Building relationships and reaching your potential: the opposite of networking is not working. In other words, if you are not making connections and nurturing the relationships you have developed, you are "not working.".

• Author: Nierenberg, Andrea R.
• Position: Management & Careers

Networking is one of the most overused and misunderstood words in common vocabulary today When you hear the word networking what comes to mind?

* Getting something from someone else

* Using others

* Coercion

* Manipulation

OR

* Enrichment

* Empowerment

* The chance to learn something new

* An opportunity to meet interesting people

* The best method to achieve a professional or personal goal

Networking is the process of developing and maintaining quality relationships that enrich your life and empower you to achieve your goals.

Almost everybody with whom you come into contact either is or knows someone from whom you can learn something that could benefit you. But connections happen only when you work on establishing and maintaining relationships.

You can meet people and network anyplace, anytime. Networking is a "nonstop" process; it is just living your life, connecting with people, and making things happen. Many people give up on networking because they think it is only about handing out business cards and asking for referrals. Building the relationships you need to reach your potential is easier than you think. Look at it as a simple five-step process.

1. Meet people. Welcome opportunities to meet new people, and re-connect with those you already know.

2. Listen and learn. Everybody likes to talk about themselves. When you listen, you will learn who they are, what is important to them, how you can help them, and how they can help you.

3. Make connections. Help people connect with others you know who can help them.

4. Follow up. If you promise to do something, keep your promise, and do it in a timely manner.

5. Stay in touch. After an initial period of contact, if a result does not materialize, most people will just move on. Here is where a networking system really "works" for successful networkers. Successful networkers find ways to stay in touch and continue to build relationships. Why? Because their goal is to build a network of long-lasting, mutually beneficial relationships, not just to get an immediate "result."

   DO YOUR RESEARCH

   Before you attend a meeting, research who is organizing it. Research the speakers, the topics, and the issues relevant to the meeting. The Internet can help you with some of your investigation. Much of the information you learn will lead to opportunities for you to start a conversation with others at the meeting. Be prepared with "get to know you" questions to ask individuals beyond information about the...