| Networking in business is essential to make | | | | ethics, you may end up with the client from hell |
| money. But does it really work? It all depends on | | | | or people who will not benefit your business. And |
| how you define networking. One definition of | | | | you may also lose your self -respect. Here are |
| networking is 'attending business functions and | | | | three selection criteria when networking. |
| formal or informal meetings to gain potential | | | | 1) Respect 2) Trust 3) Confidence |
| clients.' Well, that's not really enough. It's only the | | | | Focus on developing a relationship of respect, |
| first step. You need to do more that just turn up, | | | | trust and confidence between the person and |
| announce who you are and what you do, and | | | | yourself. When you have achieved this then you |
| collect business cards. | | | | can work with that person. And you will find by |
| If you do then all you are doing is making a guest | | | | acting in a respectful, trusting and confidential way |
| appearance and add to your overflowing business | | | | you will usually attract the same kind of people |
| card collection. Here is a quick test to see if you | | | | who you want to be associated with. If a person |
| are effectively networking. Calculate how many | | | | does not respond in the same way then you |
| business cards you have in your collection. Now, | | | | politely avoid forming a business relationship. |
| count how many of those cards have led to a | | | | It is tempting at times to form a relationship with |
| business relationship or sale? If the answer is not | | | | a person who you don't trust because of the lure |
| very many, then you really are not networking | | | | of potential money. But that is usually fools gold |
| effectively. You are just making meaningless | | | | because that person will let you down in the |
| contacts. You need to netWORK. | | | | future. If there is no respect, trust or confidence |
| And effective netWORKing involves selecting | | | | then there is no real relationship. So remember, |
| those business people with whom you would like | | | | when you network, make sure you do some real |
| to work with. If you jump at every opportunity | | | | netWORKing. |
| and are desperate to make money, regardless of | | | | |