{"id":1053,"date":"2016-04-26T11:37:14","date_gmt":"2016-04-26T19:37:14","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.checkworks.com\/blog\/?p=1053"},"modified":"2016-04-26T11:40:31","modified_gmt":"2016-04-26T19:40:31","slug":"the-magic-and-the-madness-of-networking","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.checkworks.com\/index.php\/the-magic-and-the-madness-of-networking\/","title":{"rendered":"The Magic and the Madness of Networking"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Diversity<\/a><\/p>\n

By MJ Plaster<\/em><\/p>\n

Networking is what you make of it\u2014it can raise you to new heights, or it can destroy the efforts of your entire career in the blink of an eye. It can build trust, or it can earn you the label of \u201cuntouchable.\u201d<\/p>\n

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We\u2019ve been networking since the Industrial Revolution made it possible for us to leave our hometowns and scatter across the country. Traditional meeting venues such as local Chambers of Commerce functions, service clubs and golf courses have always provided opportunities for members of the \u201cboys club\u201d to connect, but networking for mere mortals launched from an unlikely source.
\nThe Madness of Networking<\/strong>
\nJerry Rubin, of Chicago Seven fame during the 1968 Democratic National Convention, had a capitalist epiphany during the 1970s, and he became an entrepreneur. During the 1980s, the Yippie-turned-Yuppie found a way to turn a profit from Studio 54\u2019s Wednesday-night dead time.<\/p>\n

As you view Jerry Rubin\u2019s card<\/a>, note the two draws\u2014Studio 54 and \u201cdancing.\u201d First-timers came for the wall-to-wall action\u2014to get a glimpse into the world of the glitterati that littered the notorious disco on the weekends. In the early days, it was a place to see and be seen, and to fill a calendar for the upcoming weekend.<\/p>\n

I went on a borrowed business card, and it was the closest I ever got to the \u201creal\u201d Studio 54. Once was enough. Thousands of people crammed onto a disco floor on the pretense of making business connections was not my idea of fun, and I had no need of networking at the time.<\/p>\n

Rubin was a sharp businessman, and the networker of all times. He created a database from the business cards required for admission. Those names helped him build a vast downline when he entered the world of network marketing.<\/p>\n

The Magic of Networking<\/strong>
\nThanks to Rubin\u2019s vision, networking has evolved to become the lifeblood of businesses, entrepreneurs and solopreneurs. Further, it has evolved from contrived to organic. During the 1990s, bulletin boards, email lists and forums on Prodigy, AOL and CompuServe connected people with like interests. Lasting business contacts and friendships were formed because people joined groups that reflected their interests. Those who participated the most gained the most benefits.<\/p>\n

Today, nearly 250,000 Meetup groups<\/a> bring together more than 25 million like-minded people, and LinkedIn<\/a> is the meeting place of choice for more than 400 million businesspeople. Efficient networkers have learned to target their efforts by joining groups within LinkedIn\u2014an update to the forums concept of the 1990s on a newer platform.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s important to hone your skills at networking events before attending company and industry conferences, tradeshows and conventions. The same holds true for educational seminars and workshops. You never know whom you might meet and what opportunities could cross your path at these extended events.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s not rocket science to find a way to connect, but it\u2019s an art form when practiced properly.<\/p>\n

The Golden Rule of Networking<\/strong>
\nTo reap the greatest rewards, pay it forward. Give more than you receive.<\/p>\n

I\u2019ve been on both ends of the spectrum, giving more than I received, and receiving more than I gave. Eventually, you reach an equilibrium.<\/p>\n

Start by reversing, \u201cWhat can you do for me?\u201d The proper approach is, \u201cWhat can I do for you?\u201d<\/p>\n

To build a solid network requires time and commitment. Your efforts will ebb and flow depending on your workload, and if you routinely bite off more than you can chew (guilty as charged), use the ebbs to reconnect and check in on your network.<\/p>\n

15 Networking Best Practices<\/strong><\/p>\n