Networking articles

Before we talk about specific networking tips I want to address a critical aspect of networking that is often overlooked. Sometimes we are so eager to network that we don't stop to consider whether or not we are investing our energy in the right places.Listen, you can go to all of the networking meetings under the sun and collect hundreds of business cards while you're at it but if you're not hanging out with people you can do business with,... Read More

Definition: talk idly or casually in a friendly way Value: pricelessGearheads like me have trouble understanding that great ideas and hard work aren't enough... you gotta shmooze too. Every day we deal with peculiar life forms called "humans", and they have needs beyond the performance of tasks. They like to connect on a human level, too.Even non-gearheads need this reminder. Sometimes they are trying so hard to get the job done, or are just uncertain and uncomfortable, that they... Read More

It's a classic mistake by networkers: their approach is focused on their own needs rather than on the needs of their contacts.Fortunately, a popular new book by Bonnie Lowe makes it easy to solve this problem. The book, "Networkaholics Revealed! True Confessions From People Who Networked Their Way to Success (And How You Can Do the Same)," provides strategies and success stories from 49 master networkers.Many of those strategies focus on how networkers can benefit from being selfless instead of... Read More

Some of the most successful businesses in existence today started in a box room, bedroom or garage. It isn't how you start out to make money at home that is important. What really matters is that you had the courage to begin.With a home based business, you are your own boss, or your own worst enemy. It is now your responsibility to do things that will build your business, instead of someone elses. To make money online, you must be... Read More

Networking requires an investment of time, money and effort. Here are four ways to be sure your return on that investment is worthwhile.Decide what you wantWhy are your attending networking events? Are you looking for a new job? More business? Social contacts in a new home town? Whatever your purpose, stay focused on it, or things can slide into just another long lunch.Attend the right eventIf you are, say, a graphic designed looking for clients, why spend your time at... Read More

It used to be that people said that there was 6 degrees of separation between everyone. Many people know that Kevin Bacon game that people play to prove it. They name a film that such and such played on with Kevin, who worked with your cousins, friends' uncles' gardener, and BOOM.. there you have it! Someone who you know who knows someone who knows Kevin Bacon! There is also the Hollywood version that makes a point to prove that everyone... Read More

One of the best ways to get business is through networking. That's what the majority of people I speak to tell me. So what is networking, what makes it so invaluable to its supporters and how can you maximise your networking time.My definition of networking is"Creating mutually beneficial relationships with like minded people with whom you can offer and receive value, knowledge and support over time"I remember when I first established One Step Further, I went along... Read More

As a single company, it is impossible to provide your customers with all the services they desire for every aspect of their life; but with guerilla marketing, you can come close. By partnering with companies that provide different, yet complimentary, services to your business, you can create a network of reliable resources for your customers. In turn, your company will gain credibility and strength from the size and stature of the group.The goal of the guerilla network is to expand... Read More

One of the best ways to get a referral is to give a referral. When you give someone a referral, they are forever grateful and will feel obligated to return the favor.Before you can go ahead and give someone a referral, you must know them and know their business, this much is obvious. You wouldn't refer somebody that needs their house sided to a painter would you? Of course not.There are many ways to get to know people within your... Read More

Real networking isn't about handing out business cards at a networking event, or seeing how many you can collect before the event is over. Real networking is about relationships that, when cultivated properly, will breed referrals and positive word of mouth about you and your company.Too often I hear the famous networking complaint: "networking doesn't work for me." There are a variety of reasons why someone might feel this way. 90% of the time it has nothing to do with... Read More

With at least 60% of job-seekers finding employment through networking, it's no wonder that people are turning to their colleagues and acquaintances for advice and help in finding employment. The old adage, "It's not what you know, but who you know" rings true when it comes to sources of labor in today's economy.The TraditionalistsIn the recent past (and even today for some unbending traditionalists), if you were unemployed you would focus on perfecting your resume, scour through the classifieds, or... Read More

If you walk into your local bookstore and pick up any random title on interpersonal communication, the majority of the books will simply remind you to "always be approachable."Wow, you think, thanks for the advice.But when you walk into a room full of strangers, attend a national conference or start a new job, that advice doesn't help maximize your approachability.In my book, The Power of Approachability, my goal was to help the reader change his or her paradigm of communication... Read More

In life, you have to successfully work with people to get anywhere. You can't avoid it.Some people are fun, good, and wholesome, and others can feel like a thorn in your shoe. Some will be there to boost you up and be a savior, and others will be there to take advantage of you, sometimes without the slightest care.There is absolutely no way to lead a successful life without effective communication with those who can help you reach your goals.... Read More

A few years back when I moved to Charlotte, NC for the first time, I came with high hopes of starting my business for the first time. We picked Charlotte because it was a growing city with a lot of potential. There was a booming down town and cultural events were starting to make their way to the area.I didn't know a soul in town so I did what any self respecting business professional would do! I opened the Yellow... Read More

Bigger Better Deal. That's what everyone always hopes will come along. And if you are one of the few who don't, maybe you should reconsider!Last night I was at a happy hour gathering of a bunch of my friends. There were 14 in all and we had quite a time playing musical chairs every so often to make sure everyone got to talk with everyone. We amused many of the people on the sidelines who wondered who we were and... Read More

? "Make Every Moment Count" is the title of a CD that a pharmaceutical company gave away at their exhibit booth at two major conferences.Half of the CD covered the company's new product news and "how-to's"; the other half featured tips from a speaker at those conferences. The gift was announced with on-the-seat cards during the speaker's sessions.? A fullflilment house inserts a speaker's "Communicate Clearly" tips sheets on top of the informational updates that the fulfillment house mails out... Read More

Put join a networking group on your to do list with a big underline, star and happy face. You'll be glad you did for more reasons than you can count. And the advice is coming from this confirmed non-networker who, in 20 years of business, considered networking a colossal waste of time. The old dog is here with a new trick.Business networking groups bring together people who, most times, are self- employed, successful entrepreneurs or corporate folk paid truly paid... Read More

Networking is a great way to meet people in a "non-selling" setting. So, don't sell. Meet and greet. Ask people about their businesses. Be friendly and relaxed. Enjoy yourself. Get to know people. Above all, do not sell.If and when someone appears to meet your target criteria, ask for their business card. Then follow up with them later to see if there might be a fit.Here are some ideas to help you get the most from your networking:1. Set a... Read More

"What me? Sell myself? You have to be joking!"This was the response I received from one of my clients when I suggested that she needed to get out there and promote herself. She had to "network".The Oxford English Dictionary defines networking as "interacting with others to exchange information and develop useful contacts."This is how I see it. It's not about "selling yourself" but about an exchange of information with like-minded people.Say to yourself, "I am going to do research. I... Read More

The festive season is a great time to sharpen and hone your networking skills. There is not a better time to start building long-term business relationships. Christmas offers a chance to meet new people in a relaxed a social atmosphere whilst maintaining a professional relationship level.However it is important to uphold your professionalism to make optimum use of the networking opportunities. Ten common mistakes people make when networking over the festive season include;1. Not Planning Prior to the EventWork out... Read More