Very simply – I like people so I love networking!

Networking is very simply meeting new people who

·       share interests,

·       an industry or

·       a profession.

It’s an exchange of ideas and information between individuals and finding ways to help one another. What sets networking apart from just socializing is your intention.

Why is networking important?

·       31% of job seekers find opportunities through professional connections and referrals.

·       23% of people submit resumes through friends or former colleagues (according to Jobvite)

·       A strong personal relationship with someone can prompt someone to make a personal introduction for you to someone else.

·       In business surveys, 76% of people agree that knowing the right people is key to getting ahead in life but only 22% are actively looking for networking opportunities.

One of my favorite books on networking is Harvey MacKay’s – Dig Your Well Before You’re Thirsty! Here’s a quote you just have to read - 

·       Talent alone will not save you in today’s economy

·       The traditional advice of more training and education will not save you

·       The government will not save you

·       No matter how self-reliant, dedicated, loyal, competent, well educated and well trained you are, you need more than you to save yourself

·       You need a network! You need YOUR network. Every day. A network will help you deal with some of life’s minor annoyances as well as your most challenging problems. Your network can provide role models, advise you, comfort you, provide you with financial assistance, intellectual and social resources, entertainment and even a ride to work in the morning!

·       Without it, you’ll have a hard time finding a client, making a sale, seeking a job, hiring the right employee. To say nothing of the personal stuff, like locating a competent doctor, buying a house or deciding on a nursery school for your kids.

Harvey sums it up by sharing -- “If I had to name the single characteristic shared by all the truly successful people I’ve ever met over a lifetime, I’d say it is the ability to create and nurture a network of contacts.”

What kind of Networks exits –

·       Organizations are a great example; we have a lot of them in the real estate business – RBN, ICSC, ACRE, IFA, NAIOP, IREM, CCIM, ULI & CREW

·       Personal networks like your small group at church, a travel club, and neighbors

Places for Networking:

·       In person – events, trade shows, your office, industry associations, or something informal like a happy hour, lunch or dinner

·       On-line – LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Clubhouse, You Tube and email

In another great book on networking -- The Tipping Point, Malcolm Gladwell writes that “The more acquaintances you have, the more powerful you are.”

Here's the most important Take Away I would like all of you to share –

Get involved with your networks! Jump into leadership positions. Serve on a committee or a Board. Start a new chapter of an organization if one doesn’t exist. Serve ~ serve ~ and serve -- but don’t be fake about it!! People see right through that. Be authentic, be enthusiastic and you’ll get so much out of these networking relationships!!

“The more people you help, the more help you’ll have and the more help you’ll have helping others.” Never Eat Alone, by Keith Ferrazzi     

So let’s get networking!