Mackay on networking

Mackay Maxims

Words to build a network -- and a life by...

Mackay Maxim -- People aren’t strangers if you’ve already met them. The trick is to meet them Before you need their help.

Mackay Maxim -- If everyone in your network is the same as you, it’s not a network, it’s an anthill.

Mackay Maxim -- In networking, you’re only as good as what you give away.

Mackay Maxim -- Cream doesn’t rise to the top, it works its way up.

Mackay Maxim -- 2am is a lousy time to try to make new friends.

Mackay Maxim -- Your network is the best, most empathic, and most credible reflection of your success and your talents.

Mackay Maxim -- If you network hard for thirty-five years and build pivotal contacts in strategic areas of business, you can become an overnight success.

Mackay Maxim -- Most people think they can get by on charm alone. I wouldn’t advise it.

Mackay Maxim --Networking is not a numbers game. The idea is not to see how many people you can meet. The idea is to compile a list of people you can count on.

Mackay Maxim -- The wise person isn’t the one who makes the fewest mistakes. It’s the one who learns the most from them.

Mackay Maxim -- When God closes a door, somewhere God always opens a window.

Mackay Maxim -- You can’t always be an expert. You can’t always know an expert. But you can always hire an expert.

Mackay Maxim -- Your best network will develop from what you do best.

Mackay Maxim -- Prepare to win -- Then prepare to dazzle.

Reprinted from...
Dig Your Well Before You’re Thirsty
The Only Networking Book You’ll Ever Need
by
Harvey Mackay

It's all about You !!!

It's all about you! Having just returned from a Toastmaster's Regional conference this weekend and hearing many motivational speeches, there was a thread that ran through many of them. The thread was "YOU". No, not you, but them. Now you're confused.. When we interview we want to be sure and address "them", the person you are speaking with. When you include them, and ask them and address them they will feel warmer. They will feel you care.
They are much more inclined to listen to you. Of course this happens from your inner depths

So! What troubles you in this quest for your next opportunity?

Why don't you post, in the comments section, what you find most troublesome or painful about this period in your life. Feel free to post what you like.

Web Sites and Blogs

Do you have your own Website and/or Blog? If not why not? Visibility and access are paramount to you being seen by others, especially when you are looking to find your next opportunity. This is like customer service, make it as easy for the customer (your future employer) to find you with as little effort as possible.

Your website is a great place to post several resumes if you care. Place your hobbies or charitable causes on there also. No personal data for contact besides e-mail is suggested. Free websites are available as are free blog sites. Blogs are great for championing your cause, posting useful information for folks With a little research you can find many possibilities.

The goal here is to be visible for those that are looking for you. Potential employers or clients are using the search engines more and more to look you up, so why not make it easy for them.

When should you pay to attend a networking event?

A familiar question. If we are not gainfully employed, bringing in a cash flow, the question arises to whether or not you want to expend valuable cash.
You may want to look at it from another view point. First, can you have fun? Second, will you meet people?
Your ability to network or reticulate with as many people as you can is paramount in your success in attaining your next goal. You may want to look at paying, to attend an event, as an investment in your future.

Business letters

Many years ago I went through a letter writing course for management. As it turns out the lessons learned still apply when writing business letters, which includes thank you notes. The format should be as shown below:

You

We

I

Another words start with "you" statements, then move to "we" statements and conclude with "I" statements, using as few "I" statements as possible.

Sample:

Dear Ms. Jones:

Thank you for your time today and your sharing of information. You certainly have built a fantastic team and strategy.
We have many common ideas that would lead to further growth.
I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,
Cleon

Are you really listening?

Listening is an art. We are not taught how to listen. As children we are "told" to listen, remember the "You better listen or else" or "How many times do I have to tell you?" You have the opportunity to learn to improve your listening by attending Toastmasters.
Your ability to listen will determine your growth, accomplishments, success in life. To actively listen and pay attention will empower you to respond with full understanding and an accurate response.