We all know that networking plays a major role in the fruitful growth and development of any business. But knowing and doing are two different things. Networking is an art and a mindset. It's like the art of fishing with a net instead of a single pole. Believe me, if you don't know how to throw a net, you just won't catch much of anything. Networking is a lot like farming too. The farmer doesn't plant just one seed and than hope that it grows. Instead he plants many seeds and then keeps on caring for them to encourage growth. Not everything will sprout and grow, just like the fisherman isn't going to catch all the fishes. But by knowing and applying the steps to the art of networking, we can be like farmers and fishermen. Networking can take place in structured professional groups, such as Business Network International – BNI, or less structured settings like after-hour socials or get-togethers with other business professionals. It can even take place in unexpected situations, like while volunteering for your local theater! In today's state of economy, it is imperative that business owners practice the art of networking and teach their employees how to be successful networkers as well. After all, the farmers and the fishermen teach their sons their art so that they can keep on feeding many families for generations to come so why not teach those that work with you.
There are many facets to the art of networking and the most effective, in my opinion, is to follow Ivan Misner's motto of “Givers Gain.” What is the meaning of this motto to successful professionals? It means that they have made themselves powerful contributors and an asset to others. It is their mindset to be an asset to others instead of focusing just on what their own needs are. Look at it this way. Let's say you have two potato farmers. Farmer #1, Jack, is busy working in the field and tending to his crops. On the other side of the dirt road, you have farmer #2, Josh, also tending to his crops. As they are both working hard in the hot afternoon sun, one of their neighbors (from a couple miles away.....I'm visualizing that we have stepped into the past) is riding by in his horse drawn wagon when one of the wheels fall off and all the wagon's contents roll off onto the dirt road. Both farmers notice this is happening, but only Josh actually does something about it. He stops what he is doing and goes to the aid of his neighbor to put the wheel back on the wagon and help reloading. Now, think about this for a moment. Let's say that Jack, farmer #1, never helps anyone because he is always too busy tending to his crops while Josh, farmer #2, makes time to help his neighbors. What do you think would happen if either one of the farmers needed help. Who do you think is more likely to get help in return?
The same principle seems to be true in today's world of business. It's not on purpose, simply human nature. When looking at it from a business standpoint, if you give business to others, they will in turn want to give business to you.
Successful Networking Tips:
1.Genuinely care about others
2.Learn about other people's businesses
a. What do they do?
b. How long have they been doing it?
c. What makes them different from others in the same field?
d. What makes them passionate about what they do?
3.Find out how you can help that person
a. What kind of referrals would they like to receive?
b. What indicates that someone could be a good customer for them?
4.Ask them for their business card
a. Keep one in your wallet
b. Ask for a couple extras......maybe you already know someone who can
benefit from their products/services
[Reproduction of this article is permitted with complete author's bio.]
About the author: Marie-anne Rouse is a Big Island MomPreneur, APAC volunteer and notable networker, as well as on the leadership team of BNI's Kona Krew. For information on networking or to sign up for her complimentary newsletter go to www.MomIsTheBest.com
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