"Knowledgeable people know facts. Successful and prosperous people know people." John Demartini

Networking has been recognized by many business leaders as one of the best ways to be successful socially and in business. It has been described as the highest form of service; people getting together to help each other for the benefit of all.

For someone who knows about networking, it becomes an inexpensive marketing tool, assisting him or her in getting new contacts, meeting the right people, finding a great job, or discovering new ways to be the best.

Business networking is an attitude, a way of seeing life that helps people relate in a new way to other people and to the resources available. Remember the saying: "It is who you know, not what you know"? It is absolutely true, and networking is the proof.

It has been proven that a referral is 80% more efficient than a cold call, that over 70% of jobs are secured through networking, and that for most people who have more than 250 contacts on their lists, hiring costs are virtually null.

So, what is the secret behind networking? How do you make it work for you? Very easy, help others succeed. When you do this, people will look for you. Here are some tips to improve your networking skills, increase your contact list, and become stronger professionally and personally.

1. Help others meet their goals. If you help them, they will help you back.

2. Host some networking events and make sure you meet everyone there.

3. Hand out business cards to everyone.

4. Keep in touch and follow up with calls, assistance and appropriate gifts.

5. Be grateful for any help you receive, acknowledge the giver appropriately.

6. Decline events that are meaningless to your goals, but do it politely and with class.

7. Ask for help in a direct but courteous way.

8. Request advice from your new contacts as to who could help you with a specific project or idea.

9. Become a member of professional organizations that promote networking and skill development.

10. Become a renowned networker with a valuable and respected network.

Today, networking is recognized as a lifestyle, as a way of doing business and as a way of helping other people reach success. It is a direct way to care about others and support them, creating long lasting relationships, quality connections, and even friends for life.



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