It's not what you know but who you know. This is some info I found on Yahoo.
Here are 10 of the worst myths about networking, and their current, more sensible replacements:
1. Networking means meeting as many people as you can.
If possessing a huge stack of business cards or having met every business person in your city was a ticket to riches, this might be true. But it's not. Networking gives you a chance to meet new people, but quality trumps quantity in human relationships, every time.
2. Networking means telling people about your business whenever you get a chance.
There's nothing wrong with letting the folks at your gym, at your place of worship, and at your book club know what you do for a living. But people will quickly forget the details of your professional life. What they'll remember is you -- if you approach them with a desire to learn about them, as well.
3. Networking is hard work.
It may be that you're working too hard. Networking happens naturally if you introduce yourself to people, stay in touch with people you've met, and think, in every interaction, "How could I help this person?"
4. Networking should start when you're job-hunting.
If you get the call that you've been selected to compete on "American Idol," it's too late to start an exercise program or go on a diet. When you're out of work, it's a bit late in the game to start networking toward your next job. If you have to start then, do it; but it's far better to start networking now, and build contacts for the job search that will inevitably come your way if you're a working person who isn't close to retirement.
5. Networking is for schmoozers.
Schmoozing is by far the least important networking skill. Good listening is far more useful to a relationship-builder than the ability to spit a thirty-second elevator pitch into someone's face.
6. Networking is only for entrepreneurs.
If you don't believe that having business contacts and experts at your disposal would be useful for you as a corporate person, talk to any top business leader and ask his or her opinion. It's essential to be connected to other professionals, not just for "it's-who-you-know" reasons but in order to get perspectives on your business and career issues that are different from?your own.
7. Networking is a waste of time.
Your networking time will surely be wasted if you approach each interaction as an opportunity hawk your wares. Ditto if you believe that your job as a networker is to tell every person you meet all about your job search and express no interest in him or her. If you can get past these bad networking ideas and cultivate some relationships, your time will be well spent.
8. Networking is expensive.
Joining a Yahoo! group is free. The popular networking site LinkedIn has a free membership level and 15 million users. Plenty of face-to-face networking events in your town will cost you nothing more than parking or bus fare.
9. Networking is phony.
If you go to a party at your sister's house and meet her boyfriend's dad, is your conversation phony? Networking conversations need not be any different than any other interactions between new acquaintances. It's up to you.
10. Networking is a thing of the past.
Person-to-person relationships are more important in business than ever. If anything, networking is a thing of the future.
Four Most Common Networking Mistakes
Take a tip from Miss Manners: Etiquette is important.
And perhaps nowhere more so than at networking events.
You may already know that networking events are one of the best ways to find job leads and expand your Rolodex. But attending events is only half the battle. You also need to know how to behave at them.
If you talk too much, say too little or arrive unprepared, you can ruin your chances to leave with a job lead.
This Ain't No Party
Remember why you're here.The purpose of a networking event is to help you advance professionally. It's a social event -- but a professional one. Think of it as a conference social or a business dinner.
The cardinal rule of networking events: Never get drunk. We all remember what happened to Melanie Griffith in "Working Girl."
You want the people you meet to remember you as capable, competent and polished -- not as the guy or gal who was wearing a lampshade on their head at the end of the evening.
Dress appropriately. Err on the side of conservative and choose an outfit you could wear to a job interview. Your attire should say, "I'm a professional," not "I'm a party girl (or boy)."
After all, you're not at a party.
Do Your Homework
Don't arrive at a networking event without a plan of attack.
First, find out which person or organization is sponsoring the event. Next, see if there will be speakers, presenters or any special guests in attendance. Last, make a list of people you expect to be there and want to meet.
Do a little research on each of them. A little knowledge goes a long way. If you know something about the people you approach, it's much easier to start a conversation -- and keep it going.
Pitch In
Don't forget to prepare your elevator pitch.
You'll need it to introduce yourself to people at a networking event.
An elevator pitch is brief -- brief enough to share during an elevator ride. In your pitch, give a three-minute summary of who you are, your experience and abilities.
Practice your pitch before the networking event so that it'll sound natural. Be confident, but not pushy. Remember, a networking event isn't a formal interview. And don't forget to smile.
Quality, Not Quantity
Focus on the quality, not quantity, of your connections at networking events. You'll get better results by making a few good connections than by handing out dozens of business cards indiscriminately.
And first impressions matter, so mind your manners.
Always stay focused on the person you are talking to and maintain eye contact. Don't scan the room trying to decide whom you'll talk to next.
Also, show interest in the people you meet. You can make a great impression by asking a few thoughtful questions. Above all, be genuine and sincere.
A strong professional network is based on relationships, and it takes time to build a relationship.
