Networking in our Small and Flat World

 

• Relationships are the basis for all networking. You go into relationships just for the joy of connecting with others rather than looking for am immediate mentor. Listening; Likeability; Learning; and Linking are four ways to connect with others to form relationships. 
• Listening:  Ask lots of questions.  Questions unite; answers, or statements, divide
• Likeability: Use eating, drinking and enjoyment time to have fun and relax.  This is the time for you to become more personal when you’re in a business setting.
• Learning: Have expertise, current knowledge and something interesting to bring to the conversation. Keep up with current events and trends.
• Linking: exchanging energy and ideas in short bursts through email, phone calls and short chats.
• Small world connections: people you each know who know either of you.  Places you’ve lived or worked. Your professional or other networks. Experts of specialists are wonderful small world connections.
• Spread your networking outside of your company: remember cultural and gender differences
• Watch for trust: pick the right person for what you need. Information or action.
• Network far away: when traveling make time to connect if even for a drink.
• Extra distance= extra effort: lack of energy and closeness; people’s lives go in different directions – use email, articles, opinions; don’t overdo gifts
• Something of value to offer: ideas, opinions, updates
• Consultants and recruiters have great networks: keep in touch with those folks
• Connect with where you want to go: in your work, in your life and in your relationships.