Posts Tagged ‘Networking’

A Networking Casestudy with Northwestern Mutual

Chris Mower
May 4 |08:30

The other day I met with a financial representative from Northwestern Mutual. I’d like to share this “case study” with you as part of my ongoing series on how to network.

I’m happy with my financial situation right now. My wife and I have taken great measures with our finances to accomplish what we consider priorities in our lives–part of which includes living on a cash budget since September with a mere $20 personal spending money each month. Needless to say for someone who likes to spend mula, it’s been a big challenge in self control, but it feels good to bend money to my will instead of money bending me. Moving on…

First Move

At the beginning of last month I received an email from a friend saying he’d given my name and contact information to a financial representative and to expect a call. No issues there, really. I respect my friend and know that he wouldn’t do anything without my best interests in mind. I appreciated the gesture and found that I was a lot more willing to meet with the financial representative because of the email.
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Why You Should Care about Who You Recommend

Chris Mower
Mar 26 |16:45

You should care about who you recommend. Everything you do and say reflects on you, and when you recommend somebody, everything they do or say reflects on you too.

When you recommend somebody…

…you’re also recommending their attitude.
If they’re eager to jump in and help, if they’re positive, proactive, encouraging, and happy, that reflects on you.
If they treat their customers or coworkers poorly, if they are mean, or if they are lazy and indifferent, that reflects on you.

…you’re recommending their work.
If their work is stellar, creative, unique and outstanding, that reflects on you.
If their work stinks, it reflects on you.

…you’re recommending their character.
If they’re honest, humble, diligent, and dependable, it reflects on you.
If they are dishonest, backbiting, de-motivating, and callus, that reflects on you too.

…you’re letting others know what ethics, values, and characteristics are important to you.

…you’re letting others know the quality of work you expect from others and give yourself.

…you’re taking a chance. Recommend those who reflect what you believe in and stand for, and you’ll find your recommendation’s worth grow.

Have your say in the comments below.

 

Make Yourself Someone with Whom Others Want to Network

Chris Mower
Feb 23 |06:00

Another aspect of networking that I didn’t cover in “How to Network: Getting Started with the Basics” is the importance of being a strong node in someone else’s network.

That’s right, more than just networking with others, you should try to be someone that others want to network with. Sometimes fish do jump in the boat.

Three tips to start you off are being generous, hooking people up, and helping others find opportunities.

You don’t have to spend every last dollar to lure people to you, but don’t be so stingy that your come across as prudish.

Do you have an extra ticket to a game or performance? Use it to hook someone up. Do you know of a job opening? Let others know about it freely without them coming to you. I’ve done this multiple times and it’s been interesting how people will naturally come my way to establish connections.

Help others find opportunities. Opportunities can be anywhere: work, community, schools, volunteer projects, etc.

Evaluate yourself. Are you someone that others want to network with? You can be that person, and when you are, a whole new networking door opens.

 

How to Network: Getting Started with the Basics

Chris Mower
Feb 17 |20:11

Do you remember that guy you spoke to who knew everybody? Or that one lady who could find anything with just a few phone calls? What about the friend who always has the hook ups? Those people are networkers, and it makes their lives easier. You can be one of them.

It’s impossible to capture all networking facets in a single blog post, but I’ve created some networking fundamentals to get you started. The most important part is that you start networking today–don’t wait. The sooner you begin networking the sooner you can reap the rewards.

Benefits of Networking

Goodbye comfort zone.

This reason alone will turn many of you away from networking, which is too bad. If you’re not naturally outgoing, networking provides an opportunity to stretch yourself and advance past your comfort zone. The more you do it, the easier and more natural it becomes. But you occasionally have to push yourself past nerve-wracking barriers. Do this enough, and networking will become second nature.

Increase social skills.

Networking doesn’t require spectacular social skills. I know plenty of socially awkward people who have excellent networks. Turn off ye ole television and shutdown ye ole computer and instead spend time in some social environments. Those great social skills will sharpen and develop as you interact with others.

Find hidden or unpublished opportunities.

All but one of my jobs I’ve found through networking. I don’t recall any of them being advertised, or if they were, I didn’t know about it. I’ve also found ample opportunities through networking, like having my car fixed free of charge and fantastic discounts. Networking opens the door to a whole new world. According to ABC News, 80% of jobs are found through networking (see the video here).
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