Work on Networking

Networking is the single most powerful marketing tactic to accelerate and sustain success for any individual or organization.

It isn't just going out of your way to meet the 'right' people, rather it is creating and sustaining relationships with a group of people that you know and trust, that you will help if asked, and who will help you.

Why Network?

1. Learn dynamics within industry
2. Establish your business contacts
3. Get "plugged in" to your community
4. Seek new career opportunities
5. Facilitate win-win relationships
6. Create your referral networks
7. Accelerate your professional development
8. Develop knowledge resources

Ultimately, it's not about who you know...but WHO KNOWS YOU!!

How Network?
You can build a network internally as well as externally.

Internally,

1. Be visible at your job - don't hide in your office or cubicle
2. Volunteer for projects and make yourself available
3. Expand your lunch partners
4. Meet and talk with new coworkers and continue to communicate with them on a regular basis
5. Be informed, know where your company is going. You may want to brush-up your skills or broadening your knowledge.

Externally,

1. Join a professional organization, group or community within your field
2. Regularly attend the meetings, meet new people and benefit from the information and knowledge presented through seminars and speakers
3. Join an online professional network such as LinkedIn. You can add your professional memberships/organizations to your profile for added visibility. Invite your contacts to join and continue expanding your network with updated information.

Cultivate an influential network which makes your life more successful, fulfilling and rewarding.

Final word
Remember that in the end, it's not about quantity, but also quality. A smaller group of quality relationships is going to be that much more effective that a very large group of contacts that you hardly know. Build quality relationships and keep them strong. Working together is much easier than going it alone!

Relationships are the catalyst for success. People do business with those they like and trust. Serve as a resource, help others succeed.

Just be happy without a reason, keep a smile all the season,

Life is too short to be stressed, so stay happy, stay blessed!!