Top Ten Things I LIKE About Networking

Steve Harper has a hilarious post on his blog this week about "The NEXT Top Ten Things I HATE About Networking", which is a follow up to another great post in November. Sometimes Steve does not realize what a good writer he is...his post is naturally funny and will make you cringe when you read it because we have all had these experiences while at networking events.

But like it or not, networking is still important. Even if you hate to network, you cannot deny that "people do business with people they know and like".... and thus, creating and cultivating connections with others should still be a key part of your career strategy.

A networking event is just a tool to meet others. It is not the only way to network, and it is not a guarantee to business success. But like any tool, when used correctly, it can make your life easier (you would not use a hammer to remove a splinter from your thumb, but a good pair of tweezers can do the trick).

Too often people think that meeting someone makes them part of their network. It does not, it just makes them someone they met. Real networking comes in discovering common interests and creating a mutually beneficial relationship. Accomplishing this takes time and an honest interest in other people and their success.

So here are The Top Ten Things I like About Networking:

1. Meeting amazing people who have have life experiences that are different from my own. Discovering what it is that drives these people to pursue success and finding ways to be of assistance when there is a true connection. It is about developing a real friendship.

2. Meeting amazing people who have life experiences that are different from my own. Discovering what it is that drives these people to pursue success and finding ways to be of assistance when there is a true connection. It is about developing a real friendship.

3. Meeting amazing people who have life experiences that are different from my own. Discovering what it is that drives these people to pursue success and finding ways to be of assistance when there is a true connection. It is about developing a real friendship.

4. Meeting amazing people who have life experiences that are different from my own. Discovering what it is that drives these people to pursue success and finding ways to be of assistance when there is a true connection. It is about developing a real friendship.

5. Meeting amazing people who have life experiences that are different from my own. Discovering what it is that drives these people to pursue success and finding ways to be of assistance when there is a true connection. It is about developing a real friendship.

6. Meeting amazing people who have life experiences that are different from my own. Discovering what it is that drives these people to pursue success and finding ways to be of assistance when there is a true connection. It is about developing a real friendship.

7. Meeting amazing people who have life experiences that are different from my own. Discovering what it is that drives these people to pursue success and finding ways to be of assistance when there is a true connection. It is about developing a real friendship.

8. Meeting amazing people who have life experiences that are different from my own. Discovering what it is that drives these people to pursue success and finding ways to be of assistance when there is a true connection. It is about developing a real friendship.

9. Meeting amazing people who have life experiences that are different from my own. Discovering what it is that drives these people to pursue success and finding ways to be of assistance when there is a true connection. It is about developing a real friendship.

10. Meeting amazing people who have life experiences that are different from my own. Discovering what it is that drives these people to pursue success and finding ways to be of assistance when there is a true connection. It is about developing a real friendship.

Steve is correct, there are many more things one can find to hate about networking events. But the good part of connecting with "fascinating" people will over power the negatives. The answer is in finding the diamonds in the mud. The cliche "don't throw the baby out with the bathwater" is the best advice I can give you.

Here are three things you can do to improve your networking event experiences:

*Discover new events with a better crowd (Steve's 8 Minute Ripple Events are a great place to start! If you don't live in Austin, you can hire Steve to bring the ripple to you).

*Volunteer in the organizations. (Successful events are a result of good planning. If you don't like what you see around you, bet on the board and help make your world a better place!).

*Create your own networking events. (There is no reason you cannot start a networking event and invite other key people you want to meet).

Have A Great Day.

thom
thom@thomsinger.com