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Networking in our Small and Flat
World
Recently
I
spoke
about
networking
with the
University of Chicago Graduate School of Business students,
faculty and alumni. Here are some of the
highlights
of a talk of great interest to global business players.
- Relationships
are the basis for all networking. You go into relationships just
for the joy of connecting with others rather than looking for am
immediate mentor. Listening; Likeability; Learning; and Linking
are four ways to connect with others to form relationships.
- Listening: Ask
lots of questions. Questions unite; answers, or statements,
divide
- Likeability: Use
eating, drinking and enjoyment time to have fun and relax. This
is the time for you to become more personal when you’re in a
business setting.
- Learning: Have
expertise, current knowledge and something interesting to bring
to the conversation. Keep up with current events and trends.
- Linking:
exchanging energy and ideas in short bursts through email, phone
calls and short chats.
- Small world
connections: people you each know who know either of you.
Places you’ve lived or worked. Your professional or other
networks. Experts of specialists are wonderful small world
connections.
- Spread your
networking outside of your company: remember cultural and
gender differences
- Watch for trust:
pick the right person for what you need. Information or action.
- Network far away:
when traveling make time to connect if even for a drink.
- Extra distance=
extra effort: lack of energy and closeness; people’s lives
go in different directions – use email, articles, opinions;
don’t overdo gifts
- Something of value
to offer: ideas, opinions, updates
- Consultants and
recruiters have great networks: keep in touch with those
folks
- Connect with where
you want to go: in your work, in your life and in your
relationships.
What did you think of this
article? Dr. Karen would love to here your
feedback!
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