This article was originally published on SuccessNet.org in 2003.
We’ve all heard the old saying, “It’s not how much you know, it’s WHO you know that counts.”
Being well connected is often perceived by hard working people as an unfair shortcut to success. And in some cases, perhaps it is.
However, making the power of networking wrong won’t help you reach your goals. In fact, like any jealousy of high achievers, it will hold you back.
The story goes that two Naval Academy graduates made a pact with each other. They vowed to take every opportunity to speak highly of the other throughout their careers. At every turn, they each spoke favorably of the other and sang their praises to anyone in the military who would listen. It was all true, it was just that they were particularly deliberate about it.
I would say it worked pretty well. These two cadets were the first two Admirals out of their graduating class.
Networking is not hard to do, and it can be fun as well as rewarding. It’s simply the art of meeting, visiting and sharing with others.
Networking is truly a win-win process. By helping others we help ourselves. By adding value we receive value.
Why not make the networking principle work for YOU? It’s a skill and a strategy that’s been around for a long time, and it’s worth becoming good at it.
Many people have asked me how I was able to triple my business in 2001 and double it again in 2002. A great deal of this progress was directly related to networking. I made it a point to call those I knew, meet new people—usually virtually—and give away lots of ideas, resources and opportunities.
Sometimes I asked questions of people, but most of the time I offered my assistance. Most people asked what they could do in return. Sometimes I knew and sometimes I didn’t.
The result was a dramatic expansion of my contact list and a substantial improvement in the quality of my network. I have friends now that I didn’t have before. In fact, we have more joint venture offers than we can accept.
Harvey McKay wrote a book with the title, Dig Your Well Before You’re Thirsty. What he was promoting was the idea of building alliances and creating a network BEFORE you need them. It’s excellent advice. And you can start today.
A friend of mine has a note on her desk that says, “Call one Big Shot a day.” It’s her reminder to take action in building her network. Start by calling or writing someone you know. Contact someone you haven’t met before. Ask what they’re doing that works—people like to talk about their successes. Share what you are doing. Let people know what you need and what you’re looking for.
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