Are you a netWORKER or a NOTworker?

Think about the question above.  What are you?  Don’t worry, you don’t have to tell anyone or write it down.  Are you a networker?  If so, congratulations, you understand how to help others.  Are you a notworker?  Do you want to be a networker?  If so, please continue to read.  Do you know the definition of networking?  According to Random House Unabridged Dictionary, networking is:  a supportive system of sharing information and services among individuals and groups having a common interest.  Please reread.   A supportive system of sharing information and services!  Seems so simple, yet so many don’t get the concept. 

 

Scenario 1 -  At an event sponsored by a large organization, you see the following:  Mr. A has a handful of business cards in his hand and is going from person to person introducing himself and thrusting his card in the other person’s hand.  Have you ever witnessed this?  Were you ever that individual giving the card?  Were you ever that individual getting the card?  Was this a good connection? 

 

Scenario 2 – At the same event, by the same organization, you see this:  Mr. A approaches another, introduces himself as and offers his hand to shake.  The other individual introduces himself and they shake hands.  Mr. A asks Mr. B what kind of business he is in, followed up by other questions about Mr. B’s business.  Mr. A listens.  That’s all.  He asks a few more questions and he listens.  Soon the roles are reversed and Mr. B asks Mr. A some questions and he listens.  Have you ever witnessed this?  Were you ever Mr. A?  Were you ever Mr. B?  Was this a good connection?

 

I have witnessed both of the scenarios and I have to honestly admit when someone thrusts their card upon me I do one of two things.  I either hold onto the card and write my impression of the person on the back and make sure I file it in the “Do not do business with” file or I immediately dispose of the card.  Yes, I get rid of it.  Why, because this person is telling me THEY are more important than a relationship.  Networking is about developing relationships.  A supportive system of sharing!!  

 

However, if someone is involved in the conversation and is asking questions to find out more, I hold onto their card and am sure to remember them when I need a service.  They took interest, they listened, THEY understand what networking is.   A supportive system of sharing!!

 

Networking is not a selfISH act, it is a selfLESS act.  You have to be willing to help others and you in turn will be helped.  Please remember, you will be remembered for how you were able to help someone connect with another and you will be remembered when they have someone to connect with you!

 

Happy Networking!!

Submitted by:  Melissa Emanuel of MI Home Staging, (313)384-6765
Email:mihomestaging@gmail.com