Introducing an easy way to bridge the gap between knowing what networking is . . . and how to do it.

My oldest son is a College Senior and Communications Major this year. He is looking down the road at a career in Public Relations, and I think he’ll be pretty good at it. He’s a great example of how anyone can effectively network, and I’d like to share with you some of the things he does to make networking easy.

Since he was old enough to introduce himself to people, he has been a natural “networker.” If you ever have the chance to meet him, he’ll unashamedly shake your hand, ask you questions about what you do, catalogue the appropriate information, and depending on the need, you could hear back from him again. I know it sounds kind of calculating, but he does it in such a charming and genuine way, that even though you know you are being “networked,” you don’t mind. And what’s more, part of the relationship means that you will be able to “network” him.

Not only has he been able to obtain the appropriate scholarships to attend school, but he’s been able to do all kinds of fun and exciting things by working with his “network”. In fact, I wouldn’t mind having his “network”.

Each of us is surrounded by potentially helpful contacts.

One of the things I’ve learned from my son is that we all are surrounded by people who are not only able, but willing to help us. Peter Vogt, a MonsterTRAK Career Coach conducted an interesting exercise in just how powerful your “network” is. In a room of 12 average students and a few college counselors at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, there were some pretty interesting potential network contacts.

• One student’s family was friends with Casey FitzRandolf, the 2002 Olympic gold medalist in 500-meter speedskating. This same student had worked for the Chamber of Commerce for several years, where he’d met dozens of people in a variety of diverse fields.
• Another student’s family knew former Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson - who is also the former US Secretary of Health and Human Services. In fact, the student pointed out, “[Thompson] told me that if I ever needed any help in my job or internship search, I should let him know.”
• One of the two UWRF career counselors in the room knew someone who reviews the resumes of college students who apply for an internship with the US Department of State.
• Another student had an aunt who works in sales and travels throughout Europe as part of her work.
• Still another student was going to travel to Belize with one of his archaeology professors, who had considerable connections in that field and related fields.
• If you can find these kinds of contacts in a room with only 12 college students and a couple of counselors, what kind of contacts can you find within your “network”? Mr. Vogt goes on to say, “You’ll be amazed at who the people in your everyday life know-and by the additional people those people know. But you’ll never discover any of them until you abandon the “I don’t know anyone good’ mentality and replace it with the “I’ll start with the people around me and go from there’ philosophy . . . “

What’s the first step to creating an effective network?

Use a formal and systematic approach to working your network. You’ll need to be organized and have a plan for keeping track of your network and information. Don’t forget, networking is all about relationships. A good networking relationship will be mutually beneficial to both parties.

Allen Bostrom, President of Universal Accounting and Marketing & Networking Guru to hundreds of our graduates in his book, In the Black, says, “A deal is only good when it is good for both parties.”

I have helped my son, or one of his “network” friends, on a number of occasions with my field of expertise and I have to admit, his “network” has had an occasion or two to help me. In a word, “his network” is sometimes “my network”.

Follow the link to a Microsoft Word document that might help you organize your networking contacts and your communications with them. Remember, you can use any format to help you organize your networking contacts; you don’t have to use mine.

Click Here for a Free Networking Contact Organization Sheet

In the time it’s taken to read this article, you’ve improved your networking ability by 150%

Okay, I admit it, 150% is a purely arbitrary number, but creating an effective network is such a powerful tool in your marketing arsenal, that if used correctly, you may find it’s the only one you’ll need.

Allen Bostrom councils his students, “Your own network is the final outcome of all your networking activities and… forms a vital part of your total marketing effort. With this in mind, it is something that should always be [foremost in our thoughts].”

Universal Accounting offers an excellent curriculum on not only how to improve your career with a Bookkeeping and Tax Preparation Business, but also offers training on how to best market your business to amplify your profits. With just a click or two of your mouse you can find out just how profitable a career in Bookkeeping and Accounting can be for you.

Follow this link to more information on a profitable career in Bookkeeping & Accounting