People network for a variety of reasons.
- Sales
- Business Development
- Recruiting
- Business Capital
- Professional Development
- Getting Help with Career/Finding a Job
- Fund-raising for Charities or other Non-Profits
- To Find a Date or a Mate
- To Find a Group to Join
How successful you are in your networking, depends on what kind of networker you are. And what KIND of networker is more dependent upon how you go about networking, than whether you are an Open Networker or only tap those closest to you. That being said here are my “Rules of Networking”:
- Protect your reputation
- Don’t ask something of someone that you wouldn’t do yourself if asked
- Help when you can, be clear when you cannot help
- Stay true to your inner compass (if it doesn’t “feel” right, don’t follow through and see #5)
- Be honest and kind
- Keep confidences, share good news
If you are new to “networking” start small, talk to only your most trusted friends and colleagues when trying to get connected to meet one of the goals listed at the top.
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