Why do people make such a big deal when the job they applied for was given to the boss friend? of course his friend got he job, the contract or the recognition. You would have gotten it also if YOU were the boss friend. Whether you like it or not relationships make the world go around. The better your relationships are the faster you will climb the corporate ladder, sell your products, or if youre like me, get contracts to speak or consult. Yet building strong relationships seems like something of the past. We get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life and find that e-mails and text messages are easier to send. Whatever happened to the five minute phone call just to see how someone is doing? It is a rare thing these days.
Here are three ways you can start maximizing your network:
1) For Better or Worse- have you ever dealt with someone that crosses people off their list after one mishap? I have, and I used to be one of them. Dealing with people like that is like walking on eggshells. You never feel comfortable enough to say whats on your mind for fear of being crossed off the list. To build solid relationships, your friends/co-workers need to know that you will be there for them through the good times and the bad times. This will help them develop trust in you so they will be willing to go out on a limb for you when you need it. We all have bad days and get frustrated at times. But, have you noticed that your bond is stronger with people after you have had an argument and worked through it, than with those you havent? I was sitting in a Toastmasters training when the District Governor stood up and said I appreciate my team for all their hard work. We did not always get along but it was in those times that we grew together and learned from each other. As profound as that was, one of my girlfriends leaned over to me and whispered We must grow a lot. -- we both laughed. Her name is Regina and even though we dont always see eye to eye we always seem to be there for each other, I know I can count on her for better or worse.
2) Once a Day no, not the multi vitaminonce a day be in contact with someone in your network, just to talk about what is going on in their lives. NO text messaging pick up the phone! There is a something so impersonal about a text message. Can you really share your excitement and everything that has been going on in your life in a text? It always blows my mind when people text me and say: hey hvnt tlkd in a whle hows evrythin? It makes me wonder if they really care because if they did wouldnt they have picked up the phone and dedicated some time to really listen? Once a day let someone one know that you were thinking about them and wanted to hear how their day is going. One of the biggest misconceptions is that you must be in constant contact with someone to have meaningful relationship. I have found that is not, I repeat not, true as long as when you do talk, you talk about real issues.
3) No Strings Attached-do things for people in your network that have no immediate benefit to you. After you have spent time listening to what is going on in their life. Show that you really listened by sending them a relevant article or asking about it again at another time. This seems simple but not enough people do it. This shows you care enough to remember them, which also always helps build a meaningful relationship.
Dont let anyone fool you into believing that relationships are not what make the world go around.
One quick story I met with an Insurance agent last night; I can almost guarantee has convinced me to make a purchase with him. Here is why. He thought I was pretty smart smart of him! He also remembered aspects from our very first conversation (2months prior) and he showed a genuine interest in my life plans. Although he was there to sell me something, and he was using good sales techniques, I did like the feeling that I was talking to someone who had my best interest at heart. Not only that, but when I couldnt get my parking validated, he pulled money out of his pocket to pay he did not HAVE to do that. Okay, it was a business expense but a really nice gesture! Trust me when I say he is exceptional, I have been to other meetings like this andyeah, you know my point. Making people feel important goes a long way towards making you important to them!
Start today and build your relationships with people in your network of people and notice how situations change in your life and doors start opening.
Jessica Renda is the Chief Exploration Officer of Speak Life LLC. She has a Master of Business Administration from Old Dominion University and has been successful at building mutually beneficial relationships within her office and with key clients for the past seven years. Jessica lives in Virginia and as a motivational speaker has placed 2nd in the State of Virgina International Speech competition.
Understand The Power Of Potential
A man is not measured by what he possess but by his output. To whom much is given much is required.What is Potential? It is imperative to know that anyone born to this earth has inherent potential. However, it is a tragedy to know that with over Six billion people on this planet today, only a minute percentage will experience a significant proporti...
Build Great Networks By Focusing on the Few, Quality Relationships
Its not the size of your network that matters. What really matters is the quality of the relationships you have built. In order for networking to work effectively, you must focus your energy on building quality relationships. As its impossible to build great relationships with everyone you meet, its a good idea to start with the people you connect ...
Grow Your Business Network
To be successful in business, one needs to build up a veritable network of acquaintances. Business networking is something that may help propel any business venture forward. The more people you know and can approach in different circumstances, the better you can act decisively and effectively resolve a variety of issues. After all, establishing a b...
Networking Within Your Organization is Important For Career Success
Its true that networking outside your company (such as finding a new job, establishing business relationships or making new friends) is important for your career. At the same time, its also very important for you to network within your organization.Networking within your organization can help you build important relationships to stand out, receive ...
How to Maximize the Benefits of a Networking Event?
Everyone needs to network: entrepreneurs, small business owners, job seekers!
But does everyone maximize the benefits of networking?
The purpose of networking is to build relationships so you will get leads from someone you know, or from someone who knows someone you know. When you attend a networking event the purpose is to meet business people fr...
You Need to Be Willing For Networking to Effectively Work For You
The positive effects of networking such as building a new relationship or finding a partner dont just happen by themselves. You need to be proactive and willing to put the time and energy into networking. You have probably met people who dont see the benefits of networking. For the benefits to start to appear, you need to be motivated, you need t...
Building Professional, Community Relationships Important For Business
Relationships are very important to succeed both personally and professionally.You should make sure to spend time building alliances with other people in the business world and your community. Once these partnerships are built, you will be able leverage them to help you fulfill your needs and goals. At the same, make sure you reciprocate and allow ...
