The Street.com recently featured an article from Entrepreneur magazine, "Upgrade Your Networking Mind-Set," that provides a nice, encapsulated reminder of some of the most important networking principles:
- The law of reciprocity or 'givers gain' approach. Don't worry so much about what you're getting out of your networking relationships, at least not early on. Focus exclusively on giving instead. You'll be amazed at the results.
- Network diversity. "Look for groups that don't target people just like you. In this way, you'll broaden the net you seek to cast for referrals." Bust out of your networking rut.
- Farming mentality. "For networking to yield extraordinary success, your mentality must be that of a farmer... It's a long, drawn-out process. There's no quick return." Networking is a powerful method, but it takes real time, energy, and patience to do it right.
The Entrepreneur article contains a number of other useful tips for making your networking efforts more effective: seek to become visible and credible; understand and articulate your value in a targeted way; and sit down for one-on-ones with people you know superficially to explore possible deeper connections.
And to throw in my own two cents: Do try to think of networking as a process, not an activity. The farming metaphor really is apt (something of which I'm acutely aware these days, as I'm finally harvesting the tomatoes, beans, and squash from my garden that I spent the last two months tending). You have to find the best location, cultivate the soil, plant the seeds, water and fertilize them, and be patient before any harvest will be possible.
Don't rush it (why bother with unripe fruit?) and don't expect results too quickly. Your efforts really will pay off in time.
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