In this part . . .
**IN a DROPCAP** Chapter 1
Networking Defined
In This Chapter
Understanding what networking is
Knowing the keys to effective networking
Finding out about the benefits of networking
C an you recall the last time someone told you about a good movie? Or maybe a friend suggested a great vacation spot, a wonderful book, or a fabulous new restaurant? What about the time someone told you about a great place to purchase a computer, a car, some furniture, or clothes? Every time someone gives you a recommendation, suggestion, or idea about something thatās of interest or value to you, thatās networking. And every time you do the same for someone else, thatās networking. Networking is the passing along of information from one person to another for the purpose of being of value and service.
Networking involves creating opportunities through meeting people, making contacts, and building strong relationships. These relationships grow and deepen over time, leading to other contacts, relationships, and opportunities. As human beings, we have a natural need to be in relationships with others. Honoring that natural desire to connect with and develop camaraderie with others is up to each of us. That need for connection can be fulfilled through networking.
By fostering the power of cooperation, networking links people to one another for the mutual benefit of everyone involved. Those who are truly masterful at networking do it in a very quiet, yet powerful manner. These people know the power of grace and respect. Theyāve developed their personal power and know how to connect with people to share their power. You have that personal power within you. Your potential network is unlimited.
What Networking Is
Networking is the passing along of information, ideas, and contacts from one person to another, and then possibly to more people. Every time someone shares an idea or contact with you, you are on the receiving end of networking. Every time you give someone support, encouragement, or a recommendation, you are on the giving end of networking.
Most of the time we donāt think of networking as networking. If I call a friend because Iāve had a tough day and need the comfort of a caring person and a familiar voice or I offer to give a friend a ride to the airport when he leaves for his two-week dream cruise to Greece, I might think of these actions as just being a part of friendship or a friendly gesture. Or if I recommend my chiropractor to all my friends simply because I am so pleased with how much better she has helped me feel, I might categorize the action as common courtesy.
Networking is as simple as friendship. Itās about people sharing and caring for one another. People become friends because they share certain things in common and connect with each other in ways that are pleasing to both people. Over time, friendships tend to grow and deepen. Friends provide support, information, and comfort and add fun to one anotherās lives. Friends also typically introduce their friends to their other friends, interests, hobbies, and businesses. This type of introduction is networking operating at its most natural level.
Make a list of all the times over the last week that you have done someone a favor, given someone encouragement, provided someone with a valuable or interesting piece of information, asked for help or advice, made a recommendation to someone, or given a referral. Pat yourself on the back for already being an active networker.
What a Network Is
A network is a group of people with links to one another. These links may be due to similar job situations, career activities, friends, neighbors, hobbies, schools, communities, religious activities, and so on. A network is a support system of people that you can reach out to for help, support, advice, or friendship. A network is an intricate web of people who are related in some way and thus connected to each other directly or through the links of other people in the network.
Your network is working when there is a constant flow of information, ideas, and contacts among you and the people around you.
Youāve heard of networks of computers that are connected via cables and communication lines that allow people to access and share information. A professional network is similar; it gives people a way to connect with one another for the purpose of accessing and exchanging information.
Actions Associated with Networking
Networking involves action. In fact, you must take action for the power of your network to become manifest. Without action, your network is like a field of grain thatās been planted but is never harvested. There can be great value and worth in that field, but without the appropriate action, the good that the grain can do for others is never fulfilled.
Networking requires conscious action along with clear intention. As a way of life, networking incorporates attitude, awareness, and action. You can have a great attitude about wanting to be of service to others, but people only get served through action. You can be very aware of people and opportunities, and yet it is only when you take action to bring those people and opportunities together that results happen.
Giving and receiving information, contacts, and referrals. Networking is a two-way street of giving and receiving. You are a wealth of information, contacts, and referrals and so are the people in your network. By accepting and offering support, you enhance the flow of networking, strengthen your relationships, and give people an opportunity to experience the satisfaction of giving and receiving support. This giving and receiving of information, contacts, and referrals can be done in person, over the phone, or via mail or e-mail. However, some type of action must take place to generate the interaction and exchange of information called networking.
You are the center and source of your network. You have available to you a multitude of resources to exchange, share, and pass along to others. Being a resource means that you ...
