Have you ever attempted to network and wound up feeling more like you’re preaching the gospel of me, ME, ME instead of creating new opportunities for yourself?
Network is a word that gets thrown around and overused:
1. Networking isn’t doling out business cards. (Don’t get me wrong, they’re great, but mostly for exchanging contact information, not converting sales.)
2. Networking isn’t planning unnecessary coffee meetings with busy professionals who don’t have the time to spare.
3. Networking isn’t sending out hundreds of blind emails to people you don’t know, asking for their help.
Instead, networking is an opportunity to...give.
Hear me out: Networking should be about investing time and energy in relationships while expecting absolutely nothing in return. Again, it’s about the company you keep and sustain.
What networking really comes down to is staying in touch with your contacts (new and old) with their best interests in mind. Rather than emailing them only when you need a hand-up or a reference, networking means you’re thinking of them, sending opportunities and contacts their way, emailing an article you know they would appreciate, being readily available with a piece of free advice or assistance when they call you.
Make yourself indispensable. Think of the other, first. “Network” everyday, rather than only resurfacing when you’re in need of help.
This is the approach we joyfully take with our clients and partners, and it brings fun, community and appreciation to our everyday work.
Whose brand or business will you contribute to today?
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