A Common Mis-Perception of what Networking is For →

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“You know… the person who was just offered a leadership position with a massive pay bump (and a corner office) but seemed to have zero noticeable skills that would have warranted such a promotion.
You hear whispers around the office – “They got the job because they know somebody” or “They must have some serious connections!” Well… Maybe it’s true!”

This statement sounds like a natural lead-in for a networking book and captures what many people think about networking. I know this is true because this is the lead for my book “Networking with a Purpose,” but I also say that the reader’s professional network is powerful, and the book is a simple guide to building it.

Don’t settle on the idea that networking is just a stepping stone job on the path to your dream career. Its value doesn’t end when you get the job. Instead, it is the gateway to the knowledge and contacts you need to open every door and do meaningful research.

6 Good Reasons Why You Should Network, After You Find New Connections →

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Is “more” better? Do more connections make your network better? The answers to these questions are found in understanding why a relationship is picked and if you are willing to be a good partner for them.

Six Reasons to Network

1. New connections can open doors for new business

2. New connections bring new referrals

3. New connections bring you into contact with new & best practices

4. New connections can bring personal opportunities

5. New connections can make you aware of new vendors

6. New connections open new alliances and partnerships

Networking requires you to get out of your comfort zone. →

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You must develop relationships and connections within your network to have more opportunities to advance your career. Attending meetings and social events hosted by your professional association is a great way to connect with people in your field. Ask friends, family members, and acquaintances already in your circle to introduce you to people they know.

Networking requires a two-way street. You can’t expect to take information and insights from your contacts without sharing your communications with them. It is about trust and helping each other.

Quotes

“Find out what you have to do and who you have to meet, and then do it.”

Have you been "PAYING IT FORWARD" as part of your networking plan? →

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Looking for a job? You need your network more than ever before. Networks require attention and work to be effective.

Decide who your network is and pick your best contacts. Past co-workers, especially those that moved on before you, past supervisors, owners, competitors, customers, suppliers. Ask yourself how can you be of value to these people. When something happens that you know one of your contacts would have an interest in then send them a note about it. This is what “Paying it Forward’ is all about. If you just develop the habit of doing this it will appreciated as being sincere because that is what it will be.

Even if your out looking for a new job yourself you will learn things that would help others so pass it on. .