Networking for the Person Who Hates Networking - Part I

It seems as if the good Lord is telling me to pay attention to networking.  In late December, I bought Thom Singer's book, Some Assembly Required: How to Make, Grow and Keep Your Business Relationships.  I bought it out of curiosity because I very much enjoy Thom's blog.  The book is a fast and easy read with some hidden jewels of advice (hidden for me, at least).  After reading it on a plane ride from Memphis to Miami, I came away with a renewed commitment to be intentional about building and nurturing my network. 

In mid-January, I received an invitation to attend a "Purpose Driven Networking" seminar.  I signed up and while the information was geared more toward smaller businesses, I found it to be helpful.

Then, networking has been all over the blogs I follow so, as I said, the good Lord is speaking to me. If you've been reading this blog for any period of time, you know I hate "networking."  But with the right attitude and the right intentions, networking can be fun and rewarding.   

Here are a few truths that resonated with me and are hopefully helpful to you:

From Thom Singer's book, Some Assembly Required:

• "Successful people build networks by cultivating true, long-lasting relationships" [BWP: another reminder that it is not about you!]
• "Your goal in any business relationship is to give more than you take." [BWP: again, we all know this but how many people practice it.  Think hard and truthfully about yourself - are you a giver or are you a taker?  The answer may say a great deal about where you are in your life and in your career.]
• "Once a quarter, look at your contact database and give some thought to those who would benefit from knowing each other." [BWP: this is certainly a hidden jewel.  I know to do this but I'm not intentional.  Intentionality in this regard, as in all areas of life, can be the difference between being successful and being super successful.]
• Get a business card file notebook and skim through the pages of business cards occasionally to refresh your memory about the people you have met and who you might to reconnect with.
• In a networking function, don't say "nice to meet you" since you may have actually met that person before and now you've let on that you've obviously forgotten it.  Rather, say "nice to see you."  [BWP: I love this one.]

I've run out of time tonight.  So, see Part II for more ideas and helpful hints and buy Thom's book!