Shanghai Networking News - Network like the Beatles

We at Shanghai Networking News have really been getting into our sixties and seventies music of late. Well, not so much all of us, as just myself belting out off-tempo, off-key renditions of "Love me do," resulting in much wailing and gnashing of teeth for anyone else unfortunate enough to be in the same ~~room~~ neighbourhood.

That got me thinking -- what can John, Paul, George and Ringo teach us about networking?

With a Little Help From My Friends

How can you make the most of your network? Help others out and they'll help you in return -- what comes around goes around. There are loads of ways to help: share useful websites and news stories, introduce them to useful contacts and send referrals their way. You'll end up getting much more out of it than you put in.

Help!

If you need somebody, not just anybody, get in touch with the people you know and ask. Having a good network means never having to go it alone, and many people will be quite willing to lend a hand, and will often be flattered that you asked.

Yesterday

Don't spend all your time meeting new people -- set aside some time for strengthening your existing network by keeping in touch, forwarding referrals and so on. Using {ln: Online Networking: Which Site is Right for Me? 'online networking services} such as Facebook can keep you abreast of what everyone's up to, keeping people fresh in your mind and you fresh in theirs.

{ln:Online Networking: Why Bother?}
{ln:Online Networking: Which Site is Right for Me?}

All You Need is Love

What's the best way to build a bond with someone? Hint: It's not throwing business cards around like a blackjack dealer. Focusing on building up your rapport skills can really pay off, making people feel more comfortable around you, liking you more and making future co-operation much more likely.

{ln: Building Instant Rapport: The Art of Mirroring}

8 Days a Week

8 days a week -- that's how often you should be building your network. Don't fall into the trap of thinking that making connections is only for dedicated networking events. You can network {ln: The Secret of Out-Networking Your Competitors 'any time, anywhere, with anyone}, whether it's waiting in line for a taxi, playing sports or chilling out at a cafe. Of course, different places call for different measures, so don't treat every situation like it's a chamber mixer. Just relax, get into conversations and let things flow naturally.

{ln: The Secret of Out-Networking Your Competitors}

Money (that's not what I want)

Focusing on money and business over people is a cardinal sin when networking, yet it seems to happen all too often. I've lost track of all the people who've tried to work a sales pitch on me at an networking events, and it drives me up the wall every time. If someone seems interested in doing business with you, follow up after the event and arrange a meeting -- don't try to sell at the event itself. It's crass and makes you seem interested in money over people.

{ln: Writing Kick Ass Follow-Ups: The Quick and Easy Way}
{ln: 5 Disasters to Avoid When Networking}

Thanks to John, Paul, George and Ringo for inspiring these musings. Now it's up to you: which songs (Beatles or otherwise) do you think contain useful nuggets of networking goodness? {subscribe}

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