BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL
To Network Or Not To Work
wo women were talking
recently at a local deli. "How
are you doing?" one asked.
numbers of online social networking
tools that can send you on your way
to building lifelong relationships with
basis. His big secret, something I rec-
ommend all the time, is reaching out
to other people.
"At least I am still working,"
she replied. "You are?" said the first.
"My contract is getting cut and I don't
know what to do."
colleagues, friends and mentors.
You are not an island. If you get
a call from someone who wants to
meet, keep an open mind.
ful people from everyone else is the
way they use the power of relation-
ships so that everyone
If these women want to continue
working, they need to ramp up their
networking efforts before their jobs
Certainly this person wants
something from you but
what if the same person can
end. Quite frankly, it all boils down to a
simple math problem: The more people
you know, the more opportunities you
connect you to something
new? Think twice before you
say no to a 30-minute meet-
ing. If one of your contacts
T
will get. Network or don't work — the
choice is yours.
There are more options than ever
"What distinguishes highly success-
wins," Ferrazzi writes.
The most critical element
to good networking is to
i4ifigeor-
keep doing it. Never stop.
No matter what tools you
choose to network, remem-
lows or not. Keep your mutual con-
tact in the loop.
• Don't brag about whom you know.
You will lose credibility if you suggest
you can hook up someone with a big
wig to impress others if you really
cannot do it.
• Start every week with a list
of prospects — those you know
and those you want to know. Each
Monday, start making calls or e-mails
and make sure you schedule one new
meeting by Friday.
• Follow up on every call, every e-
and opportunities. Local coffee shops
often host these groups, so check the
ber these basic rules:
• Networking is a two-
way street. If you want
person in the loop and thank
leads, provide leads to
Rober t S. Sher
them for the introduction.
others.
Col umnist
In the book Never Eat
• Don't be overbearing or
Alone, networking guru and
too aggressive. You would
author Keith Ferrazzi says
not say "I love you" on a
networking is "never simply about
first date. Figure out a way to build
getting what you want. It's about get-
the relationship and determine the
ting what you want and making sure
best ways to work together and help
bulletin boards for meeting times.
You can stay in the loop with or
without a computer. Add technology
that the people who are important to
you get what they want too." Ferrazzi
suggests "pinging" — reaching those
each other.
• Don't forget to say thank you to
anyone who introduces you to any-
business coach. He is former CFO and partner
and you get continuously increasing
in your circle of contacts on a regular
one else — whether opportunity fol-
His e-mail address is: info@bobsher.com .
for networking. Groups meet for every
industry in every geographic area.
Read local synagogue newsletters,
industry trade journals, business pub-
lications and meeting lists; you will
find many good networking groups
suggests you meet some-
one, do it; and keep that
mail message and every lead. We are
all busy, but failure to follow up sends
the message that you don't care. You
don't want to miss out on any oppor-
tunity.
There is no time like the present to
choose networking, the most positive
option around, to help keep your head
in the game. ___
---
Robert Sher, CPA, is a certified executive and
for Schostak Brothers & Company, Southfield.
Choose the right
tools for the task
at hand.
you can borrow
our toolbox.
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MELLEN, SMITH & PIVOZ PLC
Certified Public Accountants
Serving our community for 37 years
30600 Telegraph Rd. I Suite 1131
Bingham Farms, MI 48025-4531 I
Robert E. Mellen, CPA
Michael A. Pivoz, CPA
Mark L. Smith, CPA
Jeffry A. Campeau, CPA, ABV
Peijin Harrison, CPA
Lori A. Wigler, CPA, CFE
Gerald A. Kirschner, CPA
Lynne E. McKelvey, CPA
Elizabeth M. Pietrangelo, CPA
Jason L. Pivoz, CPA
Dennis A. Reef, CPA
Kevin S. Terry, CPA
1472450
A28
May 14 Q 2009