What Is Networking - Networking Tips
One of the Best Motivation Techniques

What is networking?

Click on this short 1 minute, 23 second video, speaker Keith Ferazzi makes a compelling case for what networking is and why you should consider doing more of it. He builds a great case for it and he's motivating...

That's the power of this item on the free Wake Up Eager Quiz:

if you're reading this article, you're looking for tips and motivation techniques to help you to want to get out there and network.

Just to put your mind at ease, networking is not this: (Click on play to view...)

if you hate or are fearful of networking it's probably because you've either met someone like this guy or you're afraid that that's what you're supposed to be doing...

Listen to this free 10 minute audio interview with Diane Darling author and Founder and CEO of Effective Networking.

Diane answers the what is networking question by dispelling common myths about networking. She discusses what people should be doing in order to effectively network, and states why young people need to give themselves more credit for networking than they do.

While parts of this interview is geared toward students, everything she shares is applicable to professionals.

Diane defines networking in two ways:

1. Building relationships before you need them
2. The transference of trust

When you are trying to network, you should focus on what the other person can gain from making contact with you. It should be a symbiotic relationship, rather than just transactional.

Click on the gray play button/arrow below to hear the audio interview of networking expert Diane Darling.

So have you listened to Diane's key points around what is networking? Don't skip over it.

If you don't have time now, be sure to bookmark this page so you can listen to all of her networking tips.

• Find associations that interest you, here: Associations Directory services provided by the American Society of Association Executives (Opens a new window.)
  

  The ASAE Gateway to Associations Directory is easy to use and is updated daily to help you make networking more convenient. This directory service takes you directly to many associations. This page allows you to search for an association by name, interest area, or geographic location. You also can search using a combination of fields.

• Another resource for finding association and organizational meetings you can attend: Weddle's Association Directory. (Opens a new window.)

  The Weddle Directory lists several thousand associations from around the world by their primary professional/occupational focus and/or industry of interest.

• What is networking? It is listening. Most people forget this - but if you are a good listener when you network, you will meet more people, be more memorable and you'll know more about other people's needs.
  
  Years ago when I started Priceless I networked with a very influential person. I was nervous. This person know every power player in Atlanta.
  
  He put me at ease immediately by asking questions and listening aggressively. Then he shared contacts and ideas to help me.
  
  That meeting was 5 years ago, but I'll never forget it. I was so impressed with his willingness to help. I've recommended, referred and sent business to this person, for five years. He made an impression because he listened and shared.
  
  Become more memorable by listening aggressively. That's one of the reasons that leader is so influential - he listens!
  
  Refer to my listening aggressively resource article and the tools there to help you hone your own listening aggressively skills
• check out this very interesting Schmooze Quiz: What's Your SCHMOOZE QUOTIENT? Find Out if You're a World-Class Schmoozer!
  
  
  Schmoozer Quiz creator, Susan Roane advises, "These days, you need to network to survive in the workplace: learning about job opportunities, keeping up with developments among your competitors, Hearing news that can beat the inter-office memo by weeks, and just generally putting yourself in the mainstream. How good a schmoozer are you?"
• Here are from Pithy Pointers from Susan, she calls herself, The Mingling Maven!
• Prepare a 7-9 second self-introduction….keyed to the event.
• Read …. A local newspaper, a national newspaper, appropriate professional journals for conversational contributions.
• EXTEND a firm, web to web handshake as a greeting (jellyfish need not apply).
• Don't save nanoseconds. Take the time for the pleasantries.
• Networking is a LIFESTYLE not just a workstyle.
• Good things do NOT come to those who wait … they come to those who INITIATE.
• Charm and Chutzpah are a dynamic duo.
• Networking is an ENRICHMENT program, not an ENTITLEMENT program. We must earn our referrals and leads.
• The Banquet of BANTER is a potluck … everyone has to bring something to share.
• Small Talk is important...it leads to big talk, big business and best friends.
• Networking in a Tough Economy is another free What is Networking conference call recording from Diane Darling - she shares key mistakes to avoid, how to ask for help without imposing, how to best use social networking, where to network when you don't have a lot of money to spend and more...
  
  To listen to the recording, simple call:
  Dial: 616.347.8199 Access Code: 556883#

Here's another what is networking resource a second video from Keith Ferrazzi, a 2 minute, 29 second. Here Keith shares insight into how you can be more outgoing. Solid tips here:

Summary of Key Points in Video:

• Reach out to others
• Find a role model
• Join Toastmasters-www.toastmasters.org
• Koin a group around your hobbies, you are interested in
• Unwrap others
• Be vulnerable first, more openness from you = more joy

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