Networking is a long term strategy that can produce amazing rewards for both your career and/or your business. But that only happens when you build and nurture relationships, not only turning to people as and when you need them.
Keep connected to your network and make as many as possible of your touchpoints about them rather than about you.
Feel nervous when entering networking events, approaching strangers or even asking someone you know well whether they will help you? If you do, you're not alone. Far from it.
Many of us feel those nerves. We are afraid of being judged, being rejected or being a nuisance. Rationalise those fears and feed positively from the nerves. You sometimes need to take uncomfortable steps to get extraordinary results.
Natural
Online and face-to-face be yourself. Don't put on an act, it's hard to maintain and often easy to see through.
Needy
Desperation is not an attractive trait! Share your vulnerabilities with your close network but don't be needy. There is a big difference between the two.
Notice
Pay attention to the person you're speaking to and look out for people in your network at all times.
Be Nice
Always respect people you interact with and treat them in a way that makes them want to see you more and be there for you.
New Contacts
Always be looking to build your network. If you feel it's strong enough already you can be selective but stay open to new connections.
Negativity
Leave it behind! If you carry your negativity into networking conversations it can do a lot of damage to both relationships and reputation.
Names and Notes
Remembering names is one of the biggest challenges facing most of us but keeping notes of the conversations we've had and promises we've made can make life easier.
Wow! A massive response this time out on Facebook, thanks everyone for the suggestions. I could almost do a two-parter for N!
Ideas came from: Keith Grinsted, Phil Shepherd, Paul Brown, Arvind Devalia, David Hyner, Ian Steel, Matt Purser, David McQueen, Laurence Lowne, Nigel Risner, Tracey Carr, Lee Warren, John Jameson, Claire Boyles, Rhiannon Evans, Jim Ewan, Barry Walker, Annabel Kaye, Andy Preston (NO!), Lottie Hearn Ross, Mike Segall, Tracey Smolinski, Jo Simpson, Tessa Hood, Anna Fiorentini and Shelley Jenner.
If you want to find out a number of the ideas that have missed out, check out the discussion on my profile on Facebook and the
Facebook page.
