“Power, today, comes from sharing information, not withholding it.”

“Relationships are all there is. Everything in the universe only exists because it is in relationship to everything else. Nothing exists in isolation. We have to stop pretending we are individuals that can go it alone.

“Success in any field, but especially in business is about working with people, not against them.”

If you build a basis of understanding and trust with someone, you can sure count on their help when you eventually face a problem you can’t solve alone. Nobody likes a leech, who only comes to you when they need your help. Everyone wants to feel respected and valued.

Build your network long before you need it

Networking has a bad connotation because of people who build relationships just to exploit them. The key to successful networking is to add value to help others to succeed:
<ul>
<li>Don’t keep score. Contribute generously to others and be willing to ask for others’ help. Adopt the philosophy that everyone has the potential to help and be helped.</li>
<li>Crystallize your mission and strategy. It’s always easier to achieve something with a proper goal and strategy. </li>
<li>Have the courage to ask. To build a network, you must be audacious enough to put yourself out there and risk rejection.</li>
</ul>

Networking: developing the right mindset

Super-connectors are people who know lots of people. They are known for having hundreds or thousands of contacts and their contacts often come from different walks of life.If you are not a super-connector yourself, you should try to build up a good relationship with one. You can benefit strongly from knowing such a person.

Super-connectors

<ul>
<li>Generosity and Loyalty are the foundations of good networking.</li>
<li>You must build your network long before you need it.</li>
<li>It’s not the amount of time it’s the quality of the time spent.</li>
</ul>
Anyone can become a good networker. Only a few people are natural networkers, the rest of us have to practice.

Becoming a good networker

“Wherever you are in life right now, and whatever you know, is a result of the ideas, experiences, and people you have interacted with in your life.”

<ul>
<li>Do your homework: Develop your name list of specific people who can help you achieve your mission and short/mid-term goals. Always prepare before a meeting.</li>
<li>Approaching new contacts: Learn how to warm up cold leads in advance (do not make cold calls) and manage gatekeepers artfully.</li>
<li>Be visible.</li>
<li>Follow up consistently.</li>
<li>Master the art of small talk.</li>
<li>Your goal for conferences should be to meet like-minded people who can advance your mission.</li>
<li>Expand your social circle. Learn how to connect with the super-connectors and link your circle with someone else’s.</li>
</ul>

Develop the required networking skills

The bestselling business classic on the power of relationships, updated with in-depth advice for making connections in the digital world. 'Don't walk . . . run to your closest bookstore. The most extraordinary and valuable book I've come across in a long, long time.' Tom Peters'A step-by-step way to build relationships with anyone. The tone is engaging and the advice practical.' The New York Times'Cleverly mixes anecdotes with cogent advice and suggests concrete steps readers can take towards improvement.' USA Today

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