Learning How To Grow Your Network

We all believe that time is money due to which we spend most of our time working hard. You will notice that most entrepreneurs spend more time working on their projects and looking for new ideas for business development instead of gaining more information on how they can become successful. You should know that time is not the only thing you need in order to become successful. There are various other aspects like communication, networking, and creativity.

However, the hardest skill to achieve is networking. If you will network efficiently, there is nothing that can stop you from succeeding. But the biggest question arises that how you can learn to network effectively. Here we have an overview of Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi that will help you learn some effective networking tips and tricks.

NEVER EAT ALONE BY KEITH FERRAZZI

Keith Ferrazzi has perfectly explained the importance of personal relationships in our life and business. There are different ways people interact and reciprocate the favors that they want in life from a simple interaction that they had in the local country club. Some of the valuable stats you will find related to the importance of networking are.

1. 70 to 80% of the people get jobs because of personal contacts and networks
2. Only 20% of people get a job because they applied when they saw the advertisement.
3. 10% get the job due to an unsolicited application

This makes it clear that to be successful you will have to increase your contacts and network with as many people as possible. Some of the important lessons you need to learn to become a better networker are.

1. Your relationships with others will grow like a muscle
2. It is better to build your networks long before you will need them
3. The amount of time you spend on networking with people is more valuable as compared to how much time you will spend with them.

LESSON 1: RELATIONSHIPS GROW WITH TIME

The perfect example of a relationship that has been given in the book is that they are like your muscles. It means that the more you will use them the stronger they will get. However, the most important thing is that building relationships take time. You cannot expect a person to do something great for you only because you met him a few minutes ago. With generosity and loyalty, you can assure that the people who connect with you will stay with you for a long time.

At the same time in order to build a stronger relationship, you will have to work hard as well because that is the only way another person will make sacrifices as well. You have to give every relationship sometime whether you are looking for a job or want to have more clients for your business. Once you gain the trust of people you are networking with, they will surely help you in every possible way. So, do not think that your relationship is like a cake the more you will eat the less you will have left. Work on your relationships and network because it will bring various amazing benefits in the future.

LESSON 2: START BUILDING YOUR NETWORKS AT AN EARLY AGE

The biggest mistake that most people make is they think they only to build a relationship when the need arises. You should know that networking does not work this way. You have to prove to the other person that you are worth their time because that is the only way they will help you out. That is why it is advised that you should start building your networks even when you do not need it. The best time to start building networks is when you are studying because in this way you will not have to waste your time looking for job or investments. Some of the techniques you can use to build networks are.

1. Participate in volunteer work. You will be able to know more people when you work voluntarily people will know about you and the skills that you have.
2. It is better that you help others when they need it because that is the only way you can show your talent and they might support you in the future.
3. Whenever you get the chance to show your skills do not hesitate because you never know who might be looking for a talented individual
4. Participate in different competitions related to your skills and abilities that you have. Not only the judges there are many people who need you.

The earlier you will start networking the better it would be for you.

LESSON 3: HAVING TRUSTED FRIENDS IS BETTER THAN 10,000 PEOPLE IN YOUR CONTACT LIST

Most people get scared when they think about networking. They think that having hundreds and thousands of contacts in their list is important to be successful. However, you should know that having hundreds of people will be of no benefit when they are not able to help you in your hard times. That is why it is better that you build your network based on true and trusted friends because that is the only way you will be able to get the help that you need.

To gain the trust of people, it is not important to spend hours with them. All you have to do is assure that even if you spend a few minutes with some new people you should know how to make it meaningful by talking about the topics they want to listen to and understand what they have to share.

BOTTOM LINE

Start working on your networking skills and meet many new people who you think would be helpful for you in the long run. Remember that it is never too late to start networking. You can start today, and within a few months to years you will notice the benefits that will come from the people you have been networking with. Focus on the right skills, and you will not have to worry about your life.

Back