Saturday, December 17, 2011

Networking - Which Level Are You?

Networking can be mystifying at the best of times if you just don't 'get it'.  You attend functions where there seem to be a lot of people standing around, seemingly all talking at once, flashing business cards and writing things down.

Wonder what they are doing? Are they really getting anything out of it?

You  try networking, but you seem to be missing something, because there don't seem to be any results from it.  Maybe you just don't understand about the levels.

There are 3 levels of networking:

First Level – 2 people meet and can do business

Second Level - 2 people meet and know someone who needs the service and tell each other

Third Level – 2 people understand each other’s services and as they go about their day to day business, perhaps they see a building going up and stop and find out who the other person should talk to, and tell the other person.  
In the course of doing business with a company, you see a need your connections could solve, and suggest they could use the services of your connections, and make an introduction (i.e. via email).
Level 3 networking is where you really want to be in terms of skill and activity.  It's about relationships with your fellow networkers.
What does it take to be a successful networker?  Consistency, being front of mind, creativity and imagination, staying in touch, supporting those around you, attending events, presenting a consistent professional image, and giving, even if you don't get to start with.
So think about it and figure out how you can become a level 3 networker.