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It's Who You Know

Leadership isn't always about your skills or your knowledge but it is about who you know. Knowing the right people and being in the right place at the right time can be advantagous to your leadership career. I know a number of people who seem to have leadership roles plop in their lap while other people (like me) have to work their can off to maintain the status quo.

This is why regardless of who you are or what level you are at in your leadership path that you understand the importance of networking. Networking is the opportunity to meet other people who can help you find that customer, career change or colleague. The thing you must understand about networking is that it is not about you it really is about those you are networking with.

Lets take a look at what you can do for others in regard to customers, career change and colleagues.

  • Customers - As you network ask many questions of those you are networking with. Find out what they do, what product or service they sell. Then make sure you think of some people that might benefit from that product or service. Then follow-up a week later giving that person the names of future customers. Be sure you clear it iwth those you know first before giving their name or you might lose some friends.

  • Career Change - As a leader you might be in a position to hire. Ask questions to find out if someone is looking for a career change. Maybe you have an opening. If you don't have an opening maybe you know someone who does have an opening. Refer the career change person to the one looking for a new employee.

  • Colleague - It is possible that as a leader you actually are a small business owner or want to be a small business owner. Networking can help you find a partner to go into business with. maybe you're the one with the dollars. Ask questions of those you are networking with to find if they have needs. Maybe your the one with the expertise. Again ask question to determine a need.

Bottom line message today. Networking is about what you can do for those you are networking with. If you help them eventually you will be helped.
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