If this post seems oddly succinct it’s because someone asked me to provide my top suggestions for networking. In writing out some notes & then talking about it, I was able to distill it into a short list.
#1. Meet people as people first.
- I’ve said it before, but it’s worth the risk – put yourself out there!
- Pay attention to the dynamics & the relationship will grow (if both sides invest in it)
#2. Provide resources & help others.
- What can you do for others?
- Get Involved & give more than you take
#3. Lead yourself forward. Jeremiah O calls it paying yourself forward.
- Invest in yourself – never stop learning, reading & growing
- People will respond & mentor you
#4. Engage in partnerships & collaborations
- No one can afford to stand alone. Collaborations offer new opportunities.
#5. Interweave & connect with others & reflect on your network
- Uplift them when they need it & they will do so back.
- Provide value
What are your best suggestions for networking? Do you disagree with any of mine?
These are great tips! Thanks so much.
All of the suggestions here are fantastic. My favorite is the “No one can afford to stand alone.”
A mantra that I relate to a few of your suggestions comes from a book I read about 15 years ago on Word of Mouth marketing. The mantra was, “Givers Gain“.
You have been such a wonderful practitioner of what you wrote above. True to your word. I do appreciate you!
Cheers!
Great suggestions. I’ve seen it first hand in my efforts online …. anytime you give of yourself you not only form wonderful friendships and gain valuable experience but most times you get back some fantastic opportunities as a bonus!
Nicely succinct Connie. Amazing parallels with “real” life… of, it is real. The “give more then you take” proves the value we put on reciprocity. Essential for good Netiquite.
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