Friday’s Think BIG! Success Summary

Making Networking Work For You

It was once said that networking is best described as being able to help or benefit from individuals you directly have a relationship with to achieve life’s ends. Networking can establish your reputation as a community-minded, caring professional.  It gives you a chance to know other business owners, discuss your services and connect with potential prospects. To increase the potential for success in one’s business or in one’s professional career, networking should be a vital part.  So, what are some things you can do to expand your networking process, gain value for your business, benefit your community and enhance your career?

First, get involved in your community. Communicate with confidence who you are and how you help others. Join local community campaigns, attend community events and/or sponsor activities such as local youth sports teams, literacy programs or community betterment events.  Generally the more people you know in a community the larger your referral base potential can become. By being an active visible part of the community you are well-positioned for networking success.

Second, develop positive relationships with key business owners in your community. Join local business groups such as Chamber of Commerce, Rotary or BNA groups (business network) for opportunities to network and meet other professionals. When meeting with these influential people, describe the services you provide, how you might partner with those you meet and leave behind business cards and remembrance advertising items that include your business imprint information.   However, it is worth mentioning that you should always keep in mind that the issue of networking is to help others in the larger arena, not solely focus on yourself.  Thus as you work in this arena, keep that thought in your mindset.

Third, write articles for publication, speak to business groups or participate in media events in which you can provide expertise regarding your business services or past experience.  Providing insight on common community issues especially where past experience can be offered as examples can be a value to the broader community.  This often will bring forth attention to your individual profile and open up interaction with others as a result of what you have made visible.    

Fourth,  offer workshops or seminars on your area of expertise to the community at large.  Everyone can not be “the” leader; but, everyone can be “a” leader in some specialty area.  The community benefits more when those experienced in particular avenues of vital information provide opportunities for the community at large to learn proven best practices.  This broadened exercise will provide a great framework for your resume to be visibly promoted; and, your benefit to others to be experienced.

Fifth, utilize social media.  Social media is now one of the most effective methods of getting messages out to a huge audience representing multiple sectors.  In business LinkedIn is perhaps most vital though Facebook, and Twitter among others also provide valuable outlets to meet and expand connections.  If you as a business owner, manager or leader are not involved in social media, stop now and connect.  It brings you and your expertise to the forefront and also provides you an opportunity to benefit from the expertise of others as you “reach” into the crowd.

Finally, always, always “walk your talk.”  Being authentic as you undertake any networking process will cause that long followed mainstay of recommendation to come forth.  Consistently delivering on value brings others to your doorstep.  People have a sense of pride and enjoyment in being associated with those who are positively recognized in the public eye. By being authentic and delivering on value you become a magnet which draws a common and key contact following. 

One time senior vice president of Security Pacific National Bank (now Bank of America) James F. Levin said, “Activity is the life blood of a successful selling process.  Networking is probably the most effective way of creative activity.”  It works to the degree of one’s network; and, it can increase profitability.  Networking brings high gain; but, also a potential for loss if it is not properly approached.  Make networking work for you by working your network.  

For more information about Herman and how Think BIG! Coaching and Training, Inc. may be of help to you or your business, contact us by phone at 304-839-5101 or through our website: