Networking is the art of creating connections and building relationships. Wouldn’t you agree? You build a network through a reciprocal process of giving and sharing referrals, contacts, information, business, leads, ideas, resources and advice. That’s right, it’s a process, meaning it has a beginning, but in this case, it has no end.
At its most powerful, it is built on the foundation of giving first.
Networking isn’t something you do now and then, like only at work; networking is part of every aspect of your life. In short, networking is a lifestyle. It is not a work style. You don’t turn it on or off. In fact, effective networkers don’t even realize they are networking. It just becomes part of who they are. They are constantly and consistently sharing themselves. It involves a personal value aligned with the supportive behavior of being “other-focused.”
Relationship networkers understand that there is something bigger, better and smarter than any single one of us, and that is all of us. I believe the foundation of any great business is built with a collaborative effort. Success is achieved more quickly and seamlessly when we are helping each other. Remember that Lucy had Ethel, Wilma had Betty, and Thelma had Louise. We have a basic need to work together, and we know that, simply stated, working together works.
The word together comprises three individual powerful words – to get her. I don’t believe that the feminine reference in this word is accidental.
- Excerpt from Relationship Networking: The Art of Turning Contacts into Connections by Sandra Yancey
