Networking Your Way To Greater Success

Networking is the ability to know people, who know people, who know people, who know people who can help you succeed. Networking is your personal and professional success tool. But there's a catch - networking is as much about giving as it is about receiving.

True and lasting success comes from helping as many people as possible achieve their goals. It's based on what is called the Law of Reciprocity. The more people you help succeed, the more you succeed.

Networking is much more about giving than it is about receiving. Many people join a networking group with the attitude, "What can I get out of this relationship." A true networker asks, "How many ways can I help the other person achieve her/his goals?"

The Law of Reciprocity states that the more you give, the more you get. Give of yourself and time wisely. Give wisely, but not selfishly. Give of time, intelligence and experience without expecting something in return. The giver will end up the winner.

With that said - Start your networking with friends, family and associates. Ask yourself, "Do my friends, relatives and social contacts really know what I do for a living or what my goals are?"

Prepare a one-minute infomercial about yourself, your career and how your network can help you succeed. When you meet someone new, you'll have a minute infomercial ready to help get your point across effectively. If you can't condense what you do into a one-minute infomercial, you may not be clear about what you want or how your network can help.

Sit down right now, and make a list of twenty people who can help you go forward with living your life's mission. If they can't help you directly, they may know someone who can.

Be sure to keep your network posted about all your career moves and changes. When your goals change, professionally and personally, let your network know.

Remember too, that you are a part of network too. That's a responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly. Actively help make contacts, referrals, and connections for your network. Not only will you feel personally satisfied, but also you're building a foundation of mutual respect, benefit and support.