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Listed
below are his 10 time-tested principles of networking.
Make
a commitment to network and make it a way of life.
Networking
is not a skill, it's an action. Do a little bit each day, every day, and
you keep at it, building it over time. Don't expect people to come to
you, go to the people.
Set
achievable goals.
Networking
goals should be specific, measurable, and achievable. Your goals should
also be compatible with your vision for your life. Networking is about
building relationships first, not about meeting your personal needs.
Always
be prepared to network.
Always
be prepared for opportunities to network. Have plenty of business cards
(even if they're cheap), pens, a small notebook, and a clear agenda. Rehearse
your 30-second introduction (i.e., My name is Joe Martin, I'm a student
at Florida A&M University, and I'm majoring in Success with a minor
in Public Relations). Be different.
Give
first, expect nothing in return.
It
is always better to give to your network than to receive. Think about
how you can help others before you look at how they can help you. Expect
nothing in return than a continued relationship that will grow.
Build
rapport, don't sell.
Never
make demands on your network until you've established solid trust. Develop
a strong line of communication first. The goal of networking is to share
ideas, information, opportunities, and resources.
Be
an active listener.
Ask
good questions. Listen with your ears and your heart. You teach by talking,
but you learn by listening.
Treat
everyone with respect and courtesy.
Honor
your network, from the plumbers to the professors. Treat everyone as equals,
and prejudge no one.
Utilize
your network.
If
there is something you need, utilize your network first. If your network
is not being used, it's useless.
Keep
the help line open.
Don't
be afraid to ask for help. Don't be reluctant to give help when asked.
Don't be afraid to offer constructive criticism.
Give
thanks to your network.
Recognize
those who have offered you help. Update those who have helped you. Show
your appreciation. Fraser's principles are awesome. Through his ideas,
I managed to build a successful network a few years ago of young entrepreneurs
who met regularly to share ideas and opportunities with each other. Our
group received media attention from the local newspaper as well as numerous
inquiries from outside of our city.
If
you play your cards right in college, you should never have to worry about
finding a job when you graduate. It's never too early or too late to start
networking. Remember, your goal is to network to help others. Even if
you don't have anything to offer them (which I think is almost impossible),
introduce them to someone you know who could.
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