Networking

When you start a company, there is no limit to how big a future you can envision; but usually, you lack the resources to turn that vision into a business. Often people don't network because they expect immediate results. They deny the fact that networking works because they personally don't follow up with the people they connect with and get no results. They are impatient and don't understand the value of taking the time to build fruitful relationships. It hasn't worked for them in the past, because they go for the “close” as opposed to establishing trust and the relationship first.We live in such a rushed society these days, expecting -- even demanding -- immediate results for our efforts. Networking is not a “get-rich-quick” scheme. As I've often said, a successful networking effort is much more like farming than hunting. We have to cultivate good relationships that pay us back over the long term, year after year. People often resist networking because they are frightened about being sold to or don't want to pitch their sale in a room full of competition.What they don't realize is that networking is not like “cold-calling.” It isn't something you do to someone -- it's something you do with them. It's a conversation. It involves more listening. If both parties keep that in mind, they will be genuinely interested in the other person as they get to know each other. This interest leads to comfort, and that comfort leads to opportunities to provide referrals as they arise and those referrals lead to business. Can we afford not to network? Networking can be just as much about learning more about your customers as making a sale. Social networking sites can also prove valuable learning tools for industry professionals to share ideas and strategies, such as Linkedin. "We live in such a rushed society these days, expecting -- even demanding -- immediate results for our efforts" - agreed, but flip this on its head and take micro-blogging as an example... today you'd be hard pushed to find someone without a smart phone; together, mobile devices and social media sites such as twitter's 140 character limit allows for instant on-the-go updates. If you're too busy to network, try a little and often approach. Results aren't instant, but sending a quick tweet is. It's about creating relationships and this takes time.