In the quest to find a fitting title for this piece, none seemed to measure up to the iconic "How to Win Friends and Influence People." Dale Carnegie's timeless masterpiece on networking, written before the term was even coined, has sold millions of copies worldwide. Yet, the art of effective networking remains largely underappreciated. The golden rule in business is simple: 'People do business with people they like.' Networking, in essence, is a two-step process: expanding your contact list and turning those contacts into friends. It's futile to know someone who harbors negative feelings towards you or is indifferent. A positive connection is paramount.
A Chinese proverb beautifully encapsulates the essence of networking: "To attract good fortune, spend a new penny on an old friend, share an old pleasure with a new friend and lift up the heart of a true friend by writing his name on the wings of a dragon." There are countless ways to be friendly and positive towards people. Here are seven proven strategies that can make a significant difference:
In our busy world, we are constantly bombarded with calls and emails from people who want something from us. It's refreshing to receive a call from someone who just wants to say hello and ask how you're doing. Be that person. Make it a point to want nothing in return.
In today's volatile job market, downsizing, redundancy, and job loss are common. How we respond to others' misfortunes can make a world of difference. When you learn that someone you know is out of work, reach out and offer to help.
If you want to meet someone, suggest grabbing a coffee, or sharing cakes or cookies. Informal eating has a way of bonding people. A 15-minute meeting at a local café can be a welcome alternative to a formal lunch, especially with a new contact.
Business cards are ubiquitous, but how often do we really notice them? Instead of just handing out your card, personalize it. Write down your cell phone number or recommend a book or a movie on the back of your card. It's personal, thoughtful, and friendly.
Make it a habit to think about how you can help others. If you know someone who is unhappy in their job and hear about a company looking for staff, connect them. Act as a middleman without expecting any reward.
Everyone likes to feel special. Remembering birthdays, anniversaries, and other personal occasions can go a long way in building relationships. Don't hesitate to ask someone when their birthday is, note it down, and make sure to send them a card.
Set aside a regular networking hour each week to make phone calls and send emails to your growing network. Rotate people around, but make sure you touch base with everyone at least once a month.
As Samuel Johnson once said, "If a man does not make new acquaintances as he advances through life, he will soon find himself alone. A man should keep his friendships in constant repair." These strategies are not rules, but they are practical examples of how you can ensure that when someone says 'I do business with people I like,' they're referring to you.
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