Networking Tips for 2008
It amazes me how little we (business owners) know about effective and efficient networking. I would like to offer my opinion on the subject and invite your feedback. I consider myself fairly well connected, with affiliations in numerous chambers, Masonic organizations, and The Good Fellows Club. I believe that networking is one of the very best ways of building relationships. Did you hear what I said? I said “building relationships, not building business.” If you go into networking thinking that you are building your business through those actions, you’re wrong.
Ask anyone who has been in a successful business for many years, and most will agree that relationships are what build empires. Chances are that the person whom you met at last night’s function will probably not do business with you; but if you take the time to get to know that person, do your best to help them with their needs, it will come back to you exponentially.
The old saying is “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” I have a better solution and it says: “do unto others as they would have you do unto them.” The manner in which you like to be talked to, dealt with, and behaved toward is probably very different than those that you may be working with. Get to know each person in your network and genuinely build that relationship.
