When attending a networking meeting, we have a limited time
to meet others and to decide whether to pursue a networking relationship with
them. Remember that a networking relationship could provide you with a client,
referral, both, or a partner with which you can forge a partnership which will
benefit both of you. Any relationship short of that may not be the best for either
of the parties involved.
Development of this type of relationship will not take place
immediately, but it must be forged over time with varying efforts of the part
of both parties. How do we decide whether the other party is one with which we
should devote time and effort in order to attempt to develop such a
relationship? There is no perfect pattern to follow; we must decide for
ourselves through investigation and research.
Of course, when you meet someone you have an initial
reaction to their presence and behavior. Never, ever prejudge anyone. Sometimes
first impressions are correct, and sometimes they are not. In addition, there
are times when the circumstances may change as time passes. The relationship
that may not seem beneficial for both parties today may be so tomorrow.
Relationships must be beneficial for both parties.
Networking is a two way street as is all of business. Networking relationships
must be partnerships; they should not have winners and losers, but the input
and outtake of the parties will vary according to need. Sometimes one partner
is the strong one, helping the other. Sometimes the other partner takes the
lead and aids the other, somewhat like a good marriage.
We must learn who we know, like, and trust in order to form
good networking relationships. Perhaps you will know this information
immediately; sometimes gaining experience and knowledge takes longer. Other
times it may take many years and even more work. However, the rewards are great
when we find those people who become invested in a mutual relationship built on
helping each other.
Can these partnerships deteriorate over time? Of course,
just like any relationship, networking relationships can become damaged as
people and circumstances change. Hopefully, the relationship can survive these
changes, but sometimes they cannot. A relationship that ends is a sad situation
making us wonder how the circumstances can be prevented from causing a
reoccurrence.
Our relationships make us better people in general; they
make us successful in our business and personal lives. They can be fulfilling,
and they can be educational. While they may not always be easy, they are worth
our work, time, and effort to begin, grow, and maintain them. No relationship
is easy, but sometimes the work seems easy due to the result over time. Never
keep score and be a giver to others.
Business relationships can be the same as marriages. They
both affect us personally, mentally, physically, and emotionally. Look for new
partners, but never neglect your current ones. Your partners should compliment
each other as well as you.
Your comments here, or your emails at
Jim@SOC4Now.com, or your calls at 360-314-8691 are
always welcome, even if you disagree. Who knows, your next great networking
partners may be right around the next networking meeting door that you enter. Make
the best impression and look for opportunities to help others.
Jim's on target again. Networking partners can make or brake a small business. It's up to all of us to make new contacts...which will lead to new business partners, and new business. Read this article and learn how to build your business. Bob Bonnell.
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