"It's Who You Know" | Scott H Young

Networking is not just for the extroverted personality or the natural charm. Many of the best networkers are somewhat introverted.

Three core traits can improve your networking skills:

• Be high value
• Be generous
• Be gregarious

We have a deep-seated longing to meet and befriend high-value people, such as celebrities. We desire to associate with people perceived to be higher value than ourselves.

The biggest step to improve your networking ability, is to be higher value. Some strategies include:

• Doing interesting things.
• Improving your skills in a demonstrable way. Demonstrate that you are good at something valuable.
• Having other good connections. Simply knowing other high value people can make you a higher value person.

Everyone wants to network with people who can help them. However, it's much better to focus on who you can help.

Being generous is about anticipating what others might need and reaching out.

Be eager and willing to meet new people. Building connections will not happen when you sit at home and hope for someone to reach out to you.

Meeting people face-to-face is very valuable, but internet contacts can also be helpful. Being sociable is most useful when you don't need a favour.