Networking

• Networking is an excellent way of developing new relationships.
• Networking means asking contacts for names of their contacts that might be of use to you - ''Who do you know who can tell me more about...?''
• It's useful when you don't know who might be useful to you in a large organization or elsewhere in your industry, function, profession or geographical region.
• There must be a mutual interest, something in it for the other person.
• Find a good reason to make contact, to discuss mutual interests.
• Telling prospective contacts that they were recommended by their friends adds a bit of flattery and helps to break the ice.
• Networking takes time. It isn't likely to be one of the urgencies that keeps you busy every day.
• So, you need to convince yourself of its strategic value to you.
• Thinking strategically about what you are trying to achieve for yourself, what sort of contacts will best serve your purpose?
• Can you set aside a specific time each month for it, say half a day?
• Keep a log of your progress and what you learn as you go.