The concept of "Social Networking" can be intimidating to someone who has inexperience in the field. However, the benefits should outweigh any fear in introducing yourself to "new" people. The author of Networking Magic, Jill Lublin, came to tell us more about the benefits of networking.
Website: www.jilllublin.com
Why network? Networking can help you find the best of the best from doctors, lawyers, homes, schools, restaurants, love, new clients, and the list goes on. Think of networking as a relationship and an extremely valuable marketing tool to help you secure important information about things that are beneficial to you in making life decisions.
Networking applies to all areas of life, including:
Friendships
Romance
Career
Recreation & Travel
Finances
Health & Fitness
Housing
Hobbies and interests
The Do's and Don'ts of Networking
By Jill Lublin
Networking is the process of building and maintaining relationships. It's the development of a team that will support your efforts and the efforts of your network teammates to reach your respective goals. Networking is about forging bonds and sharing.
Networking Do's:
- Believe networking will work
- Target the right audience
- Make a strong first impression
- Network with those you emulate
- Talk to everyone you meet
- Learn to read people
- Listen
- Be willing to help
- Be prepared
- Find common denominators
- Bring value
- Be honest, courteous, and fair
- Follow up
- Keep referrals informed
- Look at the big picture
Networking Don'ts:
- Don't act desperate
- Don't sell
- Don't monopolize
- Don't ask too soon
- Don't solicit companies
- Don't show off or brag
- Don't interrupt
- Don't just talk about you
- Don't play it by ear
- Don't misrepresent yourself
- Don't promise what you can't deliver
- Don't pry
- Don't linger with "hanger-ons"
- Don't overextend
- Don't get discouraged
About Jill Lublin:
Jill Lublin is an internationally acclaimed speaker and best selling author of the books, Guerrilla Publicity and Networking Magic. She is the CEO of the strategic consulting firm Promising Promotion and founder of GoodNews Media, Inc. Jill hosts the nationally syndicated radio show Do the Dream, has a TV show called The Connecting Minute, and is working on her third book to be published by McGraw-Hill in 2008.