Sharing...

Networking is about sharing.... sharing your resources, ideas, inspiration, spirit, and yes.. names and numbers of people to potentially do business with! When I speak about networking, especially to women's groups, I will say that women are better networkers thanmen, because most of us have been taught from an early age that sharing is good. sharing makes us feel good and when we share-- most of the time, people feel the need to share back. It is this sharing- this give and take---that makes for a balanced networking relationship. So, how do you start? You just do. Start by making a list of all the resources, ideas, and people that you know... and then start thinking about who can benefit from them- then, just pick up the phone or send an email- and let the other person know that you have something for them. Just start. Don't wait.
At least one day during the week, I will sit and think about my inside circle of 10- these are people that I have actively cultivated -- and who are the premiere networkers of the universe! These people know me and know my business better than anyone else- and are always networking on my behalf. So, I think.... I think about what they need- I think about what I can do for them- I think about all the new people I've met that week or things I've heard about and I actively work my network. I don't always get to see these people, but I do stay in touch.. and so should you ! I want to live in their minds at all times- owning that "top of mind" category-- the only way to do that is to be visible to them! Do you have an inside circle of ten? how about an outside circle of 20? 30? 40? How big is your reach and how big do you want it to be?