Networking is its own reward: Building strong, genuine, personal and business relationships not only pays off in tips about new opportunities, but also in expanding your skills in influence and negotiation. Not to mention that it makes us happier, more interesting people by exposing us to tools and ideas we might not stumble across on our own, regardless of how resourceful we are.
People helping people
Networking is not about manipulation or being dishonest. Rather, it’s a human process of people helping people succeed. The key to getting started in lifelong networking is to have a genuine interest in finding out what others think about your field, career building, or some other common interest. Trust me, most of us are flattered to be considered as a resource. You will generally find people want to help you succeed. Remember, these contacts may have been as reluctant as you are when they first started their career-building efforts, so don’t be afraid to ask for advice in networking as well.
Be informed
If you aren’t much of a “talker,” have some good open-ended questions ready when you call or have lunch with a contact. Listen to them as they describe their experiences in moving up. Do be prepared, however, to answer questions about what you are most interested in doing and why. Don’t just say, “Well, I heard that Startup.com has great stock options and no dress code.” Do some homework if you are talking to someone from your favorite company. Describe the talents you can bring to the table. But, remember: These networking contacts are not made in order to ask for a job. They’re for listening to and connecting with people who know yet more people in areas that interest you.
More strategies
The following are some other effective strategies for building strong professional relationships:
Go to industry conferences and talk to people. Get their business cards and drop them a handwritten note (no, not an e-mail, if you want to make a powerful impression) saying it was nice to meet them.
Go to lunch with your old boss (presuming you left on good terms) or with a previous co-worker.
Send a holiday card or a note to that person you met at a seminar who was from a company you’ve had your eye on. Say you are impressed with the work they do and ask him/her to keep an eye out for opportunities.
Think about people in your life who you would least expect to provide a networking contact. You may be surprised to find out that Aunt Wanda’s brother-in-law is the CEO of your favorite start-up.
Speak up
Sometimes it’s hard to ask for what we want, but to be successful in networking you have to push yourself to speak up. Force yourself to make that first call to someone you’ve identified as a good source of industry news or as a source of other contacts. As the old line from a famous John Donne poem says, “no man is an island.” We can grow and profit from creating a web of acquaintances as we move through experiences, even experiences that seem to have no positive attributes at the time.
International call сards used for local, international calls are popular, quite fresh, relevant decision. The main plus of long distance call cards for worldwide phone calls is very discount rates, with which there’s a pretty significant savings.
Tags: business, career, relationships