In a normal week I meet with three to five new people all interested in expanding their personal networks. Most are in job transition trying to uncover the “hidden job market” while many others are prospecting for new business. A few people really understand the networking process, which makes our meetings enjoyable with anticipation of our future. Most treat these meetings as one night stands without focus or purpose. My hope is that more people will follow these guidelines to improve the quality of their networking by building long term relationships.
Rule 1 – Quality is more important than quantity.
Rule 2 – Do what you say.
Rule 3 – Be interested, not interesting.
Rule 4 – Help others be successful.
Rule 5 – Stop keeping track.
Rule 6 – Protect your network.
Rule 7 – Exercise your network.
Rule 8 – Treat others’ networks like gold. When someone provides you an introduction to someone they know they are intrusting you with a piece of their reputation. After your interaction with the new contact you return their reputation, but in what shape? If the interaction is positive then you have enhanced their reputation. If the interaction is negative then you have tarnished their reputation. At this point your words and actions are representing not only you but. your contact. Treat their reputation with the respect they desire.
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