Networking is a lifelong activity that can have a major impact on your business and personal life. Think back to when you started networking. Who was your influence? Who did you learn from?
For me, my brother was my mentor while I was a freshman in college (17 years ago). He encouraged me to get involved in student organizations so I could meet more people in my major. He was very instrumental in my early efforts and who knows if I would be writing this blog today if he didn’t point me in this direction.
Even though I have been actively networking before my professional life started, I have had many mentors along the way in addition to my brother.
We are always learning so be open to listening and trying new ideas. Networking works differently for everyone so find out what works best for you. Take advice from people who have already tried and failed or succeeded in certain relationship building strategies.
Here is a list of networking mentors who you may have more than one of. Also, keep in mind that you don’t have to know these mentors personally for you to learn from them.
• Family – older sibling, parent, uncle, cousin, etc.
• Boss – past or current
• Successful professional – someone who has done well in business, relationships play a key role
• Networking authority – great way to learn
• Well connected professional – leverage relationships for success, active connector
• Executive – leverage relationships for success
• Politician – good at building relationships
• Fundraiser – good at building relationships
Who is your mentor?
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