Networking: The Who, What, When, Where, Why and How Part 1

Who

Anyone can benefit from learning to network and there is no age too young to begin to learn.

What

Definition of a network from Wikipedia is any interconnected group or system. More specifically, a network is any method of sharing information between two systems (human or mechanical). Obviously we are here today to talk about human networks.

My definition of networking is a little different. It is the building of a group of relationships in which the you can provide assistance of some type to another individual without the expectation of anything immediately in return.

When and Where

While you can pretty much network at anytime and anywhere, you need to use some discretion in your efforts. It may not be appropriate to get too involved in networking for instance at a funeral.

Why

The reason to network will vary from time to time and from person to person. For some it may be to grow a business endeavor, find a new job, maybe a new golf or bridge partner or perhaps even a spouse. The overall intent though should be to make the connections for the future. It may even be for something that you have no current idea that you will need the connection for.

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Copyright © 2009, Bill Hurlbut


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