Networking isn’t just about meeting new people. It’s about how you meet them and what happens after you do.
The best way to meet new people is to be introduced to them by a mutual friend. The operative word is friend. Not an acquaintance or a casual business contact, a friend. Someone who knows, likes and trusts you.
When a friend introduces you to another friend, magic can happen. The number one rule of networking, then, is to make friends first.
Friends enjoy each other’s company. They do things for each other and are willing to ask each other for help.
Look at the list of people you know. How many are friends? It might be only a few but you only need a few to start.
Your friends can introduce you to their friends. You can gain access to their groups and meet influential people in them. When you do, look for ways to make new friends by finding out what they need or want and looking for ways to help them get it.
Networking isn’t just a tally of transactions. It’s about friends helping each other because they want to, not because they are obligated to.
If you want to grow your practice or build your career, go make some new friends.
