The Lion’s Pride: Networking - First Contact With Mr. Smith, Part 3: First Impressions

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The Lion’s Pride: Networking

Working the Network by Feeding the Network

You've got to give a little to get a little. You get what you pay for. A penny saved is a penny earned. You can't get blood from a stone.

Ever hear these clichés? Ever use any of them?

Good. Then you know how to network.

Networking, unfortunately, gets a bad rap. Many think it's bad form. That's because so many people network badly. They work their network with a hand out, expecting something for nothing.

That's the wrong way to network. Those clichés offer better ways:

You've got to give a little to get a little. Networking, at its core, is favor bartering. You do a favor for someone and they return in kind. Don't be afraid to ask for help, but don't be stingy with your knowledge and/or talents, either. Networking is give-and-take.

You get what you pay for. Didn't get the results from your networking endeavors you were hoping for? Didn't get the help or info you were after? Check what you offered in return. If you go to a restaurant with $2.17 in your pocket, you will barely get two items off the dollar menu. Give something of value and you will usually receive something of value.

A penny saved is a penny earned. Make favor and information deposits with your associates, contacts, friends, neighbors, relatives and that guy you just met. Like a savings account, what you deposit will grow in value until you decide to make a withdrawal. You will be absolutely amazed how this works! When you volunteer help or information without expectations, you will eventually get more back than you put in.

You can't get blood from a stone. This is a hard lesson to learn. Especially first hand. There are some people that will not be able to help you, no matter how much help or information you give them. These people are networking "stones;" no matter how much you squeeze, no blood will come forth. That's not to say you shouldn't be friends with them (we can never have too many friends) - you can still enjoy their company if you want - but you may wish to share your skills, talents and information with other people.

So...how can you put some easy deposits into the ol' "Networking Bank?" How can you feed your network?

A few simple ways:

* Volunteer on others' pet projects
* Do lunch or coffee - and pick up the tab
* Congratulate them publicly on their achievements
* Send an actual >GASP!< written note
* Call out of the blue just to say hi and catch up

IN THE CARAVAN: Use clichés to feed your network - and get more out of it.

	The Call of the Wild Podcast
	The Lion’s Pride
	The Safari Guide
	In the Field With…
	The Daily Machete

Resumes Q & A Adding Value Interviewing

Networking

Business Card Pack Rats / Gump-Style Networking / Becoming the Hub Increases Your Brand / Becoming the Hub II: Building Self-Feeding Buzz / Myths and Truisms / Grow Your Network - Go Where The Employers Are! / It's Not What You Know... / Always Be Prepared...Even If You're Not a Boy Scout / How to Make Six Degrees of Separation Work (Even If You're Not Kevin Bacon) / Marketing and Branding Yourself, Part I / Branding II: Your Website or Blog / Finding the Right Contact Person / Give a Little to Get a Little / Why Join Organizations? / First Contact With Mr. Smith, Part 1 / First Contact With Mr. Smith, Part 2: The Winning of The Sally / First Contact With Mr. Smith, Part 3: First Impressions / Asking Mr. Smith for Help, Part 1 / Asking Mr. Smith for Help, Part II: It's Not the Song, It's the Singer / Asking Mr. Smith for Help, Part III: Getting down to business / Networking at Job Fairs / Doing It On the Road / Networking Online / Getting Info From Sally & Co., Part I / Getting Info From Sally & Co., Part II: Asking The Right Questions / Networking Out of Town Part I: Laying the Foundation / Networking Out of Town Part II: Touring for Interviews / Working the Network by Feeding the Network / 'Running' Into Contacts / You Only Get What You Ask For / Press the Flesh II: Small Talk / Press the Flesh Like a Pro / Playing the Percentages / Fishing and the Right Bait / Shrek Style / Get Your Butterflies Flying In Formation / Discover Other People’s Passions / Double Dipping Doing Good / Overbooking Your Way to a New Job / Shaking the Branches of Your Family Tree / Working Your Reunion / Parents of Your Kids' Friends