The Art of Networking

[Maria Elena Duron]

The Art of Networking

Do you ever wonder why kids of affluent families get into the best firms and land on the best jobs right after graduation? It’s because their parents have mastered the art of networking. However, you don’t have to be a parent or a businessman to build a network because honestly, networking is for everyone. So how do they do it?

First of all you’ve got to do your homework. If you want to meet someone, make sure that you at least know something about the person. Have you ever tried to Google someone? According to studies, on the average, an individual looks up at least 13 people in Google every month. It would also help if you read about the person you want to meet. Read magazines or books about the industry they belong to. By knowing some bits of information before meeting them, you are actually doing more than connecting. In fact, it becomes an excellent opportunity to bond and impress them.

Your name also plays an important role in networking. A name is actually one of the things that people should remember about you. So how would they remember your name? One way to do it is by having your own domain name. For example, Microsoft.com has its own domain name. So if you look it up online, only one site pops up with Microsoft.com. Thus, having a unique and memorable name is an excellent way of making people remember you and of course, easier for them to find you online.

According to Mitch Albom, author of the bestselling novel Tuesdays with Morrie, “Build a little community of those you love and who love you.” However, you have to build your network before you need it. It’s annoying when people you haven’t heard of in years calling you to sell or ask for something like a job. The myth about reaching out to others only when you need something is a big trap that we must avoid. Those people with the largest networks of friends and contacts know that it is wise to reach out to others before you even need anything at all. There are a lot of opportunities out there that would help you build your circle of contacts. It may be as simple as talking to someone in the PTA meeting or when you’re in line in the grocery checkout. You will never know when you will need them but it’s important that you get to know them even if you don’t need anything from them.

There are people who were born to connect with other people without a sweat and there are people who have difficulties in doing the same. But what can we learn from the spontaneous and audacious? If you are not that kind of person, then your best arm is to prepare. It means knowing beforehand what to say. You just don’t talk; you have to say how you benefit people and how you make them feel. The goal is to convey your image in a positive and worth-remembering way. Skip the jargon. It will not impress people and might just cause confusion. Just keep it simple yet definitive.

Finally, knowing who you want to know is one of the keys in creating a good network. Identify the people who can help you get there. It wouldn’t hurt to reach out to authors as they are very knowledgeable. Reach out to the people who have the same profile as you and find out what they did and what helped them to become successful. You may also want to talk to someone whom you aspire to be like. You are making this connection to learn from others and to create a meaningful relationship at the same time. Remember that people crave to be appreciated and showing sincere interest about the person and what they do is a way of showing appreciation.

The truth about networking is those who are good at it don’t just reach out to people; they create meaningful and lasting friendships. They know that success can be measured by relationships. So when do you start creating an enriching circle of trust? Today is a good day to start.

[BarJon]

I'm that guy who people expect to hear from me only when I need something. I hope I am not too old to change my ways!
Thanks for the post!

[David Sandusky]

Originally Posted by BarJon

I hope I am not too old to change my ways!
Thanks for the post!

As long as you are learning and adding value...no way!

[pmptrainer]

networking is really helpful for people who wants to go somewhere in their life and also make it easier for their kids as well. better start networking now!