Last week in my article Follow-Up For Networking Success I mentioned I would  write to you this week about “Why You Can’t Afford To Not Network”  and if you haven’t noticed – I am starting from the beginning.   WHY   Well most people think they know how to network , and I believe they do,  however, are they using all the steps and resources in order to do it effectively?  Do they really know what they want to accomplish from networking?    Networking can change your life, your business, your relationships and would you believe it only takes ONE Perfect Contact to change everything.  This takes times, diligence and willing to go the extra mile to build a “solid” business relationship.    It can change your world if you are willing.

So Here is the start of Why Does Networking Work?

The purpose of networking is to raise our visibility and increase our business.

Did you know that 70 percent of jobs are found through networking? Even more interesting is that referrals generate 80 per cent more results than cold calling.

Why? Because when you build a new relationship, you open the door to business. Building referrals and direct business is just good business sense. If you could tap into a business resource of 50 plus years of business experience, would you? Well, with an established business network you can.

The first thing you need to do is  “Analyze” your business and look at what it is that you really want your business to be.

Use this checklist to compose a comprehensive analysis of your need and goals.

a)  Where are you now?

b)  Where do you want to be (your future)

c)  What do you want to accomplish in a specific period of time?

e)  Who are your target markets ?- what industries give you the best return?

f)  Who are your complementary industries?

g)  Who are your competitors and where do your competitors “hang out” ?

Once you have answered the above questions which help you define and analyze your needs and goals, then ask yourself:

a)  Who are your spheres of influence?

b)  What events are best for you to attend?

c)  Where will you meet the people you want to get to know?

d)  Who would you like to build a relationship with?

e)  How do you plan to build these relationships?

Take a moment and analyze what you are presently doing?  Are you focused on  a lot of networking, or are you focused on finding the networks that can be of real  benefit to you, ones that you can build  on, that has or knows your target markets, that you can see the individuals that you could build a “solid” business relationship with to work together to build your businesses

Your personal network can provide an awesome learning opportunity and a stable support system.

Networking Tip

Network for “Quality”  not “Quantity”

Be sincere, be on the lookout for how you can help other people. Focus on “we not me”.