Networking mindset and un-written rules-

Here is another good excerpt from an article I read on networking-

Networking mindset-

I am not going to sugarcoat it: for most people, networking SUCKS. Many rank it down there with a root canal, sitting in traffic...

I have heard many reasons for low networking performance. Believe me, all of them are valid. Whether you are shy, afraid of bragging, scared of making a bad first impression, or you just plain hate networking, it’s completely understandable. There are millions just like you so you shouldn’t feel bad about it.

The question is, what do you do about networking? Getting good at “traditional networking” requires overhauling your entire set of social skills. Let’s go with what works for you right now!

My definition of networking doesn’t involve doing anything you HATE or dislike doing.
Whenever I hear someone say, “I hate networking,” or “I am no good at networking,” alarm bells instantly go off for me. It says to me that person does not have the right frame of mind to be an effective networker. They probably think there is only one way to network. I want you to know, that networking is not an action. It is a state of mind and the right frame of mind is all you need.

So how do you get into this “magical” mindset? 3 simple steps:

1. Know your goal (a job, a sale, a new connection, a business partner, a simple friendship). Write it down!
2. Always be trying to figure out whether your contacts can help you reach this goal.
3. Understand that it is okay to ask your contacts for favors. Realize that they would, already have, or will ask for something from you. And also realize, that you would be glad to help them if they asked you for a favor. All of the “great networkers” are not afraid to ask their contacts to help them if they needed it.

Obviously, you noticed that I emphasized contacts. Understand that all of your friends, are your contacts, but not all of your contacts have to be your friends. It’s an unwritten rule in networking.

Your contacts are the people that have the position or other contacts that can get you the job, or the sale, or whatever else you need.

To be a great networker, you don’t have to be good at the “traditional networking event.” I mean, you should be, but its certainly not required. In fact, those that master the “networking mindset” can network wherever they want. Yes, the networking event is the quickest place to make a lot of contacts. But it is definitely not the most fun or most effective method for everyone.

Reference-

http://www.samdiener.com/2009/10/how-to-network-the-millionaire-networking-mindset/

Dr.Shruti Bhat at http://www.drshrutibhat.com