Just recently I had the privilege of interviewing Larry James from Scottsdale Arizona for The National Networker magazine. Larry has been networking with others for years and he takes networking very seriously. According to Larry, most people think that collecting cards is what it is all about. The interesting fact is that most people think networking events are places to prospect for customers. Larry and I both agree that collecting cards and prospecting are the last things you want to do when networking. Networking is where you use your talents to help others achieve their goals. Now you may wonder what is in it for you - you attended the event to get business, right? Perhaps I could state this in another way. If you network by helping others, then you will be known as someone that genuinely wants to see others succeed. The business you gain from doing this is not likely to come from the same person but it will come back to you in the future. You have probably heard the saying, "The more you give, the more you get". When you are networking, this is more than true. If you have helped someone achieve their goals, do you not think they will tell others about what you did for them? I would hope they would tell everyone they know. And who knows if one of their contacts might want to do business with you. You never know where your next sale may come from. When you attend networking events, you are cultivating a network of people (hopefully you do this strategically) to help you achieve your goals. Larry states, "Networking is using your creative talents to help others achieve their goals through the cultivation of a network of people in a strategic position that use their creative talents to help you achieve your goals AND expecting nothing in return". In other words, if you give a lead to someone, do not expect one in return. Give the lead because it helps that individual. Do not start getting into a snit becacue they did not return the favor. Your lead will likely come from another source. Larry states, "Give and give and it will come back to you in the future". I know this works, I have had many experiences that prove this idea without a doubt. If you would like to see some of Larry James work visit his website www.authorsandspeakersnetwork.com |
