Networking. What exactly is it?

Networking is the art of creating relationships with others. Many people associate networking with business networking, where business representatives or owners meet to get to know each other and hence possibly using one another's services or promote each other's services. However, networking isn't limited to business. It could be personal too. One of the better methods to find a job these isn't through a job board nor is it through a recruiter. It's through networking with other people. However, the fundamental reasoning behind networking is building relationships. The aim of networking with other people or businesses is not selling something, whether it is yourself or your business. It is to market yourself or your business. By building relationships with other people you then permit them to know all about you or your business and as the relationship grows, trust will happen and hence they would be more willing to talk with you. This is applicable in business or something personal like in a job hunt or perhaps finding a good doctor in the area though your network.

For business networking, it is usually fruitful to join a local business networking group or the local chamber of commerce. Don't expect to get a sale immediately through the members you meet. Look to it as more of a place to meet up with potential customers and marketers for your business but don't sell them on anything. When they begin to get to recognise and trust you then they might be more willing to work with you.

The same can be said for personal networking. For example, If you are looking to get a job when you don't have one, it is usually hard to go out and join a network or to build a network with the sole purpose of asking for a position. It's best to develop your personal network slowly and then build upon the relationships. It is most effectively achieved when you continue to have a position. If and when the time comes and you need to find a different job you would then have built up your network and one of them might have a job for you or know of someone. You can make new friends by joining groups within sites like meetup.com and join groups with the same interests.

Whether it be a business network or perhaps a personal network, it is vital that you do not over expect from your network. They do not owe you anything and in most cases only refer you or recommend you after they trust you. Trust will require time for it to cultivate and nurture and you've to be patient regarding it. It is also important to reciprocate. So you have to help your network group as well. No-one likes someone that just takes and takes. After all, it is all about helping each other reach your goals in business as well as in life.

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