Be a better networker

Dear Annie,

Experience has shown me that those who belittle the value of networking are the same people with character traits that don’t show favorably in that environment. Like Harry shared, networking works best when built around the theme of Dr. Misner’s BNI which is “Givers Gain”.

Secondly, as Dr. Misner mentioned in your article; it is likened most to farming and not hunting. In front of most computers, still sits a warm blood human being.

We all need to open our minds regarding networking. In Silicon Valley, where I’m located, there a culture of helping others and accepting meetings. We help one another. People in the tech industry know the value of reaching out – and of being prepared. Take the risk and ask for that meeting.

Marsha Keeffer
mintresumes.wordpress.com

Annie, I am with you on networking as the key to success in today’s economy. I used to avoid it, but it ended up being how I got my last two jobs. I found one of the best ways to get someone’s attention was to send an email with the subject line “Advice.” That gets people’s attention. When they open the note they read something like, “Bob, Sue suggested that you and I get together. I am hopeful you can offer advice on my career.” 98% of all people will reply to this with an invitation for a call, breakfast, lunch – whatever. Once over the hurdle of setting up the meeting, all of the other great advice you cite in your post come into play.
Randy Street
http://www.thewhomatters.com

Annie here. If the company has gone out of business, you can be pretty sure your non-compete is null and void. A nonexistent company is highly unlikely to enforce it!

I think that in order to be an effective networker, you have to want to help people. Be genuine about it, show interest and listen to the other person. If you share your grandmother’s recipe for apple pie, help a neighbor’s son get into college, or help out with the props at the high school play, then, you’re well on your way to successful networking. Networking is never about you, it’s about the other person.

People remember who helped them, and when you need help, then you can call upon your network to help you. But, if you’re a really good networker, you don’t really need to network to find, say a new job. Mention that you’re looking for a new job and your network springs into action for you because of what you’ve done for them in the past. Now, that’s successful networking!

In the business world there is online networking that is effect for some and eccential for others.Plaxo Pulse for example as well as Linkedin. The sayings still hold true today as they decades ago. “It is not what you know but who you know.” You combine that with just being good at what you do and hard work and you chance for success has grown 1000% times. There is one saying in Real Estate that is not true 100% of the time . Location, location, location. That is only 75% true. It should be said , who you know, location, location, location. Because the best Real Estate in the world is not able to be bought by everyone even with the money to close. It is bought and sold by networking and that is 100% of the time.

Networking is a skill that teens can develop. I have had many teens get unbelievable jobs and internships through networking; e.g. A high school freshman working in the Physics Lab at MIT studying dark matter, a high school junior working with the Army doing research that eventually was published with their name as a contributor. These skills can be learned. But they must be practiced. The results will help students get into college and get the career of their dreams.

Larry Dannenberg
CEO of College Solutions

I don’t believe that Leon understands what ‘networking’ is. It isn’t standing around gossiping but a technique (for lack of a better word) that allows you to discover new opportunities and ways to achieve new goals. By meeting new people and gaining their trust and respect these new avenues will open up for you.

While conversing with another person is an important aspect of networking, its more important what you say and how you convey it rather than how much of it you do.

And Leon speaks about a solid-track record, well isn’t it best if people know about such achievements? With a good network people will come looking for you.

Networking is not applicable to everyone in the business world in the same ways. There’s minor room for networking when you’re a tech geek, and the networking that you do accomplish will only occur as a result of a solid track-record of actually accomplishing something worthwhile; usually in a team environment. Nobody wants to hire or retain the blow-hard that spends his/her entire day chatting around the water-cooler or on their cellphone when there’s real work to be done. Networking is fine for those in marketing, sales, and some management areas, but it is not specifically applicable to everyone. It’s tired and outdated…let’s get back to work instead of jabbing our jaws.

Anyone who believes most B-school professors haven’t either run a business or had a career before getting their PhD and teaching either is at the wrong school, or really never took the time to get to know the faculty. My college professors helped me establish the first and most important level of my professional network, given their existing industry contacts and inside knowledge. Additionally, there are clubs in college that are formed purely for professional networking, such as the Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization.

Additionally, fraternities and sororities can provide huge, nation-wide networks, whether considered a professional or social organization. Alumni tend to work their own networks first before looking outside. One notable quote I’ve read from Greek life is “you lift me, and I’ll lift you, and we’ll ascend together.”

Did I just go to a fluke school, or is Misner dead wrong on this one?