The "Lovecat" Way to Networking

Albert Schweitzer was quoted to have said: "One thing I know: The only ones among you who will be really happy are those who will have sought and found how to serve." I find these words to ring very true for me. I feel most "alive" and connected when I'm coming from a place of giving and sharing with others.

All of us have tons of opportunities to socialize and connect with different circles of people on a regular basis. If you are like most, you receive invitations to an assortment of gatherings hosted by family, friends, church, school, work, community and civic organizations every week, right? Sounds wonderful, doesn't it? Maybe yes. Maybe no! Depends on your attitude.

These extra social dates can be viewed as a fantastic opportunity to meet and embrace new people into your growing network OR they may conjure up feelings of dread and visions of stale chips and stale conversation. I've got good news! Networking doesn't need to be anything but a positive win-win situation for you and those you meet. All it takes is a shift in your mindset from the "Old Business Philosophy" to the more human and attractive way of conducting business and managing your personal life.

Instead of buying into the concepts of winning at all costs, striving to get ahead, and learning how to "swim with the sharks", I challenge you to adopt a more comprehensive, authentic and potent approach. Learn specific success strategies that will provide you with a new way of interacting in the business world and reap the benefits of doing so. The "old" definition of networking defines networking as a random process of meeting people, remembering names and aggressively collecting business cards. The "new" definition is much more dynamic than that!

I recently came across an incredible resource on this subject, which I highly recommend. A book by Tim Sanders called," Love is the Killer App". I'm a big fan of Tim's work and after you read his invaluable book; I know you will be, too! Tim Sander's calls his business and life success philosophy, The "Love Cat Way". The Love Cat's path to wild success is based on these 3 guiding strategies:

KNOWLEDGE ~ we should all be sharing our knowledge with one another without regard to our personal gain. We give to give. Simple as that.

NETWORK, Network, Network! ~ Connect others to your Rolodex. Share your valuable connections freely and widen your circles of influence exponentially.

COMPASSION ~ Be the best human being you can be. Be kind. Be caring. Be compassionate. Do good deeds! We are all in this together and our relationships with one another are the key. It truly is who we know and who knows us. Our willingness to authentically connect with others and help them achieve their goals can impact all aspects of our lives, our businesses and yes, even our love life!

This week's coaching challenge? Be a "Love-Cat" and touch base with your inner circle of connections and also make it a point to meet some new people and see how you might be of service to them.