Networking is fundamental to how I run my business and how I create relationships. I love Networking because it has given me so many amazing opportunities and experiences in my life and I have met some incredibly inspiring and nurturing individuals with the advent of social media. I learn something each day with every connection.

1. 10 Simple Ways
to Improve Your
Networking
Networking is fundamental to how I run my business and how I create relationships. I love Networking because it has given
me so many amazing opportunities and experiences in my life and I have met some incredibly inspiring and nurturing
individuals with the advent of social media.

2. Networking is the new certainty in life, so
start learning now.
Benjamin Franklin once said the only two
certainties in life are “Death and Taxes”. I
propose that there are two more — delivering
Presentations and dealing with People. No
matter where you go, you are giving
presentations at school, at work and at home.
Throughout your life you will always need to
deal with people whether at home, work or in
public.

3. The 80-20 rule of networking helps you find
jobs and opportunities.
They say 80 per cent of jobs and opportunities
are found through networking and 20 per cent
are not. 20 per cent of people use networking
effectively and 80 per cent do not. So if 20 per
cent of all people are using networking to get at
80 per cent of all the opportunities, what should
you be doing? Networking!

4. Give without expectation.
Networking is not asking for a job and it is not
just taking what you can from a connection. My
personal philosophy is to give without
expectation. I always ask every contact “What
can I do to help you?” I give my ear and spend
a good amount of time just listening because
every person has his/her story. This philosophy
will help build up your reputation.

5. Know your value.
With any networking scenario, there will be give
and take. Many people, especially youth, don’t
realize what value they can provide. Every
person has value and it comes from your
experiences, your energy and enthusiasm, your
personality and your contacts. Beyond that, you
should get comfortable with knowing your
personal brand.

6. Build the relationships.
Networking is just the start. Your ultimate goal
is to build a relationship. That is where the true
value of networking comes into play because
you will get advice, support, mentorship, and a
higher likelihood of opportunities coming your
way.

7. Everyone is a bridge.
We forget that every single person we meet
can be a bridge to someone else. Perhaps that
cashier has an uncle who works at the
company you have targeted for a new job? I
have discovered opportunities from random
meetings in an elevator, a subway seat and a
New Year’s Eve party. Know that you can
network anywhere, anytime with anyone!

8. Networking strategies are great, but learn
the tactics.
Every networking article talks about the typical
strategies – have business cards, create your
pitch, have a plan, etc. But very few talk about
actual tactics. You need to learn how to enter a
conversation, ask the right questions and leave
the conversation. The best tactic to enter a
conversation is to use your “power words” such
as “Hi!”, “Excuse me…”

9. Leverage online networking is now expected, so build
a compelling presence and brand.
Social networking sites such as Facebook,
LinkedIn, Twitter, and Google+ are huge right
now. Start building your profiles in these
spaces if you are there. If you are not sure
where to be, think about who you want to
network with.

10. Not following up renders networking
useless!
So often people exchange business cards and
never contact each other. Or they add each
other on LinkedIn and the networking dies
there. Remember you are building a
relationship and you want to be memorable.

11. You gotta want it!
Networking, like leadership, is something you
have to want and demonstrate. This mean you
have to do everything — be prepared, plan
your questions, rehearse your tactics, offer to
help, use social networking, follow-up and build
the relationship — to make an impact with
networking.