Traditional networking is mostly ineffective. Either we're running out of time and don't know where to find quality connections, or we leave a networking event with a pile of business cards but no solid relationships. Here are nine unconventional strategies for building a powerful network.
Related: Introverted? Use these tips to build networks
1. Do the work.
No magic fairy will wave her wand and give you reliable, quality contacts in no time. I have a saying, "You can get rich quick, but nobody gets rich quick." “Having a large network is a wealth. Building a large, valuable network will not happen overnight or even quickly. You can speed things up by attending the right kind of events.
One of the reasons I created 10X Growth Con – a great networking event for entrepreneurs – was to bring like-minded people together. ideas. Simply attending an event will not create a network. You still need to do the work:reach out, be social, and have sales skills. The right event can quickly and exponentially expand your network and solidify your contacts by following up frequently and staying in touch.
–Grant Cardone a top sales expert who built a $500 million real estate empire and New York Timesbestselling author of Be obsessed or be average. Follow Grant on Facebook or Youtube
2. Become your best self.
First, identify the ideal person with whom you would like to do business philosophically, in character, and in principle.
Second, become that person. We attract who we become. To have an ideal network, first become your ideal self. Work harder on yourself than your job. Life never depends on what we get; this is who we become. When networking, don't ask yourself, What am I getting? Remember who you are becoming.
Third, connect with people with similar interests using all media. The best thing you can do is grow your social media network while working hard to become the perfect person you want to attract.
As you become more tuned in and increase your online audience, you'll attract amazing people who are ideal for your long-term business relationships. Then you'll be the right person in the right place with the right network.
–Brian Klock , founder and COO of Creator of financial freedom . Follow Brian on Instagram , Facebook and Twitter
3. Meet strangers.
One of the easiest ways to meet new people is a strategy I used when I had next to nothing:taking strangers out for lunches or dinners.
In 2015, I did every week and met eight new people at a group dinner. These dinners have built an incredible network that has contributed nearly $1 million in revenue– without spending a dime on “advertising”.
I got to know these people way better than any other network format I knew. Plus, it's super affordable.
–Scott Oldford , founder of INFINITUS , helps six-figure businesses reach seven figures with online marketing . Follow Scott on Facebook
4. Give instead of take.
I try to provide as much value as possible to the people in my network without asking for anything in return. At the start of a new relationship, you must earn the right to have a real relationship. The only way to do that is to give crazy value.
I'm going to email my heroes to suggest ways to make more sales. I will make presentations to people I know can help them. I'm going to share what has worked in my own business and encourage them to copy it, while asking for nothing in return. That's how you get people's attention.
It's amazing how these same people proactively try to help you. Doing it this way has helped me build a network of very successful friends and mentors, which has helped me build a million dollar business.
– James Swanwick , entrepreneur, author and CEO of Swanwick Sleep and the 30 Day Alcohol Free Challenge . Follow James on Snapchat , Instagram , Facebook and Youtube
5. Make a life-changing introduction.
My whole world changed when I learned that networking was not about building my database but about being the gateway to another great relationship. Whenever I meet someone new, I have trained myself to ask the question, Who can I introduce this person who could change their life?
It goes way beyond having a punch card for business or personal favors; it instantly deepens the personal connection, which is the foundation of an awesome network. So ask yourself, What introduction can I make that will change someone's life?
–Sharran Srivatsaa , angel investor and chairman of Tele Properties one of California's fastest growing real estate companies and grown 10 times over in five years
6. Invest in your people portfolio.
Because your network is your net worth, invest in it like a financial portfolio. This means that toxic people must be removed. Building a good relationship with a bad person is impossible. The right network will look like blue chip stocks and ever-increasing dividends.
There should never be a reason to keep score. Be ready to invest. Give the relationship first and seriously. Involve families and organize a gathering at your home. The ability to create authentic depth in a relationship is irreplaceable and cannot be achieved with unlimited office meetings.
An example is our business relationship with Amazon. We made efforts to learn more about their new priorities and the results they would need to engage with us. We had common goals and built a successful inaugural event around their new project.
–Joe Kakaty , co-founder and president of Poker Central
7. Treat connections as neighbors.
Prior to the 1980s, most people lived in close-knit communities where knowing your neighbor was a given. Everyone was expected to contribute to the success of the village. But this concept is fading as social media revolutionizes the way we communicate. We become competitive, revealing only certain aspects of ourselves, especially our successes.
I nurture my relationships by treating them as neighbors. As I humanize with them, they reciprocate. It has helped me in all areas of life and business. My community now contains all the connections I need.
The key is to offer value before asking for help. For example, Ryan Foland is the master of TEDx Talks. But before he advised me on the subject, I gave him an idea that could potentially increase his business income and offered to help him make it happen. This is how villages and communities work.
–Sweta Patel , startup marketing advisor and founder of Silicon Valley Startup Marketing who has consulted over 200 startups and high-growth companies. Follow Sweta on Facebook and Instagram
8. Give back.
To me, wearing a badge and chatting at networking events feels like the dreaded public speaking class in high school. It fills me with dread and I feel like a dodgy car salesman. If you're not the network, tag-wearing type, use my favorite backdoor method. Everyone knows someone, and it's great fun to give back to your community.
Be involved. I coach my son's soccer and little league teams. I will donate free landscaping to raise funds at auction. I will help a good client with their cause.
Don't just donate money or attend a stuffy fundraising dinner. Roll up your sleeves and serve. Word of mouth is spreading.
–Steve Griggs , Founder and CEO of Steve Griggs Design , New York's leading landscape designer turns backyards and rooftop gardens into private getaways
Related: The most important part of success is connection
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