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Ten Secrets of Master Networking

1. Don’t just network for the sake of it. Network with the type of people who help you achieve your goals.
2. Collect names. Rip out names from magazines. Get copies of lists of top CEOs and successful people from business magazines and good newspapers.
3. Build it before you need it. Build your network before you need it. People can tell the difference between a desperate contact and an earnest attempt to build a relationship.
4. Never eat alone. Spend every moment keeping in touch with your contact list. Have lunch at least once a week with someone who qualifies under number 1.
5. Be interesting and mentally attractive. Your interests, travels and adventures, your reading, your charisma, and conversation. Have a plan and an intention for every contact you meet and talk with. What are you going to offer them?
6. Manage the gatekeeper -- skillfully. Meet associates and friends of the person you would like to contact, then call this person’s secretary and say that this friend suggested that you meet him -- ("I am not sure why.") Second call, third call ("Can I have his email address please?")
7. Always ask. Be fearless about asking for what you want and do bold things. If you want someone to do something for you -- ask them.
8. Don’t keep score. It’s not about getting all you want -- it’s also about making sure that they get what they want. If you have a large contact list, use that list and its resources as your gift to others. 'Let me introduce you to --'
9. Constant contact. Keep in touch all the time. Birthdays, wives' names, children, friends.
10. Be a lightning conduit. Put people in touch with each other. They’ll never forget you.

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"Cross-cultural competence is the top critical skill of the 21^st century."
www.michaelhick.com
Sunday, September 05, 2010 at 7:10:55pm USA Central