1.
APPROACH NETWORKING WITH A "WCIDFO" MINDSET. WCIDFO
means "What can I do for others?" Nothing brands you a
master networker faster than this mindset. Always focus
on how you can help someone else. It makes a lasting
impression.
2. FOCUS ON
RECOGNIZING A LEAD FOR THE PEOPLE IN YOUR NETWORK.
Master networkers are able to articulate the ideal
clients for members of their networks. Why? Because they
make it an important focus. Concentrate on how you can
help others in your network and you'll never have to
worry about referrals.
3. NETWORKING
IS A LONG-TERM PROPOSITION. As Harvey Mackay, author
of Dig Your Well Before You're Thirsty, says, "Dig your
well before you're thirsty." Avoid expecting a quid pro
quo for referrals you make. Approach your network with a
mindset of what you can give and you will never have to
be concerned about what you can expect to receive when
you are in need.
4. ALWAYS
THANK AND ACKNOWLEDGE ATTEMPTED AND SUCCESSFUL
REFERRALS. Differentiate yourself from the masses and
take a few moments to thank others publicly and privately
for the referrals and introductions they make for you.
Expressing gratitude to those in your network not only
makes them feel appreciated, but it increases your
self-esteem and reflects well on you as well.
5. MAKE HIGH
QUALITY REFERRALS. Always follow-up when making a
referral to see if both parties were happy they were
introduced. Your follow-through and attention to detail
reflects well on you.
6. TAKE
INITIATIVE TO PROMOTE OTHER PEOPLE'S SERVICES. Write
an unsolicited letter to benefit someone in your network.
Make a call extolling the skills of others. Be generous.
Take five minutes to do something for others that is
unexpected. You will assist others in your network and
distinguish and enhance your reputation in the
process.
7. INVEST
TIME EVERY WEEK TO HELP OTHERS. Make a shift in
mindset. After finishing a newspaper or magazine article
that you found helpful, ask yourself: "Who else might
benefit from this article?" Then take a moment to send it
to several people. Few people take the time to do this
and those that do are remembered fondly.
8. FOLLOW
THROUGH WITH YOUR PROMISES. If you say that you will
make a call to introduce someone to a member of your
network, make the call immediately. Follow through and
keep your word. Nothing builds trust more quickly than
doing what you said you would do when you said you would
do it. Conversely, trust and confidence in you as a
professional is easily destroyed by failure to do or
delay in doing what you said you would do. Keep your
promises. Make your word your bond. When you have a
reputation for prompt follow-through, people believe that
they can count on you, you build trust and confidence and
it becomes very easy for members of your network to refer
opportunities to you.
9. HELP OTHER
PEOPLE MANAGE THEIR CAREERS. The best networkers and
rainmakers in the service professions are often masters
at assisting in the placement of others in their network.
If you want to make a friend for life, make it your
mission to help someone who is between jobs. They'll
never forget your kindness and caring in a time of need
and neither will you.
THE
NINE COMMANDMENTS OF SUCCESSFUL NETWORKING
