Not just for the coffee dates (though I love a good espresso). I network for community — the kind that has your back, lifts you up, and laughs with you along the way. I network for resources — real, trusted people who know their stuff and want to help. (Being able to be a one-stop […]
In the world of networking, one of the most valuable lessons is that giving often leads to receiving. If you are not proactively making introductions and connections, you are missing out on a crucial opportunity to build and nurture relationships that can ultimately benefit you as well. The principle is simple: the more you give, […]
“Do you know a (Fill in the type of business, such as web designer, life coach, CPA, etc)?” When you respond and offer up a name, it feels good, but it isn’t proactive networking. Proactive networking occurs when you see possible business synergies between two individuals, and not because they had an immediate need and asked for […]
People often tell me I’m someone who “knows everyone.” I’m flattered to hear this, of course, but it isn’t true. Not even close. Sometimes I even think this is an excuse to avoid introducing me to others, an easy escape since I know everyone and there are no more introductions or connections to make. It […]
We’ve all stepped in it at one point or another! C’mon, don’t shake your head no. I know you’ve done it too. Many of us consider ourselves to be fantastic networkers yet have made a networking blunder and lived to tell the tale. I know that I have and I’m here to share my embarrassments […]
Networking works. Or should I say that networking CAN work. We all know that it’s time-consuming, often expensive, and occasionally, completely unproductive. Here are a few things that you should do in order to make your networking efforts more successful: Have a goal. How many times have you attended a networking event and wandered around […]
We’re seeing a lot of posts about good riddance to 2020. This isn’t one of them. This is not a look back at 2020, but a seriously important and seemingly obvious message for 2021 – networking must be reciprocal. MUST be. I don’t mean tit for tat. I’m not that petty. I do mean you […]