Networking, very simply, is about becoming good at 3 things: helping others, meeting new people, and developing the friendships you already have.  I challenge you to try one or two of the ideas listed below over the next few weeks.  You will be amazed at the impact it makes on the lives of others as well as your own.  Best of luck!

Help Others

• Introduce people that would benefit from knowing one another
• Recommend a friend or colleague for a job
• Volunteer your time for a local professional organization

Meet New People

• Get out more and try new things!
• Make sure to bring business cards everywhere you go
• Ask people you meet about themselves
• Get others talking by asking open ended questions (that start with “What…” or “How…”)

Develop Existing Friendships

• Host a dinner party at your house with people you would like to get to know better
• Email or call people you have not talked to in awhile and ask how they are doing - no agenda, just connect!
• Develop strong relationships with recruiters - always provide them with people to contact and ask them about your industry

Have any related ideas or stories to share?  Please leave me a quick comment