It’s not what you know, it’s who you know, that counts.
The relationships you have and want are critical to your success. Unfortunately, though, most people think that networking is about having a huge number of connections through Facebook or LinkedIn. These are the people who think that if they have 5,000 names in their so-called connections, they are successful.
Five thousand names isn’t a network – it’s a town!
True networking must come from a considered strategy. You must know who you want to connect with and why! You need to know what is critical to them, how they can help you, and more importantly, how you can help them.
Strategic networking is not about collecting names. It is about collaboration and mutual benefit.
Action – At the next five business events you go to, walk out with the name of only one person you want to build a relationship with. Then follow-up within a week.
Networking is not about numbers. But it is about creating success.
Nancy, I have recently begun incorporating a strategy for networking in my business plan and through my experiences thus far I’ve found this to be true. A plan is important otherwise my time spent networking is not maximized; Nicely framed.