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Networking is choosing interdependence over isolation and
realizing the power of cooperation over competition-- it links people and
information to one another for the mutual benefit of everyone involved. One of
the reasons networking has gotten a bad reputation is because many people are
selling in the name of networking, but those who are truly masterful at
networking do so in a very quiet, yet powerful manner. These people know the
power of grace and respect. They've developed their personal power and know how
to connect with people to share their power. You have that personal power within
you, and your network is unlimited! The following 12 People Power principles
show you how to be a source of power for yourself and others. 1. The "boomerang effect" of giving is the
guarantee of networking. A boomerang always comes back because that is the
design of the instrument. In the same way, what you give always comes back in
some form because that is the design of the law of giving. However, the only way
the boomerang can return is if someone first takes action and throws the
boomerang. Giving is a powerful way to activate your network, because human
nature inherently provides the desire to respond in kind. Get your "giving
power" into action. Pass along support and information to others. Then all
you have to do is watch for that boomerang and catch it on its return. 2.The Power of Interdependence Make a powerful and mature shift from the mental state of "I can do this on my own" to "I honor the power and results that are accomplished from working effectively with others." Expand your thinking beyond yourself-- the "I can do it on my own" mentality limits your outreach and effectiveness as a networker. Many of us need to retrain ourselves to think positively about interdependence. Think of yourself as a multi-dimensional entity of resources and contacts. Who you are consists of all of your life experiences and the people who influence who you are as a person. You are larger than what you see in your mirror. You are a culmination of connections that provide an unlimited source of knowledge and opportunities. 3. The Power of Praise Praise calls attention to the good, the helpful, and the
positive. By praising yourself and others you bring people to a higher level of
energy and awareness. Humans thrive on positive reinforcement. There are two
ways to regularly acknowledge people in your network: speaking in person or over
the phone, and sending notes. Make sure you are giving and receiving positive
feedback in your life on a daily basis. Sprinkle the word "thanks"
throughout your day. Tell people specifically how they influence your life in a
positive way. Handwritten notes convey the personal touch we often yearn for in
our society-- you'll brighten someone's day and maintain your own attitude of
gratitude. My favorite story about sending notes is from someone who attended a
musical performance and sent the performer a one-word note:
"Stunning!" That person's experience and appreciation was so
eloquently and beautifully conveyed with that one word! 4. The Power of Quality Connections Everyone has a vast and powerful network. However, for some
people the connections have become weak and rusty from neglect. Clean up those
communication connections so that you can network with all the people in your
life in an easy, natural and consistent manner. Networking is as simple as
friendship and as complex as match making. It is about people being there for
one another. People are much more likely to be "people loyal" than
they are to be brand loyal, and your network will naturally grow and blossom as
you strengthen and nurture your relationships. Never underestimate the power of
your contacts! 5. The Power of Staying in Touch Staying in touch with people what keeps your relationships
close and connected. All of us at times get busy and even though we think of
giving someone a call, oftentimes we don't follow through on the thought. Make a
point to call people to stay in touch and reconnect. Focus on calling at least
one person a week to wish them well or see how they're doing. Call someone you
have not talked with in a long time and let them know you are thinking of them.
Networking simply happens through conversation, yet someone has to be willing to
reach out and initiate the conversation. 6. The Power of Knowing You ideas, and contacts. You must believe that this is true and
train yourself to think and respond as someone who has value to offer. A
positive sense of self, an awareness of the value you can be to others, and a
positive attitude, all contribute to your success in networking. Identify your
goals in all areas of your life and utilize your resources to assist you in
accomplishing those goals with more ease, fun, and efficiency. 7. The Power of Small Talk Small talk is a style of conversation that allows people to
get to know one another in a non-threatening manner. Small talk is not
insignificant chit-chat. It is the exploratory stage in conversation that leads to
discovering commonalities and opportunities-- and conversation is where
networking happens. Learning to approach people with confidence is a
professional skill. It is not about making people talk or cornering people on
elevators, but about your ability to open the door to conversation with the
people right around you. When you focus on putting people at ease and show an
interest in learning more about others, small talk leads to connection, trust
and rapport. Have you ever noticed yourself in a conversation that seems to be
going nowhere? Then all of a sudden you find that you have something in common
with the other person and the conversation takes off. Be interested in and
curious about people. Most people are waiting on someone else to make the
conversation interesting. Remember you are part of the conversation, and you
have the power to direct the conversation to a topic that is of interest and
value. Opportunities exist all around you-- wherever people are, networking is
possible. 8. The Power of Listening Listening is the heart of communication, but most people listen as if listening is simply a matter of not talking. Listening is about being mentally engaged in what the other person is saying. Masterful listening means giving your full attention to someone else to create a connection that goes beyond the words that are being said. It is through listening that people connect and develop trust and rapport. It is about more than just hearing the words. Listening and responding to your clients or prospects when there is nothing in it for you will help you to strengthen your relationships with them and reap rewards in the future. Also, listen for what non-business needs you can fill. There are many opportunities to do this: recommending an auto mechanic, a florist, a dentist, a travel agent. The sale is just the beginning in building a client relationship that will lead to a lifetime of repeat business and referrals. 9. The Power of Speaking Up Are you one of those people you grew up hearing the phrase, "Don't toot your own horn!" and responded by going to the other extreme? If so, it's time you learned to speak up! You don't have to brag or be aggressive, however, you must learn to speak with pride and confidence about who you are and what you have to offer. Always speak to the value and benefit of what you provide people. Most people introduce themselves by merely giving their name, title and the name of their company. To connect with people you must include in your introduction a phrase or tag line that helps people relate to what you can do for them. 10. The Power of Asking People are often hesitant to ask for help or information
for fear of rejection or concern about bothering people. In reality, most people
feel flattered, acknowledged and glad to help, but you have to be the one to
open the door and give them permission. The power of asking is that it builds
relationships, and allows people to get involved in creating opportunities.
Asking for help and information is a way of including people and actually
acknowledging them for the contribution or knowledge they have to share. There
are so many contacts available to you from the people who are all around you. 11. The Power of Thinking Big When you notice yourself thinking, "I've called
everyone I know," think again. Everyone has anywhere from 250 to 3,000
contacts. If you know 250 people and each of those people knows 250 people, then
at the second level of your network are over 64,000 people! Every person you
know could be a resource for an influential, life-changing contact with someone.
Don't ever think that something is out of your reach. Don't ever think you've
contacted everyone there is to contact. You have the choice and opportunity to
have your network lead you to resources beyond your imagination. 12. The Power of Commitment The difference between a mediocre
networker, who
occasionally produces results and experiences sporadic satisfaction and
gratification, and a master networker is the level of commitment they have. That
comes from a deep awareness of the long-term value of networking. Is networking
a good idea? Absolutely. It is the most cost-effective marketing tool for
growing your business and reaching an endless stream of influential contacts.
But there is also documentation that people who have a strong support system
tend to live longer and recover more quickly from illness. With commitment,
these principles become a natural part of who you are. Good ideas are not the
basis for results you produce in your life-- your daily actions and habits are.
Making a commitment to yourself, your relationships, and these principles is the
most powerful step you can take toward a life of richness. Networking is like a treasure hunt. With a treasure hunt, you know there are jewels out there, you just don't know where, and the fun is in finding the jewels. With networking, there are jewels out there everywhere-- you just don't know where. So you meet this person, talk to this person, go to this meeting, call another person ... and sometimes nothing will happen until all of a sudden you'll find one of those jewels! And sometimes those jewels show up in the most unexpected places. Let your life be a treasure hunt! Let it be fun. Let it be an exploration, and I guarantee you'll have a life full of jewels! |
