Real Networking

What do you think of when somebody brings up networking? The dreaded Opt-in mailing lists, never-ending Newsgroups, or maybe its those virtual or tele-meetings with other professionals?

The main idea behind networking is to gain the respect of other businesses and individuals for the contribution you and your company can make. You rarely gain any alliances from an Opt-In list that is made up of different businesses or individuals trying to push their products or services onto each other. Its nothing but a nameless, faceless barrage of ads. And, for all the virtual legwork required in newsgroups, the very few connections that you might make there are far outweighed by the time you will spend doing it. I do have to admit that with the different types of electronic meetings that are available today, they are comparably better than newsgroups or opt-ins, but still cannot compare to Real Networking.

Here in a simple form, is an example of my networking:

The scene: Local Health Club. Admittably, a good place to meet other individuals who might have a chance of being in the position to be a part of a successful network cycle for me.

I see Don working out on the stair stepper. I know Don to see him here, but have never really held a good conversation with him. I know that Don repairs computers for a lot of the small businesses in the area. I am myself am a web designer. The first part of initializing a network partner is getting that line of communication open. I go over jump on the stair-stepper next to Don. I begin striking up a (non-business) conversation with Don. I eventually ask him what business he is in. Don tells me just what I expected to hear. He owns his own computer repair business and does a lot of work with smaller local businesses. I tell him that I also work with the same type of businesses in the Web Design field. I then ask Don if when the session is over may I have one of his business cards, and when the occasion arises, would he mind if I referred any of my customers needing his services. Well, unless Don was already so overwhelmed with work, he would certainly not mind getting some new business. Please remember this. One keynote of networking is not to expect something in return. What youre looking for here is a future network contact, not your next meal.

Don and others like him are my Real Network. If the occasion arises I will send Don some work. (Note: Be cautious here. From other sources I already know Dons capabilities and business tactics. Hes experienced and fair. Do not risk other network connections by referring them to someone who is, shall we say less than reputable). But whether I send any work Dons way or not, Ive opened the door to a whole new network of possible contacts. This conversation alone will stay with Don. I am talking to him as a friend, willing to do him a favor if the occasion ever arises. For which in turn I am hoping, not expecting Don will do the same. I have measured the chances and thought that Don deserved my attention and a place in my network. If I am successful, Don will feel the same.

Well, its been a little over a year since then and my association with Don, which still is limited to talking and joking around at the health club, has netted me, or Networked me 7 new clients. 3 of which Don referred to me directly, and 4 which were referred by his referrals. That my friend may seem like small potatoes to you, but never the less is Real Networking.
Adios My Friend!

About the Author
Wild Bill

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