In order to experience success with networking, you need to be patient. You don’t want to come across as desperate or too pushy. Therefore, spend time cultivating relationships and get to know people. Treat each person as a long term relationship, which should get better over time as you get to know each other.
With the right mindset, who knows where networking could take you. Here are ten thoughts on how you can achieve and sustain this mindset:
1. Have the “pay-it-forward” mindset – offer to help others first
2. Don’t feel entitled to a return favor – it will happen when the time is right
3. Enjoy helping others – shouldn’t be a burden
4. Don’t sell your product/service before you get to know the other person
5. Connect people together
6. Find ways to stay in front of people via a newsletter, events, articles, etc.
7. Get together with people on a regular basis
8. Treat people with respect
9. Don’t rush any relationship
10. Be honest
With the right attitude, you will benefit from your networking efforts. You will be able to connect with like-minded people who will make relationship building all that more exciting. Believe it or not, many people do exist who enjoy helping one another. These folks have built an impressive and diverse network because of their giving nature.
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Hi Jason,
another tip I always share in my presentations and training courses to avoid not having the networking mindset: start building your network before you need it.
Then it is much easier to follow your 10 excellent points.
Jan
Jan Vermeiren, author of Let's Connect (http://www.letsconnectbook.com)
Posted by: Jan Vermeiren | October 30, 2008 at 09:50 AM
Yes, great point Jan. I couldn't agree with you more. I am a big advocate of people making relationship building a part of their everyday life. It is not always about finding a job. Your network can help with a lot of things.
Posted by: Jason Jacobsohn | October 30, 2008 at 09:37 PM