Oct 26 2008
Networking = Followup
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I just read a great post at Work It, Mom - My 5 golden rules of networking: Rule #1 — if you want to succeed (in anything), you MUST network.
The post has great commentary surrounding some common sense rules:
Rule #1: If you want to succeed in your business, your career, or your life, you MUST network.
Rule #2: The best time to network is when you don’t need anything.
Rule #3: Networking is like stock investing — you have to have a long-term view instead of seeking short-term benefits.
Rule #4: To be great at networking you need to offer more than you ask for.
Rule #5: If you think you’re too shy/too reserved/too intimidated to network, you’re wrong.
I am one of those that find the idea of networking in person at events intimidating, but once I get rolling it’s actually fun. Everyone else is there to network too (and also to eat and drink). But I agree with Nataly that the real and potentially beneficial networking occurs after the event. It’s easy to collect a bunch of business cards but it takes organization and thoughtfulness to keep in touch and start building a relationship from just a contact.
My takeaway? Stop being afraid of the idea of in-person networking and start meeting people.
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Hi Sheri !
Excellent points !
The platform of networking could be anything: online or offline. It could be an un-conference or it could be a blog.
The key as us pointed out correctly is how to translate those first point contacts into valuable relationships. That is something which always has to be backed by follow-up.
For e.g. - I could be coming to your blog with a perspective of networking, but then if I am looking to translate this into a relationship, it is my responsibility to follow-up with you.
Regards,
Daksh