Here are 10 of the worst myths about networking, and their current, more sensible replacements:
1. Networking means meeting as many people as you can.
If possessing a huge stack of business cards or having met every business person in your city was a ticket to riches, this might be true. But it's not. Networking gives you a chance to meet new people, but quality trumps quantity in human relationships, every time.
2. Networking means telling people about your business whenever you get a chance.
There's nothing wrong with letting the folks at your gym, at your place of worship, and at your book club know what you do for a living. But people will quickly forget the details of your professional life. What they'll remember is you -- if you approach them with a desire to learn about them, as well.
3. Networking is hard work.
It may be that you're working too hard. Networking happens naturally if you introduce yourself to people, stay in touch with people you've met, and think, in every interaction, "How could I help this person?"
4. Networking should start when you're job-hunting.
If you get the call that you've been selected to compete on "American Idol," it's too late to start an exercise program or go on a diet. When you're out of work, it's a bit late in the game to start networking toward your next job. If you have to start then, do it; but it's far better to start networking now, and build contacts for the job search that will inevitably come your way if you're a working person who isn't close to retirement.
5. Networking is for schmoozers.
Schmoozing is by far the least important networking skill. Good listening is far more useful to a relationship-builder than the ability to spit a thirty-second elevator pitch into someone's face.
6. Networking is only for entrepreneurs.
If you don't believe that having business contacts and experts at your disposal would be useful for you as a corporate person, talk to any top business leader and ask his or her opinion. It's essential to be connected to other professionals, not just for "it's-who-you-know" reasons but in order to get perspectives on your business and career issues that are different from?your own.
7. Networking is a waste of time.
Your networking time will surely be wasted if you approach each interaction as an opportunity hawk your wares. Ditto if you believe that your job as a networker is to tell every person you meet all about your job search and express no interest in him or her. If you can get past these bad networking ideas and cultivate some relationships, your time will be well spent.
8. Networking is expensive.
Joining a Yahoo! group is free. The popular networking site LinkedIn has a free membership level and 15 million users. Plenty of face-to-face networking events in your town will cost you nothing more than parking or bus fare.
9. Networking is phony.
If you go to a party at your sister's house and meet her boyfriend's dad, is your conversation phony? Networking conversations need not be any different than any other interactions between new acquaintances. It's up to you.
10. Networking is a thing of the past.
Person-to-person relationships are more important in business than ever. If anything, networking is a thing of the future.
Four Most Common Networking Mistakes
Take a tip from Miss Manners: Etiquette is important.
And perhaps nowhere more so than at networking events.
You may already know that networking events are one of the best ways to find job leads and expand your Rolodex. But attending events is only half the battle. You also need to know how to behave at them.
If you talk too much, say too little or arrive unprepared, you can ruin your chances to leave with a job lead.
This Ain't No Party
Remember why you're here.The purpose of a networking event is to help you advance professionally. It's a social event -- but a professional one. Think of it as a conference social or a business dinner.
The cardinal rule of networking events: Never get drunk. We all remember what happened to Melanie Griffith in "Working Girl."
You want the people you meet to remember you as capable, competent and polished -- not as the guy or gal who was wearing a lampshade on their head at the end of the evening.
Dress appropriately. Err on the side of conservative and choose an outfit you could wear to a job interview. Your attire should say, "I'm a professional," not "I'm a party girl (or boy)."
After all, you're not at a party.
Do Your Homework
Don't arrive at a networking event without a plan of attack.
First, find out which person or organization is sponsoring the event. Next, see if there will be speakers, presenters or any special guests in attendance. Last, make a list of people you expect to be there and want to meet.
Do a little research on each of them. A little knowledge goes a long way. If you know something about the people you approach, it's much easier to start a conversation -- and keep it going.
Pitch In
Don't forget to prepare your elevator pitch.
You'll need it to introduce yourself to people at a networking event.
An elevator pitch is brief -- brief enough to share during an elevator ride. In your pitch, give a three-minute summary of who you are, your experience and abilities.
Practice your pitch before the networking event so that it'll sound natural. Be confident, but not pushy. Remember, a networking event isn't a formal interview. And don't forget to smile.
Quality, Not Quantity
Focus on the quality, not quantity, of your connections at networking events. You'll get better results by making a few good connections than by handing out dozens of business cards indiscriminately.
And first impressions matter, so mind your manners.
Always stay focused on the person you are talking to and maintain eye contact. Don't scan the room trying to decide whom you'll talk to next.
Also, show interest in the people you meet. You can make a great impression by asking a few thoughtful questions. Above all, be genuine and sincere.
A strong professional network is based on relationships, and it takes time to build a relationship.
