A.B.N
Gerard J. Arpey, president and CEO of American Airlines said the best business advice he ever got was, “Borrow money when you can, not when you need to.” This is sound advice that can be translated and applied to networking.
About a month or so ago I met with the executive director of a writing school in NYC. Their only focus is to breed great writers. I was surprised to learn how little value they place on networking. The perspective was that until they had material to present, and by that they meant great material, there was no value in bridging those relationships. No need to waste people’s time… they are not ready.
Additionally, they proclaimed that the business of writing could be a distraction from the craft of writing. It’s more important that they hone their craft. There will be plenty of time for networking once they have those well crafted projects under their arm.
WTF! In my humble opinion… that’s crazy talk. You should Always Be Networking. Always!!
I don’t disagree that you should be working on honing your craft. Malcolm Gladwell’s book, OUTLIERS, points to numerous examples of people who vested the time necessary to hone their craft in their chosen field. But, you should always be networking.
Networking ONLY when you need to is foolish and sets the wrong tone. Relationships take time, building rapport requires patience, and people in the business are naturally cautious –if not fearful– of those that are simply taking, rather than giving.
Listen carefully: It’s pretty easy to spot those that are just joining the network purely to take –not to give. Therefore, be part of a network before you need anything from anyone.
To start with, you must understand all your strengths and weaknesses. Then always seek opportunities where your abilities contribute enormous value to others. The result, others will want to be a part of your network if they know that you will add value. And more importantly, your existing relationships will be strengthened if you can consistently add value to those in your network.
Your mission: to be the first person everyone remembers and suggests when others ask, “Do you know anyone who….”
Start now, and become a trusted node and connector, not a fragmented meteor that is visible as it enters the atmosphere.
