Date Posted: 9/20/2012 12:56:56 AM
Posted By: ombaba Membership Level: Gold Total Points: 1110
Networking is a process of connecting with people by cultivating contacts, building relationships and seeking information on a variety of issues.Networking is an important skill to develop whether you are looking for a job, doing business or trying to find information that is not available publicly. No matter your reason for networking, here are a few rules you can use to make it more effective:1. Have patience - Patience pays. When you meet and exchange contact with someone you think will help you, don''t expect a miracle to happen. Allow some time for the relationship to develop.2. Be open to learning the skill - Nobody is born a master networker. It is true that some people are more outgoing than others, even for them, appropriate networking is a learned skill. So take time to learn as well.3. Do believe that it works - The process of networking may seem long and winding, and a contact is so remote. Have faith that it will work for you. Networking works.4. Have a strategy - Though networking is a simple process of connecting and building relationships, to be effective you need a strategy and a plan. You need to know what you want out of your network.5. Diversify your approach - Do not limit your network to a particular professional group. Network even with people who are outside your are of interest. Use the power of "a friend who knows a friend of a friend"6. Be considerate - kindness, courtesy and politeness are key in any networking endeavour. People have time constraints and other limitations. Dont let out your frustrations on other people.7. Use your creativity - It doesn''t matter how small your network may be when you start to network actively. Think of creative ways you can expand your network.8. Be reliable and have integrity - If you agree to meet with a contact, show up. If you have taken enough time or have used the time that you agreed to meet leave. Don''t talk badly of anyone or anything and never ever lie. 9. Make it easy for people to help you - Specify what you need and what you can offer when you ask for help from your network. That way they can easily spread the word about you and what you are trying to achieve. Don''t be vague because the people you tell will even add more vagueness when they tell someone else. 10. Give back - It is true that you give to receive. Make a habit of asking people how you can help them and mean it when you say it. Some people will never seem to need anything from you, just make sure they know you appreciate them. That way when you need help you can be sure they will be there for you.With these tips why don''t you go out there and make yourself known.
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