NETWORKING
Seek out people you believe may be able to help you and try to make new connections.
Never overlook people you believe can do nothing for you; you may be surprised. Some of my greatest successes in life can be traced to introductions from people I never would have imagined might play an important role in my life.
Always treat everyone with kindness and respect. A seemingly insignificant stranger may later become someone who changes your life forever.
By expanding your network of contacts,
you expand your potential for new opportunities.
Networks are not just about who can help you today. Networks can and should last a lifetime.
Technology platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook can be invaluable in developing and maintaining networks. Think about how you are using these platforms and how you are presenting yourself online.
Becoming visible is an important part of networking. Create visibility for yourself by attending events, posting information online, writing a blog, commenting on posts and asking or answering questions.In all instances, make certain that the visibility you create places you in a favorable light. Continue to build, develop and maintain your relationships throughout your life. And never underestimate the importance of any relationship.
Leverage your relationships for job referrals, recommendations and/or introductions. If you don’t have relationships with individuals who can mentor you or give you advice, get involved in your community and work to develop helpful relationships, referrals and recommendations.If you’re already employed, join industry groups, attend conferences, volunteer at your children’s school, or offer your volunteer services to nonprofits. Try to meet new people.
Set a goal for yourself of trying to meet one new person every day.If this seems too ambitious, try to meet at least one or two new people every week. Look for opportunities at school, at your job, at the grocery store, at the car wash, at the mall—wherever you happen to be. Introduce yourself to new people. Your instincts will tell you when it’s the right time.
Start by simply being open to people and to opportunities when they present themselves.
Be friendly, warm, respectful
and inviting, when you meet new people.
Say hello to people and make it easy for them to say hello to you. Don’t be afraid of rejection. Have courage and confidence.
Don’t expect every encounter to be positive or instantly lead to a new friendship. Good things take time and effort. Invest the time. Make the effort. Radiate a warm, positive and authentic personality. Carry a genuine and compassionate confidence rather than a boastful or contrived confidence.
Let your positive, authentic personality
act like a magnet of attraction.
You never know where a chance encounter may lead. I am always looking for talented people who can add value to the businesses I am involved with or whose talents and skills may present new opportunities. So are many other employers and businesspeople. Great people are hard to find. Be one of them and don’t be hard to find. Get out there and get noticed.
