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Do you ever feel like your networking efforts are a waste of time?
The relationships you’re “developing” just aren’t very valuable to you, and in turn, you really aren’t helping anybody in your network. I used to think that about networking. I’d go to all these events, trade business cards and general chitchat, and then go home. I’d then wait, thinking job opportunities would roll in because of my wit and friendliness. It never happened. For some people, networking becomes another activity where they are just spinning the hamster wheel. These people associate activity with productivity, when in reality, the results are not very effective. If you feel like you’re stuck in this cycle, it can really suck the wind out of your efforts. But it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t keep trying. Like any other professional skill, you should be evaluating what you’re doing and see what you can do to improve.
Some of the things I would do wrong:
-I was "connecting", but not networking.
-I stayed in my comfort zone.
-I never closed.
I talk about these errors and adjustments I made that helped me reach out to CEOs, other veterans, and build actual relationships:
http://www.successvets.com/2014/10/09/3-things-keeping-you-from-effectively-networking/
What are some things you feel holds back people from effectively networking?
The relationships you’re “developing” just aren’t very valuable to you, and in turn, you really aren’t helping anybody in your network. I used to think that about networking. I’d go to all these events, trade business cards and general chitchat, and then go home. I’d then wait, thinking job opportunities would roll in because of my wit and friendliness. It never happened. For some people, networking becomes another activity where they are just spinning the hamster wheel. These people associate activity with productivity, when in reality, the results are not very effective. If you feel like you’re stuck in this cycle, it can really suck the wind out of your efforts. But it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t keep trying. Like any other professional skill, you should be evaluating what you’re doing and see what you can do to improve.
Some of the things I would do wrong:
-I was "connecting", but not networking.
-I stayed in my comfort zone.
-I never closed.
I talk about these errors and adjustments I made that helped me reach out to CEOs, other veterans, and build actual relationships:
http://www.successvets.com/2014/10/09/3-things-keeping-you-from-effectively-networking/
What are some things you feel holds back people from effectively networking?
Posted in these groups: 
Networking
Networking
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 4
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Great post, Capt Byron Chen! I have posted recently about quality vs. quantity of network contacts, and your article says essentially that. Having a hundred (or hundreds of) contacts doesn't do me much good if all they amount to is a list of people who don't know me (and who I don't know). A stack of business cards, essentially. The closing part of that article is what I think is so critical -- following up and developing that contact into more than just a name on a list.
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Capt Byron Chen
Following up is so important -- and I still find that I'm not always great about it. It's funny that some of things that hold us back can be so simple and small. Sending a quick reply to follow up might take just a few minutes, yet not doing it could mean the difference between a meaningful relationship and none at all.
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Excellent article! I would add that for most of us, #2 (staying in our comfort zones) is the primary cause of failure in #1 (connecting but not networking) AND #3 (closing). Break out of your personal comfort zone and you will make much better headway in the other two areas. Linked In, RP, and other networking sites are just 'tools' and social media can't be your ONLY tool if you are going to be successful. You also need action on your part.
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SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL
I appreciate the information, I will use this as I get ready to exit the military, and start my transition phase out the military.
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Capt Byron Chen
I figured this out along the way as I made many mistakes in my networking and transitioning from the military. I might not be as talented, or well connected, or experienced, but being willing to put myself in front of others and just ask for help pushed me ahead of others in getting their attention. I wasn't pushy -- just interested, and it really has made a difference.
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My business isn't active anymore but I used to get more jobs than I could handle and never spent a penny on advertising or joining any groups. I used every opportunity I had when I was in public and talked to every single person I could. I made out great though because I didn't ever talk about what I wanted. People always forget the fact that no one you talk to cares about what you want and everyone wants to be heard. It's only human. Most of the time if we do less talking and more listening it works out to our advantage in many ways. Very good read by the way. Thank you for sharing Capt Byron Chen . Oh yea anyone that reads this, if you follow my advice and listen more it will be easier to follow up with the people you meet because you will always have an idea of what to talk about ;)
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