Ten Commitments of Networking
Larry James
- The information in this article is available as a keynote called "The 10 Commitments of Networking."
An expanded version, including information in the article, "Networkings' Top Ten Hot
Ideas!" and many more networking ideas are available as Larry's most popular three hour business seminar, "Networking:
Making the Right Connections!"
To begin, let's look at a carefully worded definition of business networking. . .
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Networking is. . .
using your creative talents to help others achieve their goals as you cultivate a network of people strategically positioned to
support you in your goals. . . expecting nothing in return! - Larry James
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Having a clear understanding of the definition of networking is a prerequisite for networking success. What you put out to the universe,
always comes back to you! Disappointment may follow if you expect a return from the person to whom you have contributed.
Networking is about building supportive personal and business relationships; it's consistently meeting new people and making new
friends, sharing ideas and having lots of fun in the process!
Making a commitment is often most difficult when you are not sure of what you want to accomplish from your networking adventures.
That is why the first commitment is so important.
Commitment #1 - Blueprint Your Life! - No Purpose. No Goals. First,
define your purpose. Know Purpose! Know Goals! Design your future by setting goals. Decide what you want.
Commitment #2 - Accept Responsibility! - Be accountable to yourself
for the choices you make and for the consequences of your actions.
Commitment #3 - Be Coachable! - Listen for and be open to new ideas
and suggestions others in your network of support may offer.
Commitment #4 - Show Up! - Be places that count. Make an encounter.
Don't expect a quick fix. Get involved in charitable and community projects, but choose wisely. Not all events will be valuable to you.
Be seen. Attend business and professional meetings. Networking opportunities are everywhere! Begin local, then expand nationally.
Commitment #5 - Be Yourself! - Demonstrate your own authenticity.
Be unto others as you would have them be unto you. Be real.
Commitment #6 - Pay attention! - Look for opportunity! Talk 20%
of the time! Listen 80% of the time!
Commitment #7 - Contribute! - Be the solution! Networking is
contribution; it's helping others help themselves! Allow others to contribute to you!
Commitment #8 - Ask For What You Want! - Tell people what you
need. They can't read your mind.
Commitment #9 - Say "Thank You!" - Express appreciation.
Acknowledge others for their contribution to you. Be creative with your gratitude!
Commitment #10 - Stay Connected! - Be in touch! Network on the
phone, by e-mail and frequent notes. Never forget the people in your network of support and never let them forget you!
Now. . . get out there! How much networking you do is up to you. It's a good idea to put some effort into expanding your collection
of contacts all the time. Don't wait until you need something. You must first give. The getting comes second!
Always remember the five most important words you can say while networking:
How may I help YOU?
- If you would like a FREE hard copy of "The 10 Commitments of Networking," send a self-addressed,
stamped (63¢ for 2 ounces) #10 business envelope to the address below. Please remember to tell us what you are requesting.
Copyright © - Larry James. Adapted from the book,
Ten Commitments of Networking:
Creative Ways to Maximixe Your Personal Connections."
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This keynote or workshop is presented nationally. It can be
presented as a keynote or seminar at conventions, association meetings, networking groups, network marketing groups or business meetings.
More and more corporations are presenting Larry's work to their associates as a way of helping them to better handle the stress
of relationships at home and in the workplace. References from business leaders.
Customer Appreciation Idea! - Here's a novel way to say, "Thank you" to your customers and
build stronger relationships with them. Introduce them to business networking. Invite your customers (and/or prospects) to one of
our business seminars. You decide who to invite and make the necessary arrangements for the meeting site (which could be in your office).
You can even provide refreshments and handout materials about your company's products and services. Invite your own company employees
to attend or the top producers as a reward for recent achievements. We will help you develop the perfect seminar that will have the desired
effect. Some companies we work with make this an annual event.
Call, write or send an e-mail for information about booking a seminar or keynote for your group!
Speaker Referral Service -
If you are looking for someone to speak on a subject other than networking or personal relationships give us a call.
Larry has many friends who are professional speakers and will be happy to refer you to speakers who speak on other topics.
Click on a book cover or book title link to place an order
The Six X-tremes of Power Business Networking: How to Get Your Business Noticed in Crowded Rooms! - Jeff Glaze - This 60-Page e-book breaks
all of the rules of modern business networking. It gives you detailed information on how to stand out from the rest of the crowd when you are
trying to promote your business. Whether you are a seasoned networker or a beginner, this e-book has information that can help you to be
more successful and increase recognition for both you and your business.
Larry's Review: An excellent read for enthusiastic networkers!
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Power Networking: 59 Secrets for Personal & Professional Success - Donna Fisher & Sandy Vilas - Packed with
59 proven networking methods for achieving success in all areas of your life, this inspiring book helps you to discover key networking skills to
show you how to make the requests that get the results you want.
Larry's Review: The importance of making important business connections cannot be understated.
Donna offers sound advice and encourages you to give up your shyness and offer to assist others as you build a network of support; one that
increases your visibility, expands your network and marks you as someone who is willing to do whatever it takes to succeed.
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The Essential Network: Success Through Personal Connections - John L. Bennett - This book is about establishing,
maintaining, and reaping the benefits of connections. It incorporates many personal stories to illustrate
the productive results that can occur from building connections. These include people who have found life-partners,
avoided personal and financial disasters, made career changes, built businesses, and met famous people.
Larry's Review: The principles of business networking in an easy-read and understandable format.
Highly recommended!
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The Networking Guy's Top 50 Tips: A Simple Guide to Networking Success - Dave Sherman - These 50 success-proven tips will change
forever the way you do things, bringing power and purpose to those brief encounters that once were meaningless and unproductive.
Easy to understand and simple to apply, they will show you precisely what it takes to become a comfortable and effective networker
in all situations - and with all persons - you encounter.
Larry's Review: I love this book! A quick-read, no nonsense book with everything you need
to know about being a successful networker! Read it and reap! Highly recommended!
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• If you would like to talk
one-on-one with Larry James about relationship issues related to this article, you are invited to arrange for a
private coaching session by telephone. Go to Networking Coaching
for specific details.
The
Networking Book Shelf
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NOTE: This article - written by Larry James - is
available for reprint in magazines, periodicals, newsletters, newspapers, eZINEs, on the
Internet or on your own website. Click here for details.
Reprint requests for guest author's articles must be requested from the author. Their contact info can
be found in the bio at the end of their article.
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