| Networking is an extremely | | | | not related to us but still are treated like family. |
| beneficial business activity, but most people just | | | | - Some of these people may also be in our social |
| hate to do it. In fact, most people will do almost | | | | network as well. |
| anything to get out of going to a networking | | | | - In our health network we would have our |
| event. | | | | doctors, dentists, chiropractors, dietitians and |
| It often works like this. For one reason or | | | | anyone else who may contribute to our overall |
| another, you find yourself going to a networking | | | | well being. |
| event. As you walk in the door, you scan the | | | | - In on our business network, which overlaps with |
| room and realize you don't know a soul in the | | | | our financial network we have bankers, insurance |
| room. You look for the bar, thinking a drink might | | | | agents, and investment counselors. |
| be the best thing. You find something to drink and | | | | For most of us these networks grow |
| a place to stand. Eventually someone walks by | | | | spontaneously. The point of this article is that |
| and you strike up a conversation. You trade | | | | when we consciously design and construct these |
| business cards and drift apart. This may or may | | | | networks for a specific purpose, they will perform |
| not be repeated. At the end of the evening you | | | | better for us. |
| may have a small pile of business cards that you | | | | Benefits to Networking: |
| toss on the corner of your desk. You wonder if | | | | Here are some examples of the benefits you can |
| anything will come of the event, and soon it fades | | | | get out of networking. |
| from your memory. | | | | - Genuine friendship - While friendship often results |
| You quickly learn that networking is a | | | | from social networking (happy hour could be one |
| non-productive way to spend time, and fight | | | | big example), the people you meet at business |
| vigorously to keep from going to another. And | | | | networking events can also become close friends |
| you are correct. Networking in that way is | | | | over time. |
| certainly a waste of time. | | | | - Gathering new ideas and fresh perspectives - |
| I know this is how it works because that is | | | | Anytime you are exposed to a lot of people you |
| exactly the way I started networking. | | | | cannot avoid their new ideas and insights on |
| Why is networking important? | | | | business problems. If you keep an open mind and |
| No one individual can know all the answers, or be | | | | not dismiss new thought, it can be a very mind |
| good at solving every problem, but, a carefully | | | | broadening experience. |
| constructed network of friends and associates | | | | - New job opportunities - Many people only |
| can. A robust network of friends and business | | | | network to find new job opportunities. After all, |
| contacts can pull you out of trouble when the | | | | the best way to find new jobs is to know |
| going gets rough. | | | | someone at the company you are interested in. |
| Your ability to succeed depends to a very large | | | | But, as the title of Harvey McKay's book states, |
| degree on the rapport you establish with key | | | | you should "Dig Your Well Before You Are |
| individuals in your life. Think about that for a bit. | | | | Thirsty." Don't wait until you are out on the street |
| In business networking we are consciously looking | | | | to begin your networking. Networking is not an |
| to assemble a network of people that can assist | | | | overnight thing. |
| us in succeeding in business. In real estate for | | | | - Business intelligence - One great way to find out |
| example, an agent may band together with other | | | | what is going on in your industry is to network at |
| agents to help each other with open houses, | | | | industry functions. |
| finding listings, or closing sales. They may also | | | | - Sales leads - One of the principle functions of |
| band together with complimentary businesses | | | | networking is to generate sales leads. This |
| such as lending institutions, title companies, home | | | | happens slowly at first, since trust has not been |
| inspection services, interior decorators, and many | | | | established. But, before long, you can see your |
| others that may be involved in the sale of homes. | | | | leads take off. |
| Together, this group is far stronger then any one | | | | - Barter - For savvy networkers, barter (direct |
| individual agent. | | | | exchange of goods or service) is a clever way to |
| Types of Networks: | | | | get rid of unused inventory, or services. You can |
| Human beings are social by nature and are | | | | go through a formal barter service, for third party |
| surrounded by a network of networks in our life. | | | | trades, or just deal directly with a trading partner. |
| Many of these overlap and some are contained | | | | The benefits to networking far outweigh the |
| within others. Here are some examples: | | | | negatives. It just takes a little practice and |
| - The family network - Our immediate and | | | | understanding. |
| extended family and perhaps individuals who are | | | | |