Develop a Who's Who in Your Network
by Mike Owen
You've heard the saying, its not what you know, but who you know. In business, this statement could not be truer. Getting to people who can influence and get results in your network is essential towards your success.
Getting people "in the know" as they say can help your business to grow quickly. These people in this business are the proverbial net of contacts that are part of your select group that helps you.
Many of these people are influential in the community in some way, and you should make sure you guard them away from people you do not trust. These are people you should touch base with regularly to get feedback and information on happenings in the business world. Also, volunteer to help these people to get what they need. A lot is said for those who unselfishly give to influencers. Don't always try to get pay back from them immediately. Trust me, they will remember that you helped them and will slowly welcome you in their family in due time.
Your who's who network should include varying type of personalities and backgrounds. These can be high-ranking government officials to a lowly paid connector. Never miss an opportunity to get information, resources and people on your side. I have heard people state that using people is wrong. That's an untrue statement in my eyes. Using people is fine, but "abusing" people are the problem. Use your network to help you to build your business, just make sure its both ways. If you are using people in a fashion that everybody wins, then that cannot be a bad thing.
Beware of the "sharks". Sharks are those people who come into your life to take and take and take. Their bane existence is one that can absolutely ruin your credibility if you are not careful. Do not introduce these people to your who's who network. Once in, they will spread through your entire network like a virus. I have found that the way you treat your network is how they will treat you.
The common denominator amongst the who's who network is that they are great at getting useful information that benefits them. To bring value to them, you must become proficient at getting useful information that may benefit them. In turn, the same will be bestowed unto you. It's a simple yet effective concept.
Your who's who contacts are regular people too. It's not always about money with them. These people will do what ever they can to help you, and just want your respect and help when you can. Developing a quality list can take time as "eagles never fly together, instead, you find them one at a time." Constantly work at finding these people for your network and build the network as you would a house. Solid foundation and with strong columns.
Mike Owen is an author on "business networking" in South Florida. He teaches professionals how to network for business, and is currently finishing up his book on business networking. His lifelong passion is connecting people for business and otherwise. You can email Mike at mike@businesseventsflorida.com, visit his website at http://www.BusinessEventsFlorida.com and contact him at 954.274.6007.
What to Do When You Get Tired of Networking With People
by Mike Owen
Sometimes we get tired of networking with people. We hit a wall, so to speak. You feel stale and stuck whereby you don't know what to do. At this point you simply have to make one decision. Just take a break.
You have realize that by you taking a break and doing nothing, you actually will be able to recharge and come back more refreshed and productive. There are times that you simply need not be productive and take time from people.
In the business-networking world when you have attended many business functions and seen people over and over, you can simply get bored or burnt out. Sometimes you have a stretch of meeting "bad" networkers and may even feel that networking does not work for you. You will feel like not talking, emailing or just not attending functions you are used to attending. It is that this point you should check yourself and take a little break so you don't get bitter. It happens to all of us.
Take a cruise, fly away somewhere, just do something other than networking with people for business. You can give yourself sometime not to think about it, and just enough time to miss it. I am writing this chapter as I am going through these thoughts. These feelings I could not ignore, after attending over two hundred events over the past year or so.
Remember, people really don't want to meet a grumpy or burned out individual. So, check yourself if you are getting to that point and take sometime out. Clearly, things are getting fuzzy and you can use this time to get some perspective or clarity in your life. I usually find that at this point the break can only help me to come back better and more focused. New ideas can emerge from more brainstorming and self-improvement can develop from spending more time working on me.
Recently, I have met so many people who are unhappy while networking. At some point this can wear on you because you start to wonder if you are attracting people who are like you. After a short time, these people either disappear temporarily or you never see them again because they become bitter about everything.
Don't get yourself in a position that you can't see that more harm than good is achieved by not taking the break you may badly need. Many times people will not tell you how you come across because they don't care or don't know how to tell you. You may sound too crazy or disgruntled for them to get involved. Also, participate in some positive activity that encourages you on a regular basis. Hang around positive people as they may help to elevate you when you are feeling bitter or down. Don't take it personally if a "friend" is sharing with you how bitter or inappropriate you may sound at events. You are usually the last to find out and only good friends will share their feelings about your behavior. You could be losing a lot of opportunities and money and not even realize it.
Mike Owen is an author on "business networking" in South Florida. He teaches professionals how to network for business, and is currently finishing up his book on business networking. His lifelong passion is connecting people for business and otherwise. You can email Mike at mike@businesseventsflorida.com, visit his website at http://www.BusinessEventsFlorida.com and contact him at 954.274.6007.
