Are you REALLY networking?

If you're not getting many referrals through networking, says Thom Singer over at Some Assembly Required, you need to ask yourself some questions.  At the top of the list: Have you given it enough time?

Thom writes:

"It takes years of active networking (which means going to three or more networking events a week and following up with key people that you meet). Very often people will "network" and expect results within a few months. Also, just meeting someone in your business community does not make them a referral source, you need to build a true relationship. To build a relationship it means you must go to lunch, coffee, golf, etc... If you are not spending time creating and cultivating your network, then you are not really networking."

Remember, the word is netWORK.  Nobody said it was easy!  But networking really is effective, if you're willing to be patient, put in the necessary time and energy, and help others connect with each other.

Subscribe to our free referrals newsletter.