Networking Information |
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The A-B-Cs of Networking
In the workplace - and when dealing with workplace matters - networking is a powerful tool. And the same is true in personal and social situations, where friends and family can provide you with a great support system, both as you make decisions about change in your life and as you carry them out. Most of us already have a network, but many of us don't know it, so we don't use it. All of us can have a network, but most of us don't do it, so we can't use it. My recommendation? Build a network of people who can assist you in reaching your goals - and USE IT! On a plain piece of paper, jot down the letters "A", "B" and "C" with "A" at the top of the sheet, "B" about one-third of the way down the page, and "C at the two-thirds point. Then write some notes to yourself as you read. The most powerful tool to use with a network is to "A" -- ASK for help. (Write this down.) In fact, that's what a network is for, and everyone knows it. Even those who network to develop business or to get a promotion know that even these selfish motives are, in their way, requests for help. Conversely, there's a willingness to help...it's a two-way street. As wise men have said so many times, "Knowledge is power." But, since none of us can have all the knowledge, no one of us can have all the power. However, the more we ask, the more we learn. The more we know, the more powerful we can be. Of course, knowledge itself isn't power (that's only POTENTIAL power). How we use the knowledge makes the power KINETIC - puts it out there where it can command respect, earn us a raise or promotion, get us a job or some other recognition we really want. Now for the "B" item. Often, change affects a whole group of people. In that situation, using your network means enlisting others who are being affected and sharing information. "B" is for Brainstorm - discuss ideas, opinions, strategies and tactical approaches among yourselves for the benefit of each and all of you. Perhaps you can use the space on your sheet to jot down some brainstorm ideas about who should be in your network, how to reach them, and so forth. Finally, "C" - COMMUNICATE. TALK ABOUT YOUR IDEAS. There's no better way of honing them to razor-edged sharpness in your own mind. And talking about Idea number one may spark Idea number 2 - which may come from someone else - and that idea may be even better. Also, when you share, others will share as well, and you'll all feel supportive and supported. Is this risky? It may feel that way, but that's not really accurate. Even your most cherished and secret idea isn't brand new. Most others don't want it or care about it, anyway...but they're often willing to help you realize it, so take the risk. Look at your paper. Did you write down each of these key ideas? Now flesh out your outline, then get moving. Start your networking today. It's as easy as "A," "B," "C!" Copyright 2002, 2005 Optimum Performance Associates/Paul McNeese. Paul McNeese is CEO of Optimum Performance Associates, a consulting firm specializing in transitional and transformational change for individuals and institutions through publication. His publishing company, OPA Publishing, is an advocacy for self-publishing authors of informational, instructional, inspirational and insightful nonfiction. Email: pmcneese@opapublishing.com
MORE RESOURCES: 5 Networking Tips for Introverts (and Anyone Else) HBR.org Daily Vibrint, pureLiFi form networking tech partnership Washington Technology HSPnet Launches High Capacity B3JS and BDMCS Networks Business Wire NVIDIA Announces New Switches Optimized for Trillion-Parameter GPU Computing and AI Infrastructure NVIDIA Blog Students learn the importance of networking, worldwide UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media Dynamic Routing Gateway Oracle PRSSA hosts 'Mocktail Networking Night' event – The Oakland Post Oaklandpostonline Take the awkward out of networking, make professional connections & update your headshot at Mentoring Monday newyorkupstate.com Palo Alto Networks’ firewall bug under attack brings fresh havoc to thousands of companies TechCrunch Social Networking Stocks Q4 Highlights: Yelp (NYSE:YELP) The Globe and Mail County commissioners gather for education, networking Pittsburg Morning Sun The role of generative AI in networking TechTarget Community Harmony: Berkeley Heights Business & Civic Brings Music and Networking to Monthly Breakfast TAPinto.net Rally Point holds networking event for veterans The Suffolk County News Experience the Intersection of AI, Networking and Security at Extreme Connect in Fort Worth, Texas, April 22-25, 2024 Business Wire Two days of policy discussion, networking and social innovation coming to Springfield - NPR Illinois Global Networking Innovator Huawei Leads the New Era of Campus Network Technology USA - English PR Newswire Tech football hosts annual networking night VT hokiesports.com Aviz Networks, Edgecore, and EPS Global Collaborate to Launch SONiC Express for Enterprises Business Wire Qunnect Sets New Benchmark in Quantum Networking on the GothamQ Network in New York City Quantum Computing Report ISS World Expo Delivers a Feast of Education, Networking and Exhibits to a Hungry Audience Inside Self-Storage ISU networking with students at Iowa FFA Convention | Iowa Agri Businessradio Network Iowa Agribusiness Network SHE Golfs to get into the game, networking community Tampa Beacon Fontana Chamber of Commerce will hold Business Networking Meeting Fontana Herald-News Why Arista Networks Plunged Today Yahoo Finance Networking at Cannes Lions Cannes Lions Cisco Completes Acquisition of Isovalent to Define the Future of Multicloud Networking and Security PR Newswire Audric Estime Draft Networking Interview: 'I'm Bringing A Positive, Dominant Mindset' The Draft Network Ray Davis Draft Networking Interview: 'I Want To Prove Everybody Wrong' The Draft Network The Price Women Pay for Networking With High-Status People The Wall Street Journal Public Service & Social Impact Networking Night | Jonathan M. Tisch College of Civic Life Tisch College of Civic Life FSU Information Technology Services to host half-day networking showcase Florida State News Musical Dialogues offers networking opportunity | College of Music University of Colorado Boulder Chinese government issues 'rip and replace' order for US-made chips in country's telco networks DatacenterDynamics Tyler Owens Draft Networking Interview: 'I Love Playing Inside The Box' The Draft Network Google Cloud Next 2024: AI networking gets a boost Network World Early Northeast Taverns, Networking, Self-Improvement & Urban Tendencies New York Almanack How networking has changed in recent years due to the pandemic Business Insider Palo Alto Networks releases fixes for zero-day as attackers swarm VPN vulnerability The Record from Recorded Future News Zarf: Open-source continuous software delivery on disconnected networks Help Net Security NSA Issues Recommendations to Protect Software Defined Networking Controllers National Security Agency Microchip Acquires ADAS and Digital Cockpit Connectivity Pioneer VSI Co. Ltd. to Extend Automotive Networking ... GlobeNewswire Jackson County networks restored after ransomware attack KSHB 41 Kansas City News A how-to guide to networking MPR News An Inside Look at Seton Hall's Marketing Speed Networking Event Seton Hall University UM-Flint faculty to present innovative ideas at April 19 networking event University of Michigan-Flint Juniper Networks Unveils 'Next Generation' Of AI Networking With New Platform, Data Center Updates CRN Pardee U.S. Intelligence Community Networking Night | The Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies Boston University Zscaler to Acquire Airgap Networks to Segment Endpoint Traffic Security Boulevard Best business networking app of 2024 TechRadar Microsoft developing its own networking chip - report DatacenterDynamics Effective Networking Is About Giving, Not Just Taking INSEAD Knowledge Networking – Computerworld Computerworld |
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