Networking is no longer just a job seeking skill. It is a professional and business competency. In fact, it is critically important to develop these skills in order to shine on the job.
Did you know there are 8 Networking Competencies ©?
Watch the short video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6_ALNv8n-w to find out what they are. Lynne Waymon, CEO of Contacts Count, will give you a brief tour.
Recently I talked with a young entrepreneur about networking. He said his partner had gone to a chamber of commerce meeting two times and concluded there was no value in belonging since he didn’t get any business.
One of the misconceptions about networking is that it is a “one-time” event. Some people assume that business will come their way quickly as a result of attending a meeting or joining an organization.
What they fail to realize is that it takes six to eight interactions before trust is established, according to Contacts Count, a nationwide consulting and training company specializing in teaching professional and business networking skills, and a firm with whom I am associated as a certified trainer. People need to see character and competence demonstrated continually before they feel comfortable doing business together.
Networking is no longer just a job seeking skill. It is a business and professional competency that can help you move ahead in your career. To read articles about networking, visit my resources page at http://www.reputationcounts.com/resources.php5
I’m always struck by the lack of networking training in schools when it is one of the most important skills both employers and employees need to succeed in the workplace. While an estimated 60-80% of jobs are found through networking, many people have no idea how to effectively meet and form mutual beneficial relationships.
A few years ago, Dr. Ivan Misner, the founder of Business Network International (BNI), conducted a survey of over 1,400 businesspeople. He found that 88% of the respondents said “they never had any college course that even covered the topic of networking.” But another worldwide survey of over 2,500 businesspeople showed that 75% received the majority of their business through networking.
With networking playing such a key role in the ability to move ahead, I wonder why there is a reluctance to include it in a school’s curriculum in a substantial way. Any thoughts?
