What Networking Could be to YOU

Networking is a lot of things to a lot of people, but ultimately you need to decide what it is to you. I can assure you that the folks who look at it as an outlet to provide help and assistance to others, do better in the world of networking than those who are running around thinking "what can I get out of this?" Don't get me wrong, you have to consider what's in it for you otherwise you will never feel the true effects of it.

My suggestion to you is to align your networking aspirations in a way that not only benefit you but those with whom you work/network. Let me give a good example: One of my favorite things about networking is that I have the ability to position myself as a resource for my clients. In doing so, I am able to accomplish three things: 1. provide tremendous value to my clients whenever they express a need. 2. I am able to provide value to my network if any of my clients have a need that my networking partner can fulfill. 3. I get to be top of mind for my clients more frequently and potentially keep a lot of competition OUT.

Don't get me wrong, it's not bad to get into networking with the idea that you are doing so to get more business for yourself. Heck, if that weren't the case, no one would do it. My point to you is that if you are not focused first and foremost on the "giving" you are far less likely to be on the "getting" end.

In addition to being a resource for your clients other reasons to network include:

Increasing business acumen- You really get to know a lot about business when interacting with multiple business professionals

Having an external board of advisors- This really happens if you have a formal networking group with whom you meet on some level of regularity.

The opportunity to forward others- Forward=helping others to achieve new levels of success.  We as a people are really getting behind this idea and networkers do it naturally

A better understanding of local goings on- You get to stay current by speaking with other professionals

It doesn't really matter why you stay focused on networking as long as you have some strong reason for doing so.

Those of us with whom you are networking thank you for your efforts.