Ten Top Tips to Grow Your Network

Posted on August 11th, 2009 by admin

1. Build it before you need it: The best networking isn’t networking at all. Your goal should be to build relationships. Sure, that takes more time than swapping business cards at some boozy event. But those connections – real, sustained friendships – are what’s going to make a real difference in your life and career.

2. Don’t Be a Networking Jerk: Does the thought of “working a room” make you feel dirty? So don’t. Approach people with the question, “How can I help you?” Leading with generosity will allow you to approach people without the usual nervous inhibitions that bubble up when we feel inauthentic.

3. Don’t Keep Score: Truly connecting with others is a constant process of giving and receiving—of asking for and offering help. You’ve got to be willing to be generous, and accept the generosity of others, without keeping tally. Think big-picture: The more people you help, the more help you’ll have and the more help you’ll have helping others.

4. Create Instant Intimacy: Who really wants to talk about the weather? Why not skip to the good stuff! Creating instant intimacy by talking to people right away about their passions. What is it that really makes them tick?

5. Be Audacious: Nothing will create more opportunity in your life than a willingness to step up and ask for what you need. If you’re not brave enough to get out there and meet the people who are essential to your career, you won’t. It’s that simple. Push beyond what you think is “allowed” and you’ll often find that people are eager to help.

6. Develop Conversational Currency: When meeting someone new, be prepared to have something to say. Keep up with current events. Cultivate some niche interest—a single, narrow specialty that you’re truly passionate about. That passion has power.

7. Learn to Listen: Strive to be interested as much as interesting – or more. People love to meet others who take genuine interest in their lives. It’s frighteningly rare! Ask questions and when they answer, listen! Show them you’re listening with body language and follow up questions.

8. Master Nonverbal Cues: First, smile – it makes you approachable. Uncross your arms, relax, and maintain eye contact. When your eye contact drops below 70 percent, you can come across as rude and disinterested.

9. Get to Know the Gatekeeper: You think an assistant isn’t important enough to be on your radar? Wrong! That assistant has tremendous power as your target’s right hand. Treat them well.

10. Create a Personal Advisory Board: Get other people invested in your success by calling upon them as trusted advisors. It’s not just a way to get good advice, it’s a way to deepen bonds with people who may be extremely important to your goals. Remember, you can’t do it alone – and why would you want to?

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8 Responses so far | Have Your Say!

  1. I remember a few of these from your previous book: "Never Eat Alone"

    I still read it once or twice a year... It's solid advice in my opinion with lots of great tips to follow.

  2. Let's dont forget to smell good and to have a good breath...

  3. Thanks for the post, Keith, I was just thinking of this myself!

  4. Keith,

    I love your book "Never eat alone" so much.

    I have already read your blog. And if you don't mind, I'd like to translate some your posts into Vietnamese for my blog :)

    Could you please allow this?

    Thanks,
    Van

  5. you are really a wonderfu webmaster, you have done a wondeful job on this topic!

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