Blog Post: Young Professionals: NETWORKING (Part 1)

If you have ever analyzed Henry Ford or Andrew Carnegie, you will quickly learn their success was based on the effective “use” of people. These men realized that a man alone will never accomplish as much and as quickly as a group of people working in harmony. During World War I, Henry Ford sued the Chicago Tribune over printing a editorial which called him an “ ignoramus”. During the trial, after enduring a two hour interrogation from the lawyer representing the newspaper, Henry Ford tactfully answered back with the following comment; “... I could call in men who could give me the correct answer to all the questions you have asked and to many that you have not the intelligence either to ask... I have able men all about me who can supply me with all the facts I want when I call for them...”. Mr. Ford knew the art of success relies heavily on connecting with the right people, something which was also key to the success of Andrew Carnegie. Study these men and you will realize the importance of having strong alliances, remember- everything in business and in life is relationships. There is a very real difference however in 'just knowing' someone and leveraging each other down the path of life. Proper networking is all about getting what you want by acting in harmony and in effective interaction with humanity. We must treat every relationship as an opportunity to more quickly reach our goals in life, because it will.

To win at networking you must have a plan, an execution, and a desired result. There are three main elements to effectively network. In order to guarantee networking (and life) success you must follow this simple formula:

Step 1) Have in writing what you want to accomplish

Step 2) Making strong contacts to help reach your goal

Step 3) Properly maintain the connections you have established

Good networking is like building a physical bridge, it needs to have a very strong foundation, a sturdy passageway, and proper usage. To assure a proper linkage for years to come, you must create a sturdy foundation on which to connect. To assure you properly get to where you want, focus a considerable amount of time answering Step 1) 'Knowing unquestionably what you want'. You must also ask your self: “What do I want out of life?” To get the most out of your network you must know the answer of this is as well.

Before a bridge is designed, there arises a need to connect two distinct physical points together which were not easily connected before. When determining a networking goal, you must clearly describe what you need to accomplish as a result of connecting with people. As Henry Ford put it, success is having a connection to people who can give the right answer when needed, and possibly the right answer to a question which was not asked. Think of the doors which might open you are yet to find success in. You must have a clear, concrete, and energetic answer to what you want out of networking. It is only once you have have established what you want, then you can judge your effectiveness in obtaining your desired result. It will also do you well to incorporate the golden rule into your networking strategy; Do on to others which you want done on to you. You will be amazed how far this simple skill will get you in life besides “just” networking.

What is the best way to determine what you want from networking? First, you must realize that only YOU can answer this question. The best way to think is on paper. It is always easier to write out your goals because there is a very interesting process which occurs when you transfer your ideas from your brain , through your hand and down to actuality. It materializes you ideas and gives them life! Brainstorming on paper allows you to share ideas with others, and gives you the opportunity to analyze your motives with an analytical eye. One you finalize on paper (or word processor) an objective, it is time to start working on “who” ideally you need to interact with. You must know with what people you must connect with, their attributes, and most importantly what you can do for them in return, remember the Golden Rule and it will serve you well. Before making your first contact, practice the “pitch”you will use to connect with them and possible ways you can help them in return.

Determining exactly what you want to achieve from the habit of networking is a very smart first step in the process. Sit down tonight and write out your goals. Do you want to find a new job? More qualified customers? A new business partner? Once you establish this the battle is half done. Remember, an average person with a well defined plan will run circles around a unfocused genius. I hope this helps in achieving your goals in life. Next we will take a look at how to make strong contacts with whom you must network with. We will also look in to how Henry Ford and Andrew Carnegie used the power of a “Mastermind” to become successful. Don't forget to attend the free GET Phoenix mixer on Thursday, August 20 th at Cafe Carumba! Check GETPhoenix.org for more details! Happy Networking!