Networking Tips for 2008

It amazes me how little we (business owners) know about effective and efficient networking. I would like to offer my opinion on the subject and invite your feedback. I consider myself fairly well connected, with affiliations in numerous chambers, Masonic organizations, and The Good Fellows Club. I believe that networking is one of the very best ways of building relationships. Did you hear what I said? I said building relationships, not building business. If you go into networking thinking that you are building your business through those actions, you're wrong.

Ask anyone who has been in a successful business for many years, and most will agree that relationships are what build empires. Chances are that the person whom you met at last night's function will probably not do business with you; but if you take the time to get to know that person, do your best to help them with their needs, it will come back to you exponentially.

The old saying is do unto others as you would have them do unto you. I have a better solution and it says: do unto others as they would have you do unto them. The manner in which you like to be talked to, dealt with, and behaved toward is probably very different than those that you may be working with. Get to know each person in your network and genuinely build that relationship.

Five tips that I have learned:

1) Try very hard to remember those in your network. If someone introduces himself or herself to me more than twice, I take them out of my database, and because I do not exist to them, they don't exist to me!

2) Never look beyond the person that you are speaking with to greet someone else. You may as well have told that person that they weren't as important to you as the person behind them.

3) Never interrupt a conversation that someone is having. Remain just outside the circle and wait for an invitation.

4) Never, never, never give your business card to anyone that doesn't ask for it. Nobody cares about you, your product, or service until they ask.

5) Networking is the purpose of getting to know someone that you don't already know. If you know the person next to you fairly well, move on to someone you don't. If you stay in your click you aren't helping yourself or anyone else.

6) Offer to be the expert networker. If someone new comes to the group and you know someone else who may be a good contact for them, make the introduction.

Whatever your spiritual or religious preference, they all say the same thing-Help your fellow man/women. There is a reason that we should help each other, and helping each other is part of our purpose. The more you help other people get what they want, the more people will help you get what you want. It is one of the Universal truths. On the other hand, by believing in, and only working for the Me syndrome, your network will quickly see through your facade and within four years, you will be out of business and looking to that same network to help, but no help will be there.

In closing, build your network with the understanding that you are making life-long connections. Understand the need to keep in touch with those in your network and offer your help when needed. Be grateful that you are helping someone else obtain their goals, and they in turn will be grateful to help you obtain yours.