|
One of the most common "rookie mistakes" business people make is confusing the act of exchanging business cards, or handshakes, with effective networking.
Networking is NOT about how many people have your card. It is about how many people know you, value what you do, and feel comfortable referring their friends and colleagues to you. When asked how many luncheons or follow-up phone calls were made, there's silence. When asked if they served on a committee or as an officer, the predictable answer is, "No".
Networking is about bonding and building connections. It's about building trust. It's about building a mutual relationship that benefits BOTH parties.
Think of networking as the art of building a solid, long-term alliance with a circle of fellow business people. A circle of a dozen colleagues can be worth its weight in gold in referrals. It's not the number of business cards, it's the quality of the relationship, that counts.
Build your network and hone your networking skills, in terms of solid, reciprocal alliances that benefit everyone in your circle.
***Carol's Confident Comment - "If you are unwilling to change, you've already reached your maximum potential." - Unknown
|
