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| | The *Networker's First Stop Training Network is not currently active and cannot accept new posts | | Networking 101 | Views: 1009 | | Aug 24, 2007 9:16 pm | | Networking 101 | # | 
Donna Mann | | Networking is not about using people. It's about taking advantage of all available resources to make sure you get remembered - in a positive way.
Many projects today go to firms who have personal connections to managers or other decision makers. Only a small percentage of projects are awarded to unknowns - fewer still to persons without good relationships to the client.
To build relationships you need to be an effective networker.
To be an effective networker...
Keep in touch. You probably have a bigger network than you think -- people you knew in school...coworkers... parents of children's friends...acquaintances at church... etc.
Check in with these people regularly, not just in times of need. Should you find yourself in a weak economy, your network will be in place.
Create "favor banks." Do nice things for people. Always acknowledge the people who encouraged your career.
Send a thank-you note -- or even a gift -- when someone does a favor for you. Let people know that you appreciate them and don't take their efforts for granted.
Make a list of all the people you have helped -- by writing letters of recommendation, for example, or introducing them to decision makers. They owe you a favor -- and probably will be thrilled to come through when you need their help.
Always follow through. Never say that you are going to do something unless you are prepared to do it. Networking is about building trust as well as relationships.
Let's say you promise an acquaintance that you'll give him/her the names of people who might be right for a particular job. Follow through by passing along the information promptly. Alert the people you've referred. You'll get credit from both sides.
Make new connections. Join professional associations. Volunteer in the community. If you're not chatting with people -- at parties, conferences or business retreats -- you're not building the connections you need.
If you are shy about talking to strangers...
Be prepared with at least three topics of conversation. Sports, politics, music or movies are all good options. So are interesting things that are currently happening in your profession. The buffet is always easy - chat about the beautiful presentation or how good something looks.
Practice a seven-second lighthearted self-introduction -- a quick way to let people know who you are and encourage conversation.
Example: "I'm Joe Taylor of XYZ Consulting Engineers, and we bring excitement to subdivision design." This prompts the listener to guess or ask what he does.
Approach a person who is standing alone. Your presence will be welcome... and you'll feel less awkward. Once you're relaxed, move around and meet other people.
Exit with charm. To gracefully leave the person with whom you're chatting, shake hands and explain that you don't want to take up too much of his/her time.
Example: "I really enjoyed hearing how similar our businesses are. But I shouldn't monopolize your time. I am sure you want to mix and mingle. It was so nice to meet you."
Donna Mann
DEE Virtual Assistant Services
www.deevirtualassistsvcs.com
"Assistance is only a Mouse Click Away"Private Reply to Donna Mann | | Aug 25, 2007 7:47 am | | re: Networking 101 | # | 
Eduardo Martinez | |
Dear Donna,
Thank you for your excellent suggestions. Although some of them have been heard before, they are always welcome as a reminder.
Your message has prompted me to ask something I have never seeing clarified in all the networks I belong to:
Is it so positive to network with family and friends?
I know the answer about the other question: is it positive to network with acquaintances and strangers? Yes, yes, yes.
In my experience, it has been more difficult to do it with family and friends and when I have done it, it has been to my prejudice. They have tried to get as much advantages as possible from me (works, contacts, money, etc.) but when I have tried for them to reciprocate I have normally suffered a disillusioned.
Have you or any of you suffered something similar?
Thank you for enlightening me.
Kind regards,
Eduardo Martinez, FIH (UK); CHA (USA), Licentiate (Spain)
1. M. D., Markhotel, S.A., Hotel Consultant & Worldwide Hotel Buying & Selling; Professor
2. General Management Consultant, Accredited by the IIB, UK.
3. Independent Consultant, Arbitration & Mediation, A.C.A.M., Worldwide
Tel. & fax: 0034 91 5732990
Mobile: 0034 696 213427
Skype: alcolea2005
e-mail:
global@markhotel.es or
eduardomartinez@iib.ws
url:
http://www.ecademy.com/user/eduardomartnez (English) or
http://www.linkedin.com/in/eduardomartinez (English) or
http://eduardo-martinez-alcolea.neurona.com/ (Spanish)
Private Reply to Eduardo Martinez | | Aug 28, 2007 7:16 pm | | re: re: Networking 101 | # | 
Dana Neal | | It's only positive to network with family and close friends if they support your endeavors...other wise ...you're "working" to no end....
Out of my entire family, I have two aunts that are very supportive in all that I do....where my entire family does something I will refer....etc.....but family is your worst critique no matter how much "networking" you do.
Blessings to you and yours!
Dana Neal
http://www.essenceofawomanevents.com
http://www.faithtravel4u.comPrivate Reply to Dana Neal | | Sep 01, 2007 8:51 pm | | re: re: re: Networking 101 | # | 
DeAnna Troupe, Video Marketing Specialist | | Excellent post Donna! That was a good reminder for me. I've been in hibernation mode for most of the summer, but now it's time for me to get back down to business. Thanks ladies for keeping things moving for me!
DeAnna Spencer
DeAnna Spencer's Virtual Assistant Service
http://www.deannaspencer.com
Network Leader: Networker's First Stop Training: http://nfst-network.ryze.com/Private Reply to DeAnna Troupe, Video Marketing Specialist | | Sep 16, 2007 10:16 pm | | re: Networking 101 | # |
carole harris | | Excellent advice Donna!
I sure will take it. Is it okay if I short cut it on my desk top? I don't want to just take, it's your writing....but great! If no, I understand totally!
Carole
caroleshomebizexpress
where shopping and having your own biz is a great experience! (I hope)
http://carole.go.cc./Private Reply to carole harris | | Sep 17, 2007 4:40 pm | | re: re: Networking 101 | # |
Donna Mann | | Carole, yes you can short cut the information on your desktop. Private Reply to Donna Mann | | |
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