Ten Networking Tips

Networking:  everyone tries to do it...and few people do it well.

And that's too bad, because we all need help.  We all need guidance.  We all need help opening a door.  No one -- no one -- does anything worthwhile completely on their own.  

So, if you're trying to crate a genuine and mutually beneficial network, here's a better way.

1.  Quit trying to take before you give.

The goal of networking is to connect with people who can help you make a sale, get a referral, establish a contract, etc. When we network, we want something else.

Still:  at first never ask for what you want.  Forget about what you can get and focus on what you can provide.  Giving is the only way to establish a real connection and relationship.

Focus solely on what you can get out of the connection and you will never make meaningful, mutually beneficial connections.

When you network it should be all about them, not you.

2.  Quit thinking other people should care about your needs.

Maybe you're desperate.  Maybe partnering with a major player in your industry could instantly transform your red ink into black.  Maybe you really, really need a job.

No one cares.  No one should care.  Those are your problems.  Those are you needs.  Never expect other people to respond to your needs.  Other people may sympathize...but helping you is not their responsibility.  The only way to get help is to help others first.  Ask what they need.  Ask what could help them.

Care about other people first; then, and only then, will other people genuinely care back.

3.  Stop asking for something specific; let other people offer.

Never ask for much,.  In fact, try not to ask for anything.  Let other people offer and they'll often do much more than you would have ever considered asking for.

4.  Quit taking the shotgun approach.

Some people network with anyone and everyone, tossing out business cards and connection requests like confetti.

Networking isn't a numbers game.  Find someone you can help, determine whether they might (someday) be able to help you, and then approach them on your own terms.  Always select the people you want to network with.


5.  Quit assuming tools create connections

Twitter followers, Facebook friends, and LinkedIn connections are great - if those connections are in some way active and engaged.  But in all likelihood your Twitter followers aren't reading your tweets.  Your Facebook friends rarely visit your page.  Your LinkedIn Connections aren't constantly scanning for your updates.

Tools provide a convenient way to establish connections, but to maintain those connections you still have to put in work.

6.  Quit reaching too high.

If your company provides financial services, establishing a connection with Warren Buffett would be great.  Or say you need seed capital; hooking up with Mark Cuban would be awesome.

Great, awesome, and almost impossible.

The best connections are mutually beneficial.

You may desperately want to connect with the top people in your industry, but the right to connect is not based on want or need.  We all must earn the right to connect - and that means finding people who can benefit from our knowledge, insight or connections.

Forget the status level of your connections.  all that matters is whether you can help each other reach your goals.

Those are the best connections of all - and the only ones that truly matter.




Reposted from:  https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/only-networking-tips-you-ever-need-build-real-jeff-haden