Making the right contacts in business is extremely important to your success. The truth is, no one really has cornered the
market on networking as a contact sport. Networking is too big a sport for anyone to ever get a corner on it. For those of you
who are successful, however, it's more than a favorite pastime. It's a way of life.

Most successful business women that I know are active networkers. Women excel in networking. Ask me, I know. I know a
professional networker when I see one. I have built my professional speaking and publishing career by networking. Meeting
people is a must. It's not only "who you know," it's "who knows you." Meeting the people who count has to be a top
priority. Meeting the right people gets you noticed and gets you places. If you have a desire to work smart, networking is one
way to effectively do that.

Successful women in networking are not shy. Nancy Siegel, owner of Nancy Siegel Insurance Agency, Inc., says, "Don't be
afraid to be the first one to speak to a stranger. Most people feel as uncomfortable as yourself and are usually glad to have
someone to talk with after the ice is broken."

It has been my experience that women seem to have a special knack for networking. Perhaps it is inbred in our culture.
Women always seem to intuitively understand where to go or who to contact for just about anything they need or want to
know. There are many men who are very successful at networking, however, when it comes to being creative with contact
talents, women get "thumbs up" from me.

Let's put networking in the right perspective. For the purpose of this discussion, let's work with a definition of networking that
has served me well. Networking is. . .  using your creative talents to help others achieve their goals as you cultivate a
network of people strategically positioned to support you in your goals. . . expecting nothing in return! - Larry James

Now, lets take a moment to think about that. Is that a belief system you could buy into? Read it again.

It is estimated that 65 - 75% of those people who are actively engaged in networking are women. People who network keep
score by how many business leads they give others, not by how many leads they receive.

Kathy Holt, owner of Forget-Me-Not Gift Baskets, Inc., says, "If you really network right, with a commitment to only helping
others, you will get back twice as much and make lifetime friendships." She should know. Kathy experienced a 38.6%
increase in business in five months after she joined The Tulsa Business Connection, a group I founded in 1985. She also
recommends joining and getting involved with the Chamber of Commerce.

You won't find people who take the easy way out actively participating in networking groups. Experienced networkers can
spot someone who is only in it for themselves a mile away. People who want something for nothing do not succeed at
networking.
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The Best Way to Network
Networking can help you grow your expand if you understand how to do it
appropriately. In this article, we're sharing great networking tips!
by Larry James
I've seen it too many times. My friends with small businesses are desperate to look bigger. They try hard to create a
megaimage on a shoestring budget. Sound familiar?There's nothing wrong with wanting to project a certain image, as long
as long as you don't risk your financial well-being.Today, I want to help you adhere to solid principles that will lead you on a
path toward longevity in business.
Networking works. And you must consistently work it. Rose Mary Winget, sales manager at McCaw Communications once
told me, "Don't say you don't have time. You don't have time not to network." Her entire sales staff is actively involved in
networking groups. She also hired me to present my networking seminar, Networking: Making the Right Connections, to
her group.


Rose Mary's experience has taught her that networking gets quicker results than prospecting. When you prospect, you are
looking for potential customers and clients. When you network, you capitalize on the alliances you have developed with
others in your network; they do your prospecting for you.

It makes sense. You can multiply your own personal effectiveness by the number of people you know, who believe in you,
likeyou, trust you and are committed to refer business leads to you. Isn't it a better use of your time to develop close
personal and business relationships with people who are on your side and will help you succeed?

Many salespeople never get down to business. Their only interest is "busy-ness." I don't know about you, but busy-ness has
never made me any money. To be successful, you must do what counts. Focus on what matters. Networking is building
supportive personal and busines relationships; it's meeting new people and making new friends; it's helping others help
themselves.

It's based on the biblical principle of "Give and it shall be given." Those who are most generous in business, are most
successful in business. How do you think Jesus got so popular? He gave what He had to bless others. In return, He gained
aswarm of loyal followers!

Happy Networking!

Copyright © 2007 - Larry James. Adapted from the book, The First Book of LifeSkills: 10 Ways to Maximixe Your Personal
and Professional Potential."
They fade in and drop out.

We erroneously call these people losers. They are not losers,
they have yet to understand that to be successful you must first
have integrity and second, commitment. They seldom stay with a
project until its completion. Therefore they don't do well when
networking because networking demands both integrity and
commitment. People who know the truth behind my definition of
networking know that when you help others get what they want,
you ultimately get what you want.

High achievers consistently are looking for a way to better
themselves and to assist others in the process. They know that
by participating in someone else's success, they become more
successful. You can't be afraid of hard work and effectively
network.
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