Networking

Networking. what is it and how does it work?


We have “networking” groups these days and many people think that is what is meant by networking. When you are with or in these groups you are networking. As far as that goes they are correct. But it is not the only form of networking.

Actually every interaction you have with any other person, whether by word or deed, is networking. You never know how what you say or do will travel and affect someone. And you never know how far a word or action may travel.

We are social animals and, to a large extent, our survival is dependent on our interactions with one another. Some interactions are positive and some negative, but each interaction leaves behind an effect on everyone that action has touched. If we lash out negatively at someone, whether in pain, frustration, fear or anger, we can be pretty sure that will set up a chain of negative reactions to us individually and possibly to what caused us to lash out. But if we raise our vibration and look at the circumstances calmly, we may find a way to turn this internal reaction to something positive and not set up the negative chain.

Most of our interactions are neutral; neither negative nor positive. While negative experiences may stay with us for some time, positive experiences may stay with us for very short times unless they are reinforced with other, related positive experiences. Thus while a confrontation in the check-out line at the grocery store may stay with us for several hours, a pleasant interlude with the person next to us in the same line is likely to be forgotten before we get to our car.

The trick in networking is to make every encounter as positive and memorable as possible. A smile, a personal connection is a start. An exchange of business cards is reinforcement. If a need can be identified and met an additional connection is made. Enough of these interactions and a relationship is established. This may lead to a connection that helps you to build your business. This, too, is networking.

The conversations you have after making a speech are also networking activities.

Look closely at your business. Where are your ideal customers? Wherever they are is where you need to be. Will your networking activities work best in networking groups, making speeches or some other activity? Do not limit your perceptions of what constitutes networking. Just reach out and “touch” someone.