A link to this used to be on Temple University’s website…when they removed it I had no choice but to add my own!!
My story:
Many times per day, countless times per week I am asked about “networking”.
The comments are most often qualified by a comment that says….”I’m really bad at it” OR “It seems so self-serving”.
A few comments and then a story/anecdote:
EVERY ONE OF US should consider “networking” as a part of our weekly calendar. The only reason to be intimidated by it, or consider it something evil or self-serving is if in fact that is your sole motive.
You’re correct if the only reason you reach out to anyone is if you need something! Replace the mindset of your needing something with the mindset of “how can I add something” and make adding something to your relationship with that person a habit……on an ongoing basis!
Anything from a birthday greeting to a golf joke to a link to an article about the economy or one about gardening or a request for a restaurant recommendation heard years ago or a question about a child’s schooling, a LinkedIn connection etc, etc, etc. You get the idea?
Whatever you see that makes you think of that person is a great way to connect and ……….
DO IT NOW!
Don’t wait until you might need something. (As a CFO said to me once during a conversation we were having on this subject; “It’s like a relationship with a banker, don’t wait until you need a loan)
Networking is like a party………enjoy it!
Why Is Networking Valuable?
Statistics show that 60 to 70% of all executive positions are found through networking with others.
Networking is like a party………….enjoy it!
There is so much more I can say about this overlooked, misunderstood critical piece of one’s life (personal and professional) but I’ll relent for now with one of my favorite stories on the subject which is also the title of this post…………
“Acres of Diamonds”
(Wikipedia version)
Acres of Diamonds originated as a speech which Russell Conwell delivered over 6,000 times around the world; it was eventually published as delivered in Conwell’s home town, Philadelphia .
The central idea of the work is that one need not look elsewhere for opportunity, kinship, achievement, or fortune; the resources to achieve all good things are present in your own community. This theme is developed by an introductory anecdote, told to Conwell by an Arab guide, about a man who wanted to find diamonds so badly that he sold his property and went off in futile search for them; the new owner of his home discovered that a rich diamond mine was located right there on the property. Conwell elaborates on the theme through examples of success, genius, service, or other virtues involving ordinary Americans contemporary to his audience: “dig in your own back-yard!”
*In our “How the Truth Will Set You and Your Career Free” workshops we include a grid/tool for organizing and keeping up with your networking project. It’s by no means a “high-tech” item but has proven to be quite effective to those who have put it to use.
Drop me an email, I’d be more than glad to pass it along!