Networking - 5 Tips to Keep Your Game on Point
September 11, 2009
Networking - 5 Ways to Keep Your Game on Point
We’re all looking to stay at the top of our game. After all, in these times it’s a high stakes game. But what does it mean to “Keep your game on point?” For some it’s about keeping a job or growing your career. For others it’s about living your dream life – smart, successful kids, healthy lifestyle and being in a loving relationship. No matter how you define “your end game”, what’s important is to know no one is ever successful without the help of others. Success is all about relationships. And building relationships is the number one reason to Network. So Like David Letterman’s Top Ten I’m going to give you my top 5 tips on how to keep your game on point.
5. Network –Like Nike - Just Do It! Truly successful people do it often. They're always building relationships that allow them to get things done easily and fluidly. They network both at work and in the community. Afterwards, they pay attention to the people in their network so it will always be there to serve.
4. Know How to Network Well! - Successful Networking is a mixture of art and science. Many people are just poor networkers. Successful networkers know how to meet new people and build productive relationships. You know a successful networker when they can pick up the phone and say “Jim, I have the perfect person for you to meet!” Then hand you the phone and things happen. Learn the skills that enable you to be a power networker.
3. Set Your Intention – Before going into any networking environment know what you want to create. Do you want to gather a dozen business cards or identify the top 3 – 5 people with whom you can develop a relationship with. Your intention should be based upon finding people who have mutual values and open to share.
2. Give the Gift of Your Presence – The most valuable gift you have is your presence. When you show up it means that your attention is in the room or on the person you are speaking with. Ask great questions and listen more than you speak. Remember to smile and turn off that cell phone. Give your full attention.
1. Suspend Judgment- The last tip is to suspend judgment of others. You have to believe whomever you bump into is someone you are supposed to meet. Let go of any initial negative thoughts and don’t go in sizing up people to see if they can help you. The secret is no matter how good you think you are at hiding your feelings everyone can see them. Remember we live in a polite society. When we are with someone who’s not interested in us we simply smile and move away.
No matter how good your strategy is it doesn't matter if you can't make it happen. People make things happen and no one is successful without the help of others. You'll keep your game on point when others are able to trust you. Knowing how to build and nurture great relationships signals your trustworthiness to others. And in this time of doubt and mistrust don't you want to be surrounded by those you value and trust?
