I am a huge advocate of networking as many of you know because I know it works; but here is the key, it’s NOT about collecting cards. The one with the most cards is not the winner but merely a hoarder of cards.
Networking is creating a relationship so people see you and know what you stand for. I want to share a couple of recent experiences that explain my point.
One of the networking groups I belong to is a small specialized format. After learning about what I do one of the members referred me to his client to help her grow her business. Little did he know she and I had a great deal in common and we will be working together. Another member of the group gave me a speaking opportunity enabling me to have a broader audience. Talk about a no-cost way to get business!
There is an old adage “people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care”; that’s the key to networking. It’s developing the relationship, sharing information and supporting each other. You know I will continue to refer people in my network as well.
It’s time for me to buy a car, not my favorite activity but it’s been a while so I sent an e-mail to about 25 in my network and already have names of car brokers, people who do finance and great advice. A banker gave me the name of another bank with better finance.
Do you realize how long it would take me to do this research and figure this out on my own? Think of networking as relationship building that leads to saving money and growing businesses. Value-added; it’s fun to meet so many great people who share your ideas and introduce you to new concepts and adventures.
BTW anyone giving away free cars???
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