Someone once gave me some great advice: if you want to be rich, find someone who has already achieved wealth and follow their example. The same principle applies to becoming a great networker. To excel in networking, find someone who is skilled at it and ask them how they do it. Great networkers are generous with their knowledge, willingly sharing their skills, which is part of what makes them successful.
The beauty of networking is that it doesn't take years to learn; it can be grasped in seconds. The key is to apply these skills consistently. This book provides the knowledge to become an outstanding networker, an effective group member, and a top referral finder. However, this knowledge is only valuable if you apply it in a sustained and practical way.
It's perfectly fine to ask for help and seek coaching. Even the best athletes have coaches who may not be as skilled but provide invaluable guidance. Similarly, great networkers once stood where you are now—without knowledge, skills, or experience in networking. If they truly excel at networking, they'll be eager to help you, as your improvement benefits everyone, including themselves.
When I first joined a networking group, I was a novice in the business world, starting my new website business after being made redundant. I was fortunate to join a group of experienced, generous members who offered their advice, time, and assistance. I learned a tremendous amount from that early group in Shrewsbury, England, which set the foundation for nearly 20 years of success and enjoyment in running my businesses.
If you're struggling to invite visitors or find referrals, observe who in your group is successful and arrange a one-on-one meeting with them. Share your admiration for their success and ask how they achieve it. You might be surprised by their answers. Often, successful networkers don't see themselves as naturally gifted or lucky; they are simply mindful of opportunities and proactive in their actions. Networking is a participatory activity—hard work and conscious effort are what transform you into a successful networker, someone others will seek for advice.
Module Actions:
Identify two members of your networking group whom you consider to be good networkers and schedule one-on-one meetings with them.