The Golden Rule of Networking

We’ve all witnessed the eager beaver at a business meeting running around collecting business cards from anyone who looks important . . . or, for that matter, anyone who shows even basic signs of life. In the end, all they have is a bunch of business cards with no real connection to the people they represent. But if you understand the Golden Rule of Networking, and are prepared, you will come away from a business meeting with a half dozen or so real contacts – contacts with big potential for your executive job search.

Real Networking Is A Matter Of Quality, Not Quantity, Of Contacts.

Not everyone you meet will become a good contact. Their business or profession may not be even remotely related to yours and you may not have any mutual interests. But it takes time and genuine interest to discover whether or not making a connection is appropriate. And, frankly, you don’t stand a chance of even discovering a real point of connection unless you are genuinely interested in talking with the person and getting to know something about them.

This is the Golden Rule of Networking – being genuinely interested in the other person.

Nurturing Is Required To Maintain Relationships.

Once the connection is made – whether it is a new acquaintance or a former co-worker – keeping in touch is required to maintain the connection. Birthday cards may or may not be appropriate. Sending news articles or professional information from time-to-time may be appropriate. Making periodic phone calls and/or emails just to inquire about work or family is usually all it takes. To go back to the Golden Rule of Networking -- the important thing is to show sincere interest in them.

It’s like the well-known saying, “give and you shall receive.” When you show genuine interest, people reciprocate. If there is a genuine, mutual relationship, they will want to be helpful to you as well.

Here Are Some Well-Established Recommendations Based on the Golden Rule of Networking . . . And A Couple Of “Insider Secrets.”

Be genuinely helpful. The first and most basic principle of good networking is that you first have to give in order to get. All too often the novice networker collects business cards without paying real attention to what the other person needs.
Asking questions is the key to learning about the person/s with whom you are conducting a conversation and how you can best be of help to them. But, less obvious is the fact that whoever asks the questions really controls the conversation.
Understand that networking is serious business. When you enter into a networking opportunity it is a serious business even if the atmosphere is informal. You should prepare for it like you would any business meeting. Know who is likely to be in attendance and make a list of the people you think you want to meet. Build a matrix or mind map of your ultimate network contacts and set out to build according to your plan.

View your contacts as valuable resources. Review the list regularly and have a plan to systematically stay in touch.

Be prepared with interesting, current information about your industry and specialty.

Be a “matchmaker.” Look for other people, ideas or published material to share. Be a resource (part of the Golden Rule, too!).

Have your 15-second and 30-second commercials ready.

There Is No More Powerful Tool In Your Job Search Process Than Networking!

You have no doubt heard of the “six degrees of separation” between you and anyone in the world. Well, there’s a lot of truth to it. And, in fact, as you become more aware of some of the pro-active techniques for Expanding Your Professional Network, you will realize that there may only be a couple of people between you and whoever you want to get connected with.

The deeper you get into the world of networking, the more exciting it becomes and the more you will realize how powerful it is. We encourage you to explore every networking possibility as part of your Executive Job Search. It can pay huge dividends and even lead to the all-powerful referral.

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SBI!