Mention the word networking and you usually get a “where and

when” response or a look of “not me!” For the latter, a networking event

can be synonymous with a root canal. But it doesn’t have to be painful.

Unlike things like parenting, which you learn only when you become

one, you can learn to network.

For starters, instead of viewing networking as something you “must

do,” it helps to think of it as a tool to help you grow your business. That is,

actually, what it is. It’s meeting people… talking, sharing, discussing.

It’s not going to a function where you know you’ll feel uncomfortable and

handing out all your business cards. Nor is it to see how many cards

you can collect

So let’s simplify it. Let’s take the nets and split them at their base

components… or what I call nuances.

1. Networking is about meeting new people and building your network.

It is not a shameless sale. In fact, “in your face” sellers are not

good networkers. They turn people off.

2. Illuminate.

Stop thinking of a networking event as something you’re bound to get

via. Instead, think of it as an opportunity to meet interesting people at a

Comfortable atmosphere with good food and drink. take some of the

depressurization

3. You are not being graded on this.

People are not there to see if you are doing a good job or not.

Do not care

Networking events present opportunities to build your network. Period.

4. Learn from the professionals.

There are people who love to network and do so regularly. Probably

meet some They write books and newsletters. They build websites in

networks. Visit their websites and read their books.

5. Feign interest, if necessary, until you feel it.

Twelve-step groups teach you to “act as if…” Try it. act as if you were

having fun and you just might find out that you are. sometimes it’s just

overcome the fear of something new.

6. Think about what you have to gain versus what you have to lose.

If networks didn’t work, why would there be so many networks?

events? Things are not successful if they are failing. There has to be something

to win if so many people attend these functions.

7. How are you building your business?

100% of my business comes from client or networking referrals.

It is much cheaper than placing ads or running commercials. All you need

They are business cards. You don’t even have to hire anyone…although yes

hire salespeople, you’ll want to make sure they can network like

part of the job

8. Networking adds value.

How? Because growing your network helps your customers. And be

able to help your customers add value to your services. How much more

people you know, the more contacts you have for services and goods.

This helps you become a resource to your clients and colleagues.

My clients know that they can call me for almost anything and I

I can probably help you. If I didn’t network, there would be no way to

do this.

9. Networking helps you learn and grow.

Small business owners, especially, can be left isolated. It is important

stay active in your business community and in your industry. You

you need to be up to date on what is happening that affects your business. You

you need to stay on top of trends. And one of the easiest ways to do this is by

networking…union of organizations, chambers of commerce, networking

groups… attending events, conferences, seminars and workshops.

So if you’ve been avoiding the nets, now is a good time to

give it a try. You have nothing to lose and a lot of potential business to

gain.

Copyright © 2004 Rickey Gold and Associates