Journey in Life

I think now a days in a very competitive world that we lived in, the best way to market ourselves or our business is through “networking” whether it’s for a social network or business network.  You see, the saying goes that every person on earth is separated from every other person by only six degrees.  That means, you friend’s brother’s nephew’s wife’s boss could know Michael Dell, Donald Trump, Lee Kuan Yew or some other very important person that can plays a big impact in your business (hey this can happen you know… although I think I’ve exaggerated a tiny little bit on my illustration here.. hehe..).  I mean, you could conceivably be only a few networking steps away from someone who could help you get your business off the ground – be it an industry contact, a top lawyer or a state government official. 

We’ve all heard about the importance of networking, but think it’s really time to tell ourselves to put it into good practice cos networking puts we all in a winning position and keeps us ‘on the inside’ with individuals who can make things happen.  By maintaining contact with our developed network, it will allow us to take advantage of any future opportunities that may arise. 

I’ve browsed through some articles about networking and found some tips for great networking: 

1) Show sincerity (how can others respond to us if they can see that we’re being so fake?)

2) Be true to our words (only when we’re being ourselves and not telling bullshits, then we’ll be respected more)

3) Be polite and formal (depends on occasion and the type of people we all encounter so I think although politeness is a must, formality can be adjusted)

4) Respect people’s time (be alert I guess.. see their reaction, and if they’re not convenient to talk, be sensitive to it.. ) 

5) Do not expect payback (relates to sincerity – GET IT?)

6) Treat referred friends with care (no dirty or dumb jokes people…  haha..)

7) Introduce yourself – don’t wait to be introduced (ohh.. and always give out your name card as I found that people tend to remember you better next time, those ppl that didn’t give me their name card, I tend to forget their name upon meeting them the next time)

Follow Up (that’s why you need to take their name card so you can call them next time. Hehe..)

Well, I guess since we all undertand that good networking is vital to our job in seeking success; the key is to always maintain good relationships with the contacts and keep in touch with the new people you meet on your journey.  So cheers guys.. Happy Networking.. and May I wish us all the “Best of Luck”.. heheh.. (for my friends, do update me on your network friends huh…. Just in case you friend’s friend’s friend know Donald Trump… I would like to meet him one day.. )