Are you a master networker?   Some of us are born to network; these are the extroverts that seem to have been born with a flashing smile, exuding warmth and amiability, skillfully dropping tidbits demonstrating their unquestionable expertise into any conversation. They appear to have a deep and seemingly endless well of anecdotes which all circle back seamlessly and unobtrusively into tales which underscore their professional success.

Others of us, for whatever reason, do not find this a natural skill. We have to be coached, cajoled and coddled to do it at all.  Others occassionally remind me of my long gone cat, Redford, who, when I gently tried to pull him out of someplace he shouldn’t be, clung mightily to wherever he was and dug into the rug, leaving a long trail of claw marks along the way.

Remind you of yourself?  Well, whether you are a natural or have had to be coached, we all know we have to network as that is the path to success.

Think about it.  Which is more likely to lead to actually getting business for you or your company:  Sending out 100 brochures or emails, getting 100 clicks on Google Adwords, or networking and spending one on one time with 100 colleagues with whom you will find something in common, exchange contact information and explore what you might offer each other?  It’s a slam dunk.  You have to network.

Ivan Misner, author of The 29% Solution: 52 Weekly Networking Success Strategies and a leading expert on business networking, has a great deal to say on this subject. Misner, the founder and chairman of BNI (Business Network International),  takes his title from a study that launched the six degrees of separation theory, which actually revealed that only 29% of the population is connected within six degrees. So, imagining you are only six degrees away from someone has now been debunked. You have no choice but to stop thinking your aunt’s hairdresser will connect you with the perfect business contact ( although, don’t rule it out).  You really have no choice but to start networking, in a purposeful and methodical way.

Develop a networking plan.  Set goals, both near term and long term.  Start developing within yourself….yes, you can…the top 10 traits of master networkers:

Timely follow up
Positive attitude
Enthusiasm/Motivation
Trustworthiness
Good listening skills
Commitment
Gratitude
Helpfulness
Sincerity
Dedicated

Become what Misner describes as catalytic people; those who make things happen. They possess a blend of initiative, intention, confidence and motivation which sets things in motion.

I’m as daunted by networking as anyone else……except those born extrovert networkers.  But I just focus on my passion….. and, if you’re like me you are passionate about whatever you’re doing, whatever business you’re in….( and if you’re not, change businesses)…and I know I’m going to be discussing that with like-minded souls, so I just get out there and do it: network!

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