“Secret” of the Month: Networking is a Process

"Understand that networking is an ongoing process, not a discrete event.  Success comes from making new contacts, following up and keeping in touch." – From 102 Secrets to Smarter Networking

The Lowdown:  Hardly a secret but it's easy to forget that relationships are built over time not overnight.  The person you talk to for 5 minutes at a networking event is not likely to refer you to her best client, even IF she truly understood what you do, even IF there were an opportunity, and even IF you were the best person for the job. 

You need to connect at a deeper level and get to know one another over several interactions.  Start helping each other in small ways, building trust and respect as you go.  And while you strengthen these relationships, don’t forget to continue to make new contacts through networking groups and events. 

If you have a structure (e.g., active membership in one professional organization) and a plan (e.g., meet 5 new people each month, call 2 existing contacts each week), you’ll make continual progress rather than moving in fits and starts, which is much more inefficient and much less effective.

© 2003-2005, Liz Lynch
Liz Lynch is founder and executive director of the Center for Networking Excellence which develops products and programs to help professionals learn how to build profitable relationships. If you're ready to start networking smarter, get your free networking tips now at www.NetworkingExcellence.com .

Comments

[Dan Williams]

Love this topic, right on!
With the url above is the white paper, I authored entitled;

"Networking, like life, is a Process not an Event."

Hope this helps, and Liz - you are doing a great job of education in the networking world.

Many thanks,

Dan Williams
CEO, Founder
The Networking Community