How to Network

QUIT POLITICKING; START NETWORKING
TO INSURE YOUR JOB OR YOUR OWN COMPANY’S SUCCESS
by Lillian D. Bjorseth, President
Duoforce Enterprises, Inc.
Better Business Contacts

        The decades of downsizing, mergers and acquisitions have brought new emphasis to job  security and career management.  So what is the best way to position yourself within a company  to protect your job and get an occasional promotion or to grow sales within your own business?  You have two choices:  politicking and networking. 

 POLITICKING 

         Politicking has long been a favorite ploy for those who want to "work" their way up  the ladder.  They are willing - maybe even enjoy - buttering or kissing up to someone who is  in a position to help achieve what they want.  One of the pitfalls of politicking is that the  people you are playing up to already are in power and usually don’t need your help to  progress.  You’re at their mercy, and, when push comes to shove within their own political  system, you know whose welfare comes first! 

         Another shortcoming is that if the person leaves the company or falls into disgrace,  you may be left "friendless."  Also, if you stepped on others managers’ and peers’ toes with  your sucking-up, they may relish doing the same to you. 

 NETWORKING 

         Networking - the art of beginning and maintaining relationships - with employees and  others who can help you reach your goals and get new customers is a far wiser and effective  way to control your destiny. 

         When you can give as well as get in a relationship, no matter what the person’s level,  you can create a bond that leads to satisfactory results for both of you.  Once that repartee  has been established, you can count on each other even when one of you changes jobs within or  outside a company.  In fact, this can be a time to help each other infiltrate new arenas and  build new relationships. 

         Because networking is an overused buzz word, its impact has been trivialized.  It is  so much more than glad-handing or simply attending "after-hours" events.  It needs to be a  well-planned part of your targeted marketing efforts.  Word-of-mouth is by far the most  effective way to get a new job or a new customer.  Therefore, you need to be sure you are  always networking where your potential customers are or with people who can introduce you to  your target market. 

         When all things are equal between two candidates, products or services, the person  making the decision will choose the one they know and trust.  Your networking goal is to be  the one others know and trust in your area of expertise. 

         The following hints will increase your relationship building and maintenance skills  (and lessen your reliance on politicking): 

*  Always do what you say you will do - no matter how large or small the  commitment. 
*  Help others without asking for a favor in return. 
*  Stay in touch ... with people where you work, where you used to work and  where you want to work or get business. 
*  Never pull rank when someone asks for a favor. 
*  Build planned, targeted networking activities into your weekly calendar. 
*  Consciously improve your interpersonal communication skills. 
 

http://www.duoforce.com