comfort zone.
Following
are some networking advice:
Look to Build Quality Relationships
Quality
primes over quantity. A person who is willing to go the
extra length to help you is worth more than 10 or 20
people who are not willing to go out of their way.
Looking to build good relationships with people will
also prevent you from falling into the pitfall of being
"superficial."
Be Genuine
People can
sense when another person is genuine or not. If you
approach someone else in good faith and ask for help
while at the same time trying to create a positive
relationship, you will have more chances than if you
just ask for something without putting in the effort of
knowing the other person. As genuine person is always
refreshing.
Connect the Right Way
Keeping in
touch can be hard, especially with our busy schedules.
Yet, taking time out to give a call or to send out a
card or an e-mail can mean a lot. Be careful, however,
not to send out e-mails or cards in "bulk." The
personal touch will be greatly appreciated.
Don't
Wait Until You Have to
Don't wait
until you need to network to start networking. As
mentioned earlier, it takes time to build a good network
of people who are willing to help you.
Careful About Filters
Don't forget
that a network extends beyond your immediate contacts.
Each of your contacts have their own network. You never
know who they know, so don't screen out people too
fast. Some people might be able to help you even if
they are not working in your profession.
Be
likeable
People will
not feel compelled to help you if you never helped
them. It's about that little voice inside that tells
you: "he helped me, so..." But good networking is more
than that and is not about keeping records. It's first
and foremost about "helping." Yet, people normally only
like to help people they like.
Be
Positive
Try to be
positive. That will make you more welcoming. Other
people won't approach you if you always look angry or
unfriendly.
Plan
Ahead When Attending Meetings
Part of
networking is attending conventions, meetings,
gatherings, etc. Going into those events without
planning ahead will lead you nowhere. Ask yourself
these few basic questions:
- What
do I want to learn?
- Who
do I want to meet?
Once you
know what you are looking for, decide on an action plan:
- How
can I approach this person?
- What
questions should I ask?
Be Active
Get out of
your passive state and be proactive. You cannot always
expect people to come to you. Go out of your comfort
zone and make the first move, research events you should
attend, volunteer, etc.
Follow-Up
Follow-up on
the contacts you made. If you met someone interesting
during a convention, give him or her a call or send him
or her an e-mail.
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