Cultivate relationships!

I am a firm believer of building, not burning, bridges.
If you agree with this philosophy, you will love the following article by
Jeff Keller.
To receive a monthly motivation newsletter from Jeff,
go here. http://www.attitudeiseverything.com/


Networking That Gets Results

Much of the motivational literature and many seminars focus on individual effort as the key to success. Take responsibility, they say. Develop a positive attitude. Set goals. Move into action. All of this, of course, is great advice. But only to a point.

While your success certainly starts with you, it grows to higher levels as a result of your relationships with people. Simply put, you won't succeed on a grand scale all by yourself.

That's why networking is so important. For the purposes of this article, let's define this term as the development of relationships with people for the mutual enhancement of our personal and professional lives. Networking is a way to get leverage on your own efforts and accelerate the pace at which you attain results. After all, the more solid relationships you build, the greater your opportunities for success.

To build an effective network:

1. Project a winning attitude. This is a given. If you are positive and enthusiastic, people will want to be around you and to help you. If you are gloomy and negative, others will avoid you.

2. Participate actively in groups and organizations. Effective networking and relationship‑building takes more than paying dues, putting your name in a directory and showing up for meetings. You must demonstrate that you will take the time and make the effort to contribute to the group. Therefore, volunteer for committees or serve as an officer. This shows people your ability to work as a team player and helps to reveal and develop your skills.

3. SERVE OTHERS in your network. This is the absolute key to building and benefiting from your network! You should always be thinking, How can I serve? instead of What can I get? If you come across as desperate or as a "taker" rather than a "giver," you won't find people willing to help you. Going the extra mile for others is the best way to get the flow of good things coming back to you.

4. Be a good listener. In your conversations, focus on drawing other people out. Let them talk about their careers and interests. In return, you will be perceived as caring, concerned and intelligent.

5. Call people from time to time without a hidden agenda. Ever hear from an old friend who supposedly phones just to say hello, but then gets to the "real" reason for the call? How does that make you feel? To avoid being perceived in this way, take five minutes each day and call one person in your network simply to ask how he or she is doing and to offer your support and encouragement.

6. Take advantage of everyday opportunities to meet people. You can make excellent contacts just about anywhere ... at the gym or on line at the market. You never know from what seed your next valuable relationship will sprout.

7. Treat every person as important -- not just the "influential" ones. Don't be a snob. The people you meet (whether or not they're the boss) may have a friend or relative who can benefit from your product or service. So, when speaking to someone at a meeting or party, give that person your undivided attention. Don't gaze around for "more important people" to talk to.

8. At meetings and seminars, make it a point to meet different people. Don't sit with the same group at every gathering. While it's great to talk with friends for part of the meeting, you'll reap greater benefits if you make the extra effort to meet new faces.

9. Ask for what you want. By helping others, you've now earned the right to request assistance yourself. Don't be shy. As long as you've done your best to serve those in your network, they will be more than willing to return the favor.

10. When you receive a referral or helpful materials, ALWAYS send a thank you note or call to express your appreciation. Follow this suggestion only if you want to receive more referrals and more useful information. If you don't acknowledge that person sufficiently, he or she will be much less likely to assist you in the future.


Remember that networks are built over time and that significant results usually don't show up immediately. So be patient! Build a solid foundation of relationships and continue to expand and strengthen them. You'll have to "put in" a lot before you begin reaping the big rewards.

Now, go ahead! Select a few of these networking techniques and implement them right away. Get to work serving and improving your network. Then you will truly have an army of troops working to help you succeed!



-- Jeff Keller © Attitude is Everything, Inc.