“The only difference between where you are right now, and where you’ll be next year at this same time, are the people you meet and the books you read.� — Charlie “Tremendous� Jones, author of Life is Tremendous
Networking is one of those buzz words that means different things to different people. For some, it means packing into a mid-level hotel banquet room over Evian and crackers and for others it means typing feverishly on message boards (being sure to always use the correct emoticons). I’ve even met people who gauge their networking abilities by how many business cards they’ve passed out in a week.
The terms is probably astutely defined in a dictionary out there, but I have my own definition.
I’m networking when I’ve given someone who has the power to assist me with my goals, the desire to do so. Simple.
My short and sweet definition has saved me time and energy. I used to wholeheartedly believe that networking was when I made a connection with anyone; meeting, greeting, and getting my name (or my businesses name) out there.
Now I put my interactions into three categories:
1. Networking: Connecting for the purpose of establishing a symbiotic relationship that helps me reach a goal
2. Support Team: Connecting with individuals with similar goals for the purpose of mutual support and cheerleading
3. Intimate Network: Friends and Family
The problem with not knowing what category you’re in or should be at any given time, is that you’re not meeting the people that can make the difference between your career/business accelerating or stagnating. My mistake was that I thought I was networking when I was really making friends with people who didn’t have the resources or connections I needed.
Making friends is fun, and I make time to nurture relationships that are valuable to me, but effective networking can make or break your business.
If you haven’t read Jeffery Gitomer’s Little Black Book of Connections, get it on Amazon today. He breaks down networking to a “T”.
This year has been a big one for me in terms of making connections. One thing that I’ve learned through trial and error is that in any situation, when asked the age old question, “What do you do,” take four words to explain where you are now, and six to explain where you want to be.
People can only help you reach your goals if they know what they are. As fabulous as applause feels for where you are, think of the future when connecting.
Last month I was talking to someone asked me about my business. Instead of going into detail about the sale of a couple of them, I told them about my new focus: my writing career. Well, people know people who know people and in less than a week I had a literary agent. That is networking.
Before I attend any event I evaluate the purpose. Going to a mixer for the sake of mixing and chatting, isn’t a good use of my time. That’s what movie night with the girlfriends is for.
If there is one thing that I know, having a packed schedule and being busy is not an indicator of productivity and upward movement. You can break a sweat from digging trenches just as fast as from making true strides. Leave the trenches behind!
This entry was posted on Wednesday, July 25th, 2007 at 9:08 pm and is filed under Intentional Living, Focus, Business Decisions. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.5 Responses to “Networking: What Your Mother Didn’t Teach You”
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July 26th, 2007 at 7:43 am
Thanks for the book recommendation. I’ll be sure to check it out! I think you’d also like How to Talk to Anyone: 92 Little Tricks for Big Success in Relationships, by Leil Lowndes. I nearly walked past it in the self-help section, but when I browsed through it, I found so many tips that helped in both business and personal life. Although she didn’t have your tip–making sure to share where you’re going–she had lots of other tips for establishing and nurturing relationships. I should blog about it on my Booksnake blog. =)
Looking forward to reading more of your book reviews!
July 26th, 2007 at 7:26 pm
Congrats, Bunmi! I’m so excited that you are headed in a direction that makes you happy! I am so thankful to know you!
Bri
July 27th, 2007 at 11:11 pm
Good distinction. Networking with a clear outcome versus ‘hoping’ something comes out of circulating.
Second good point - communicating where you’re going which naturally leads to assist if they have the ability.
Good post.
- James
July 29th, 2007 at 10:21 pm
I really like your article, I think you made a lot of interesting points that will help network and build a productive schedule.
July 30th, 2007 at 1:09 am
I loved all of your comments. I’m glad that the information is useful. Thanks Brianna, James, and Corey!